In recent months, a new type of immigration delay has emerged, catching many by surprise. As an immigration lawyer dedicated to helping married couples secure their green cards and assisting scientists and individuals with extraordinary abilities, I’ve seen firsthand how these delays can disrupt lives and plans.
The National Visa Center Transfer Bottleneck
Once your I-130 or I-140 petition is approved in the United States, the next step involves transferring your case to the National Visa Center (NVC) if you are overseas. Typically, this process is swift, taking just a few days or up to a week. However, recent cases with receipt numbers starting with “SRC” are experiencing significant delays, with some pending for over two months without being transferred.
The Frustration of Endless Waiting
Despite repeated attempts to contact USCIS, applicants are often met with the same frustrating response: “Wait and wait and wait.” The exact cause of these delays remains unclear, though there is speculation that events such as hurricanes in Houston, Texas, may have contributed. Regardless of the reason, this bottleneck adds another layer of delay to an already lengthy consular processing stage.
Impact on Applicants
These delays are particularly troubling for those undergoing consular processing. Not only are applicants stuck waiting to pay their fees and move forward with their cases, but they also face the compounded frustration of not knowing when the process will resume. This issue is not isolated; it affects many applicants in the same situation.
Moving Forward
While the reasons behind these delays are still uncertain, affected applicants must remain patient and stay informed. Continue to follow up with USCIS and seek assistance from immigration professionals if needed. Remember, you are not alone in this challenging situation, and resources are available to help you navigate these unexpected delays. Contact us at JQK Immigration Law for further assistance.
