Is GC processing based on country of Birth?

[kuul13]

I was born in Bhutan but has an Indian citizenship. My GC was filed in 2006 May in EB3. Today I came to know from one of the friends that GC processing is based on the country of Birth and not on the Citizenship or Passport held Is it true? If so, can I do something about it? What are the steps that I can take to expedite the process.

Priority Date: May 2006

Status: AoS

[JoeF]

Yes, it is always country of birth.

You don't have to do anything, from your birth certificate they would know your country of birth.

[kuul13]

Thanks for the prompt response. Actually I was asking this because I heard that GC processing is faster for the smaller countries than the larger countries. Not sure if it is true?

Seeing the processing for EB3, it looks like I will get my GC not earlier than 2015. Though, my company could have easily filed my case in EB2 (seeing, I have double masters and more than 10 years of work experience).

[kk1984]

I also have the same case. I am an African born with Africa Birth Certificate, but my nationality and passport is from INDIA as my parents are from there.

SO how much time does it take my GC processing goes under EB3 or EB2.

[JoeF]

You would fall under the ROW (Rest of World) quota.

[kk1984]

JoeF,

Thanks for a quick reply. But i am not sure what is ROW quota. should i quote as "Will i be in India Quota or ROW quota".

[JoeF]

The Visa Bulletin has a column, "All chargeability areas except those listed". That is ROW.

China, India, Mexico, Phillipines have seperate columns.

[kk1984]

Thanks JoeF

[kuul13]

Thanks for the response. I guess in that case I too fall in ROW (Bhutan country of birth). I would appreciate if you can guide me how can I avail this quota.. or it is automatically taken care by uscis?

I checked the dates here http:***************** and found that EB3 dates have moved 21 days in March 2012 and shows March 15 2006 as the priority date for ROW. As compared to Aug 22, 2002 for India. Based on my country of birth (Bhutan) I will be getting some update soon as my priority date is May 2006 that is nearing ROW date? Do I need to do anything at this time?

[JoeF]

As long as USCIS know your country of birth, from your birth certificate, they will handle things correctly.

When the PD becomes current for you, you can expect to see an approval soon after (can still take 2-3 months.)

[kuul13]

Thanks so much. Much appreciate your response. One final question, my wife is born in India, I think uscis goes by primary applicant (in this case me). So, can we expect the GC at the same time?

[Nick-Boston]

Yes.