Navigating the US Green Card Process: A Canadian’s Detailed Journey from Filing to Approval

A Canadian citizen has detailed their successful US Green Card application online. The individual shared a complete timeline of the complex immigration process. Their goal was to offer a transparent look for others navigating the system.The account was posted on Reddit. It describes a meticulous and often lengthy bureaucratic journey. The process involved multiple government agencies and careful document preparation.

The Step-by-Step Immigration Timeline

The applicant’s journey began after their marriage. The initial I-130 petition was filed in August 2023. According to Reuters, this form is the first critical step for family-based immigration.The waiting period was described as painful. Original processing time estimates shifted unexpectedly. This caused significant uncertainty for the applicant’s relocation plans.

Overcoming Hurdles in the Application

The I-130 petition received approval in late November 2024. This approval triggered the next phase, the DS-260 visa application. The applicant submitted this form in mid-December.A complication arose with an incorrect police background check. The applicant secured the correct document weeks later. The visa then received conditional approval in February 2025.The final interview was scheduled for September 11, 2025, in Montreal. The applicant completed the required medical exam in Vancouver beforehand. The interview itself proceeded smoothly without any issues.

Final Approval and Entry into the United States

The passport with the immigrant visa was ready for pickup by September 25. It included a December 11 deadline to enter the United States. The applicant made their entry by land on October 23.They reported the border crossing took about an hour. This was partly due to importing a vehicle and a U-Haul trailer. The process is typically faster for those without belongings to declare.U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services then issued the physical Green Card. It was delivered on November 10. The applicant also received their Social Security Number just days prior.

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The entire US Green Card process, from filing to card delivery, took over a year. This firsthand account provides a realistic timeline for future applicants. It highlights both the challenges and the ultimate success achievable within the system.

Info at your fingertips

What is the first step in the family-based Green Card process?

The first step is typically filing Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative. This form establishes the qualifying family relationship with the U.S. citizen or permanent resident sponsor. Its approval is required before moving to the visa application stage.

How long does the entire Green Card process usually take?

Processing times can vary greatly from under a year to several years. Factors include the applicant’s category, country of origin, and service center caseloads. The shared Canadian case took approximately 14 months from filing to receiving the card.

What happens after the I-130 petition is approved?

After I-130 approval, the case moves to the National Visa Center for immigrant visa processing. Applicants must then submit the DS-260 form and provide supporting civil documents. An interview at a U.S. embassy or consulate is the final step before visa issuance.

Can you visit the US while your Green Card application is pending?

This depends on your current visa status. Canadians can often visit under visa-free travel but must prove non-immigrant intent. Having a pending immigration application can raise scrutiny at the border, so caution is advised.

What is the deadline to enter the US after visa approval?

The immigrant visa stamp in your passport will have an expiration date, usually six months from issuance. You must enter the United States on or before this date. Failure to do so will result in the visa being cancelled.