Navigating the US Green Card Process: A Canadian’s Journey from Filing to Approval
A Canadian citizen has shared a detailed account of their successful US Green Card application, offering a transparent look at the complex immigration process. The story, posted on Reddit, outlines a meticulous journey involving multiple government agencies and extensive document preparation.
The process began after the applicant’s marriage, with the initial I-130 petition filed in August 2023. This family-based immigration form marks the first critical step. The waiting period was challenging, with processing times shifting unpredictably, creating uncertainty for relocation plans.
Approval of the I-130 petition came in late November 2024, allowing the applicant to move on to the DS-260 visa application, submitted in mid-December. A minor complication with an incorrect police background check caused a brief delay, but the issue was resolved weeks later. The visa received conditional approval in February 2025. The final interview took place on September 11, 2025, in Montreal, after completing the required medical exam in Vancouver. The interview proceeded smoothly without any issues.
The immigrant visa was ready for pickup by September 25, with a December 11 deadline to enter the United States. The applicant crossed the border by land on October 23, with the hour-long process slightly extended due to importing a vehicle and U-Haul trailer. The physical Green Card was delivered on November 10, shortly after the applicant received their Social Security Number.
The entire journey, from initial filing to receiving the Green Card, took over a year. This firsthand account offers a realistic perspective on the challenges and ultimate success that applicants can expect when navigating the US immigration system.
