> My opinion is based on that flow chart. That chart is a serious oversimplification of the actual process. Even knowing which steps to take and which forms to

> My opinion is based on that flow chart. That chart is a serious oversimplification of the actual process. Even knowing which steps to take and which forms to fill out -- among many with similar, obtusely worded instructions -- takes much more effort than following a flow chart. It's even more complicated because the feedback loop is vague and it _very_ slow. If you fill out a form wrong, or don't include the correct supplemental materials -- which, again, are described in a language which somewhat resembles, but really isn't, regular English -- then (1) you will be waiting weeks or months to find out, (2) a mistake could result in outright rejection, and (3) if you're not rejected, then any explanation of deficiency you may get will be, again, vague and bureaucratic. My opinion is based on my own experience with the short paths on that chart: I married a non-American. I can only imagine what it's like for those on the other routes.