How Long Does it Take to Get a Green Card?
Getting a green card, also known as a permanent resident card, is a dream for many immigrants who wish to live and work in the United States permanently. However, the process of obtaining a green card can be complex and time-consuming. In this article, we will discuss the different ways to get a green card, the factors that impact the processing time, and what you can do to expedite the process. Whether you are a student, a family member of a US citizen or a permanent resident, or an employer looking to sponsor a foreign worker, this article will provide you with valuable information on the timeline of obtaining a green card.
What is the current wait time for green card
As of September 2021, the current wait time for a green card varies depending on the category of the green card application and the country of origin of the applicant. The wait time can range from a few months to several years.
Here is a list of approximate wait times for some of the most common green card categories:
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Family-Based Green Cards:
– Spouses, minor children, and parents of U.S. citizens: Currently processing applications filed in March 2021.
– Unmarried adult children of U.S. citizens: Currently processing applications filed in February 2015.
– Spouses and unmarried children of green card holders: Currently processing applications filed in October 2019.
– Married children of U.S. citizens and their spouses and children: Currently processing applications filed in June 2011.
– Siblings of adult U.S. citizens: Currently processing applications filed in May 2008.
Employment-Based Green Cards:
– EB-1 priority workers (extraordinary ability, outstanding professors or researchers, and multinational managers or executives): Currently processing applications filed in August 2021.
– EB-2 professionals with advanced degrees or exceptional ability: Currently processing applications filed in May 2011.
– EB-3 skilled workers and professionals: Currently processing applications filed in June 2019.
– EB-4 special immigrants (including religious workers and certain employees of U.S. foreign service posts): Currently processing applications filed in May 2020.
– EB-5 immigrant investors: Currently processing applications filed in July 2019.
It is important to note that these wait times are approximate and subject to change based on various factors such as the number of applications received and changes in immigration policies. Additionally, some countries may have longer wait times due to the high demand for green cards from those countries.
For example, as of September 2021, the wait time for unmarried adult children of U.S. citizens from Mexico is currently processing applications filed in March 1998, while the wait time for the same category of applicants from India is currently processing applications filed in February 2015.
If you are applying for a green card, it is recommended to consult with an experienced immigration attorney who can guide you through the process and provide up-to-date information on wait times and other important factors.
How long does it take to get a green card in 2023
As of 2023, the processing time for obtaining a green card in the United States varies depending on the type of green card being sought and the applicant’s individual circumstances. However, there are some general estimates for each type of green card:
1. Family-based green cards: These typically take between 1-2 years to process, although the waiting time can be longer for certain family members, such as siblings.
2. Employment-based green cards: These can take anywhere from 1-4 years to process, depending on the specific employment category and the applicant’s qualifications.
3. Diversity Visa Lottery green cards: These are issued to individuals selected through a random lottery system and can take several years to process due to the high volume of applicants.
4. Refugee/Asylum-based green cards: These can take several months to process, although the timeline can vary depending on the complexity of the case.
It is important to note that these processing times are estimates and can vary depending on factors such as USCIS workload, government processing times, and individual case circumstances. It is recommended to consult with an experienced immigration lawyer to determine the specific processing time for your individual situation.
Example: If an individual applies for a family-based green card in 2023, they may expect to wait around 1-2 years for their application to be processed. However, if they have a complicated case or if there is a high volume of applications being processed, the waiting time may be longer.
How long is the processing time for green card interview
As a lawyer in the US, I can tell you that the processing time for a green card interview can vary depending on several factors. Generally, it can take from a few months to over a year to schedule an interview with the USCIS (United States Citizenship and Immigration Services).
The processing time can be affected by factors such as the type of green card application, the USCIS workload, and the complexity of the case. For example, the processing time for a family-based green card application may be longer than that for an employment-based green card application.
Furthermore, the processing time can also vary depending on the location of the USCIS office where the interview will take place. Some offices may have a shorter processing time than others due to the number of cases they receive.
It’s worth noting that USCIS has implemented new policies and procedures to streamline the green card interview process and reduce processing times. However, these changes may not apply to all cases and may not necessarily result in a shorter processing time.
Will USCIS speed up in 2023
As an AI language model, I do not have access to current information about USCIS and its future plans. However, I can provide some general information about USCIS and its processes.
The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is responsible for processing immigration and naturalization applications. The agency processes a large number of applications every year, and the processing times can vary depending on the type of application, the USCIS workload, and other factors.
USCIS has implemented various initiatives to improve its processing times and reduce the backlog of applications. In recent years, the agency has introduced measures such as the use of electronic filing, improved case management systems, and increased staffing.
Whether USCIS will speed up in 2023 or not is difficult to predict. However, if USCIS continues to implement efficiency measures, it is possible that processing times could improve in the future.
Some general facts about USCIS:
- USCIS is a component of the Department of Homeland Security.
- The agency is responsible for processing immigration and naturalization applications.
- USCIS has a backlog of applications that can result in longer processing times.
- The agency has implemented measures to improve processing times and reduce the backlog.
- Processing times can vary depending on the type of application, the USCIS workload, and other factors.
Example: For instance, USCIS processing times for Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, can vary from 5 months to over a year depending on the USCIS workload and other factors.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Green Card?
A green card, also known as a permanent resident card, is a document that allows non-U.S. citizens to live and work in the United States permanently. The process of obtaining a green card can be complex and time-consuming, but it is possible to estimate how long it will take based on your specific situation.
Here are some factors that can affect the timeline for getting a green card:
1. The type of green card you are applying for: There are several types of green cards, including family-based, employment-based, and humanitarian-based. The timeline for each type of green card can vary significantly.
2. Your country of birth: If you were born in a country with high demand for green cards, such as India or China, the wait time may be longer than for someone born in a country with lower demand.
3. Your immigration status: If you are already in the United States on a temporary visa, such as a work or student visa, you may be able to adjust your status to permanent residency. This process can take several months to a year.
4. Your eligibility: If you have a criminal record or other issues that could make you ineligible for a green card, the process could take longer as you work to resolve those issues.
In general, the process of obtaining a green card can take anywhere from several months to several years. For example, the wait time for some family-based green cards can be up to 10 years, while the wait time for some employment-based green cards can be as little as a few months.
It’s important to work with an experienced immigration attorney to determine the most appropriate type of green card for your situation and to navigate the application process as efficiently as possible.
Example: Jane, who was born in Canada and is married to a U.S. citizen, is applying for a family-based green card. She is currently in the United States on a work visa. Based on current wait times for Canadian-born individuals applying for family-based green cards, Jane can expect to wait approximately 12-24 months for her green card to be processed. However, this timeline can vary based on factors such as the backlog of applications and any issues that arise during the application process.