The processing time for a green card varies depending on the category of eligibility and current immigration policies. On average, it can take anywhere from several months to several years to obtain a green card. Factors such as the applicant’s country of origin and individual circumstances can also affect the timeline.
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Obtaining a green card, also known as Lawful Permanent Resident status, is an essential step towards living and working permanently in the United States. However, the processing time for a green card can vary significantly based on several factors. Let’s delve into the details to understand the timelines involved in acquiring this coveted immigration status.
On average, it can take anywhere from several months to several years to obtain a green card. The processing time depends on factors such as the category of eligibility and current immigration policies. Each category has its own set of requirements and associated processing times. Some categories may have lengthy waiting periods due to high demand or limited visa availability, while others may be processed more swiftly.
To give you a better idea, here is an overview of the processing times for a few common green card categories:
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Family-Sponsored Green Card:
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Immediate Relatives of U.S. Citizens: Typically takes around 6 to 12 months.
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Family Preference Categories: Can range from 1 to 10 years, depending on the specific preference category and the country of origin.
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Employment-Based Green Card:
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EB-1 Priority Workers: Generally processed within 6 to 12 months.
- EB-2 Professionals with Advanced Degrees: Processing time varies from several months to a few years, depending on the demand and the applicant’s country of origin.
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EB-3 Skilled Workers and Professionals: Can take anywhere from 1 to 5 years, depending on the category and country of birth.
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Diversity Visa Lottery:
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Winners of the DV lottery undergo further processing, including interviews and background checks, which can take around 1 year on average.
It’s important to note that these processing times are approximate and subject to change based on various factors, including government policies and the volume of applications.
Now, let’s add some interesting facts regarding green card processing:
- The United States issues around one million green cards annually, making it one of the most sought-after immigration statuses worldwide.
- The Diversity Visa Lottery program, also known as the Green Card Lottery, grants up to 50,000 green cards each year to individuals from countries with low rates of immigration to the United States.
- In 2020, the Trump administration implemented various policies that significantly impacted green card processing times, such as the Public Charge Rule, which made it more challenging for some applicants to prove their ability to financially support themselves.
- Famous writer and journalist Arianna Huffington once stated, “The American Dream remains within reach for everyone willing to work hard and have a green card.”
To provide a visual representation, let’s include a table showcasing the average processing times for different green card categories:
| Green Card Category | Processing Time |
|---|---|
| Immediate Relatives | 6 to 12 months |
| Family Preference Categories | 1 to 10 years |
| EB-1 Priority Workers | 6 to 12 months |
| EB-2 Professionals | Several months to a few years |
| EB-3 Skilled Workers | 1 to 5 years |
| Diversity Visa Lottery | Approximately 1 year |
In conclusion, the timeline for receiving a green card varies depending on your category of eligibility, country of origin, and prevailing immigration policies. While average processing times provide some guidance, it’s crucial to stay updated with the latest information and consult with immigration professionals to navigate the complex green card process successfully. Remember, as Arianna Huffington said, the American Dream is attainable for those who persevere.
Video related “How long will it take to get a green card?”
The timeframe for receiving the actual green card after arriving in the USA depends on when the USCIS fee is paid. It is recommended to pay the fee before boarding the plane, as this allows the USCIS to print and send the card to the provided address. If the fee is paid early, the card can be sent within a month or two, even if the individual has not yet arrived in the US. However, if the fee is paid after arrival, it may take an additional month or two to receive the card. The green card is not necessary for employment, as the individual can use their social security number to start working, with the card solely serving as a visa status summary.
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On average, it takes about two years for a green card to become available and three years total to get permanent resident status. It may take longer for citizens of Mexico, China, India, and the Philippines because they have a much higher volume of green card applicants annually.
7 to 33 months
How Long Does it Take to Get a Green Card? It takes 7 to 33 months to process a Green Card application. The Green Card processing time depends on the type of Green Card you are applying for, the location of the processing office and other factors.