A Canadian citizen’s long road to securing a US Green Card has struck a chord online, after he shared his full journey on Reddit. He said his reason for laying out every step was to motivate others overwhelmed by the immigration system, particularly in the midst of stricter enforcement and unreliable timelines.
What is the Green Card
A Green Card provides permanent residency in the United States and allows one to live and work anywhere in the country. It also opens a path to US citizenship after a few years, depending on the category. While on paper the process is quite clear, in reality, the wait times, paperwork and frequent delays test the patience of most people.
How is the Applicant Long Wait
The applicant, who married in Canada in 2000, started the process after an I-130 petition was filed in August 2023. What was expected to move quickly soon stalled. Estimated timelines shifted from a few months to an indefinite wait.
Their plan to relocate by mid-2024 fell apart, but they were still able to spend several months in the US as a Canadian visitor. Though their story cannot be independently verified, it reflects what many applicants describe as a stressful and uncertain waiting period.
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What is the I-130, DS-260 & Visa Timeline
The I-130 was approved in late November 2024, paving the way for filing the DS-260 immigrant visa application. A clerical error in the police certificate delayed matters, but once rectified, the case moved ahead.
By February 2025, the visa had received conditional approval, leaving the applicant to wait once more, this time for an interview date. The appointment was confirmed for September 11, 2025, in Montreal, and the required medical exam was completed earlier in Vancouver.
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Green Card Approval at Last
On September 25, the visa and passport were ready to be picked up, valid until December 11, 2025, for entry into the United States. They crossed the border on October 23 the only thing that delayed the process was the import of a vehicle and personal belongings.
The Green Card was mailed by USCIS on October 30, the Social Security Number arrived on November 3, and the physical card reached their mailbox on November 10.
A Journey Shared to Encourage Others
The applicant reflected that although the process took what felt like an eternity for them, it was still mostly shorter compared to most accounts they read. They hope their post can reassure others as they face uncertainty navigating US immigration in times of increased scrutiny.
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Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is based on a user’s account immigration timelines vary and should be verified through official sources.
