ByGetting a Green Card is a dream of many individuals who want to make the United States their permanent home. However, the process can be very time-consuming, with long wait times, a lot of paperwork, and possible frustrations. How long it will take for your Green Card application to process depends on various factors.
For example, marrying a U.S. citizen can speed up the process, typically taking around 10 to 13 months. On the other hand, family-based visa applications may take several months or even years. Another option, called adjustment of status, is available for immigrants already in the U.S. on temporary visas.
Immigration laws are not easy to understand, and it is natural for applicants to feel overwhelmed. Every application is different, and even the smallest of errors can lead to delays or even rejection. This is why it is important to have an attorney from Vanderwall Immigration to help you avoid errors along the way.
Green card application process
The green card application process starts with filing an I-130 or I-140 form. Form I-130 is used to start the immigration process for eligible foreign relatives. However, form I-140 is used by employers to sponsor foreign workers for permanent residency.
The average process timing of form I-130 can vary between 10 to 23 months if the relative is already in the US. It is about 13 to 15 months if you are applying from abroad. However, the process timing of form I-140 can be 10 months for standard processing and merely 15 to 45 days for the premium process.
After your petition is approved, you will need to understand the priority date system. This date is decided when the relevant application is filed. This date shows your position in the queue for getting a green card.
You can check the status of a priority date from the Visa Bulletin released monthly by the Department of State. The Visa Bulletin tells you when you can start the process of getting your green card. It shows which priority dates are current, meaning when it is your turn.
After receiving your priority date, you have the option to choose from two pathways. If you are in the US, you can use Form I-485 to change your status to a permanent resident. However, if you are outside, you will need to go through consular processing at a U.S. embassy.
After filing Form I-485, you must attend a biometrics appointment where fingerprints, photos, and signatures are captured for background checks. If USCIS requires further documentation to support an application, they will issue an RFE. You will need to pass all the medical tests by a USCIS-approved physician to confirm that you do not pose any public health risk.
Possible reasons for delays
There can be various reasons for the delay in the green form application. When a large number of people exceeds the processing capacity, it leads to backlogs and quotas. This results in longer waiting periods and delays. If your application is incomplete or incorrect, it could also lead to delays. Therefore, make sure you read the form thoroughly and fill in all the details.
Higher security checks can further extend the time. As the immigration authorities tighten their security, more strict background checks and screenings will result in delays. Lastly, if USCIS has issued Requests For Evidence(RFE), it can add some more time to your waiting period.
Ready to apply for a green card?
Getting a Green Card requires a deepened understanding of the US immigration laws. But more than that, it requires patience and preparation. Processing times can vary depending on the unique circumstances of your application. Immigration work can test your patience like no other. Hire an immigration attorney today to avoid delays and unnecessary obstacles!
