If you are dreaming of living and working permanently in the United States, you may have heard of the term “green card”. A green card is an official document that grants you lawful permanent resident status in the US, which means you can live, work, study, travel, and enjoy many benefits as an immigrant. However, getting a green card is not easy. It involves a complex and lengthy process that can vary depending on your situation and eligibility.
In this article, we will explain what a green card is, why people want it, the different types of green cards and their requirements, the general steps and timeline for getting a green card, the factors that can affect your green card processing time, and how to check your green card status and estimated wait time. By the end of this article, you will have a better understanding of how long it takes to get a green card and what you can do to improve your chances of success.
The Different Types of Green Cards and Their Requirements
There are many ways to get a green card, but they all fall into one of these categories:
Family-Based Green Cards
These are green cards that are based on your relationship with a US citizen or a lawful permanent resident. You can apply for a family-based green card if you are:
- A spouse, child (under 21 years old), or parent of a US citizen
- An unmarried child (over 21 years old), sibling, or married child of a US citizen
- A spouse or unmarried child (under 21 years old) of a lawful permanent resident
- A widow or widower of a US citizen who died within two years of marriage
- A fiancé or fiancée of a US citizen who intends to marry within 90 days of entering the US
- A victim of domestic violence or abuse by a US citizen or lawful permanent resident spouse or parent
The requirements for each category may vary, but generally, you will need to prove your identity, relationship, eligibility, admissibility, financial support, and good moral character.
Employment-Based Green Cards
These are green cards that are based on your skills, qualifications, achievements, or employment offer in the US. You can apply for an employment-based green card if you are:
- A person with extraordinary ability in science, arts, education, business, or athletics
- A person with an advanced degree or exceptional ability in your field
- A skilled worker, professional, or unskilled worker with a job offer in the US
- A special immigrant, such as a religious worker, broadcaster, translator, or former US government employee
- An investor or entrepreneur who invests at least $900,000 in a US business that creates or preserves at least 10 jobs
The requirements for each category may vary, but generally, you will need to prove your identity, eligibility, admissibility, education, work experience, achievements, job offer, and financial support.
Diversity Visa Lottery Green Cards
These are green cards that are based on a random selection of applicants from countries with low rates of immigration to the US. You can apply for a diversity visa lottery green card if you are:
- A native of a country that is eligible for the lottery in the year you apply
- A person who has at least a high school education or two years of work experience in an occupation that requires at least two years of training or experience
The requirements for this category are relatively simple, but you will need to prove your identity, eligibility, admissibility, education, and work experience.
Refugee and Asylee Green Cards
These are green cards that are based on your status as a refugee or asylee in the US. You can apply for a refugee or asylee green card if you are:
- A person who has been granted refugee status by the US government because you have a well-founded fear of persecution in your home country based on your race, religion, nationality, political opinion, or membership in a particular social group
- A person who has been granted asylum status by the US government because you meet the same criteria as a refugee and you are already in the US or at a port of entry
- A spouse or child (under 21 years old) of a refugee or asylee who is admitted to the US as a derivative beneficiary
The requirements for this category are relatively straightforward, but you will need to prove your identity, eligibility, admissibility, refugee or asylum status, and relationship.
Special Immigrant Green Cards
These are green cards that are based on your special circumstances or qualifications that do not fit into any of the other categories. You can apply for a special immigrant green card if you are:
- A person who was born in the US to foreign diplomats or high-ranking officials who did not have diplomatic immunity
- A person who served in the US armed forces for at least 12 years and was honorably discharged
- A person who is a retired employee of an international organization or NATO who worked for at least 15 years and lived in the US for at least half of that time
- A person who is an Afghan or Iraqi national who worked for or on behalf of the US government or military as a translator, interpreter, or cultural advisor
- A person who is an Afghan or Iraqi national who worked for or on behalf of a US-based media outlet, non-governmental organization, or contractor that supported US operations in Afghanistan or Iraq
The requirements for each category may vary, but generally, you will need to prove your identity, eligibility, admissibility, special circumstances, and service.
The General Steps and Timeline for Getting a Green Card
The process and timeline for getting a green card can vary depending on your situation and eligibility. However, there are some general steps that most applicants will have to follow:
Step 1: Filing a Petition or Application with USCIS
The first step is to file a petition or application with the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), which is the agency that handles immigration matters. Depending on your category, you may need to file one of these forms:
- Form I-130: Petition for Alien Relative (for family-based green cards)
- Form I-140: Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker (for employment-based green cards)
- Form I-360: Petition for Amerasian, Widow(er), or Special Immigrant (for special immigrant green cards)
- Form I-485: Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status (for refugees and asylees who are already in the US)
- Form DS-260: Immigrant Visa and Alien Registration Application (for a diversity visa lottery winners and refugees and asylees who are outside the US)
You may also need to submit other forms and documents to support your petition or application. For example, you may need to provide proof of your identity, relationship, eligibility, admissibility, financial support, and good moral character. You may also need to pay some fees to cover the processing costs.
The time it takes for USCIS to process your petition or application can vary depending on your category and the workload of the agency. According to the USCIS website, as of July 2021, the average processing time ranges from 6 months to 24 months.
Step 2: Waiting for a Visa Number to Become Available
The second step is to wait for a visa number to become available. A visa number is a numerical code that indicates that you are eligible to apply for a green card. However, not everyone can get a visa number right away. There are annual limits and quotas on how many green cards can be issued for each category and country. These limits and quotas are based on US immigration laws and policies.
Family-Based Green Card
If you are applying for a family-based green card, you may fall into one of these two groups:
- Immediate relatives: These are spouses, children (under 21 years old), and parents of US citizens. They do not have to wait for a visa number because they are not subject to any limits or quotas. They can apply for a green card as soon as their petition is approved by USCIS.
- Preference relatives: These are unmarried children (over 21 years old), siblings, and married children of US citizens, and spouses and unmarried children (under 21 years old) of lawful permanent residents. They have to wait for a visa number because they are subject to limits and quotas. They can only apply for a green card when their priority date becomes current.
Your priority date is the date when USCIS received your petition. You can check your priority date and the current visa availability on the Visa Bulletin, which is a monthly publication by the US Department of State. The Visa Bulletin shows the cut-off dates for each category and country. If your priority date is before or on the cut-off date, it means your visa number is available and you can apply for a green card.
The time it takes for your visa number to become available can vary depending on your category, country, and demand. According to the Visa Bulletin for July 2021, the wait time ranges from 1 year to 28 years.
Employment-Based Green Card
If you are applying for an employment-based green card, you may fall into one of these five groups:
- EB-1: These are people with extraordinary ability, outstanding professors or researchers, or multinational executives or managers. They do not have to wait for a visa number because they are not subject to any limits or quotas. They can apply for a green card as soon as their petition is approved by USCIS.
- EB-2: These are people with an advanced degree or exceptional ability in their field, or people who qualify for a national interest waiver. They have to wait for a visa number because they are subject to limits and quotas. They can only apply for a green card when their priority date becomes current.
- EB-3: These are skilled workers, professionals, or unskilled workers with a job offer in the US. They have to wait for a visa number because they are subject to limits and quotas. They can only apply for a green card when their priority date becomes current.
- EB-4: These are special immigrants, such as religious workers, broadcasters, translators, or former US government employees. They have to wait for a visa number because they are subject to limits and quotas. They can only apply for a green card when their priority date becomes current.
- EB-5: These are investors or entrepreneurs who invest at least $900,000 in a US business that creates or preserves at least 10 jobs. They have to wait for a visa number because they are subject to limits and quotas. They can only apply for a green card when their priority date becomes current.
Your priority date is the date when USCIS received your petition. You can check your priority date and the current visa availability on the Visa Bulletin, which is a monthly publication by the US Department of State. The Visa Bulletin shows the cut-off dates for each category and country. If your priority date is before or on the cut-off date, it means your visa number is available and you can apply for a green card.
Visa Number Availability
The time it takes for your visa number to become available can vary depending on your category, country, and demand. According to the Visa Bulletin for July 2021, the wait time ranges from no wait to 9 years.
Diversity Visa Lottery Green Card
If you are applying for a diversity visa lottery green card, you do not have to worry about waiting for a visa number because you already have one assigned to you when you win the lottery. However, you still have to act fast because there are only 50,000 visas available each year and they are distributed on a first-come, first-served basis. You have to complete your application and interview before the end of the fiscal year (September 30) or you will lose your chance.
Refugee or Asylee Green Card
If you are applying for a refugee or asylee green card, you do not have to wait for a visa number because you are not subject to any limits or quotas. You can apply for a green card one year after being granted refugee or asylum status in the US.
Special Immigrant Green Card
If you are applying for a special immigrant green card, you may or may not have to wait for a visa number depending on your category and country. Some categories, such as those born in the US to foreign diplomats or high-ranking officials, do not have to wait for a visa number because they are not subject to any limits or quotas. They can apply for a green card as soon as their petition is approved by USCIS. Other categories, such as those who served in the US armed forces or who worked for the US government or military in Afghanistan or Iraq, have to wait for a visa number because they are subject to limits and quotas. They can only apply for a green card when their priority date becomes current.
Priority Date
Your priority date is the date when USCIS received your petition. You can check your priority date and the current visa availability on the Visa Bulletin, which is a monthly publication by the US Department of State. The Visa Bulletin shows the cut-off dates for each category and country. If your priority date is before or on the cut-off date, it means your visa number is available and you can apply for a green card.
Wait Time
The time it takes for your visa number to become available can vary depending on your category, country, and demand. According to the Visa Bulletin for July 2021, the wait time ranges from no wait to 6 years.
Step 3: Applying for Adjustment of Status or Consular Processing
The third step is to apply for adjustment of status or consular processing. This is the stage where you actually apply for your green card and undergo a medical examination and a background check.
Adjustment of Status
If you are already in the US with a valid visa or status, you can apply for adjustment of status, which means you can change your status from nonimmigrant to immigrant without leaving the country. You will need to file Form I-485: Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status with USCIS and submit other forms and documents to prove your identity, eligibility, admissibility, financial support, and good moral character. You will also need to pay some fees to cover the processing costs.
Consular Processing
If you are outside the US or ineligible for adjustment of status, you can apply for consular processing, which means you will have to go to a US embassy or consulate in your home country or another country where you have permission to stay and apply for an immigrant visa. You will need to file Form DS-260: Immigrant Visa and Alien Registration Application online and submit other forms and documents to prove your identity, eligibility, admissibility, financial support, and good moral character. You will also need to pay some fees to cover the processing costs.
Medical Examination and Background Check
Whether you apply for adjustment of status or consular processing, you will also need to undergo a medical examination by a designated doctor who will check your health and immunization records and test you for certain diseases. You will also need to undergo a background check by the FBI and other agencies which will verify your criminal history, security risks, and immigration violations.
Processing Time
The time it takes for USCIS or the US embassy or consulate to process your application can vary depending on your category and the workload of the agency. According to the USCIS website, as of July 2021, the average processing time ranges from 8 months to 36 months.
Step 4: Attending an Interview and Providing Biometrics
The fourth step is to attend an interview and provide biometrics. This is the stage where you will have to meet with an immigration officer who will review your case and ask you questions about your application and background.
Adjustment of Status
If you applied for an adjustment of status, you will have to attend an interview at a USCIS office near you. The time, date, and venue of your interview will be provided in a notification. Additionally, you will be required to submit biometrics (fingerprints, a picture, and your signature) at an Application Support Centre (ASC) before your interview. The time, date, and location of your biometrics appointment will be listed in a notification that you will receive.
Consular Processing
If you applied for consular processing, you will have to attend an interview at a US embassy or consulate in your home country or another country where you have permission to stay. The time, date, and venue of your interview will be provided in a notification. In addition, you will be required to submit biometrics (fingerprints) at a VAC before your interview. The time, date, and location of your biometrics appointment will be listed in a notification that you will receive.
Documents Required
Whether you attend an interview at a USCIS office or a US embassy or consulate, you will need to bring your original documents and copies that support your application, such as your passport, birth certificate, marriage certificate, divorce decree, police clearance certificate, medical examination report, financial documents, etc. You may also need to bring an interpreter if you do not speak English well.
Interview Questions
The interview is an important part of the green card process because it is your chance to prove that you are eligible and admissible for a green card. The immigration officer will ask you questions about your application and background, such as:
- Your personal information (name, date of birth, place of birth, etc.)
- Your immigration history (when did you enter the US? what visa did you use? did you overstay or violate any immigration laws? etc.)
- Your eligibility category (how are you related to your sponsor? What are your skills or qualifications? What are your achievements or contributions? etc.)
- Your admissibility factors (do you have any criminal records? Do you have any health issues? Do you have any security risks? etc.)
- Your financial support (do you have a job or income in the US? Do you have a sponsor who can support you? Do you have any assets or liabilities? etc.)
- Your good moral character (do you pay your taxes? Do you obey the law? Do you have any affiliations or memberships that may raise concerns? etc.)
The immigration officer will also verify the legitimacy and consistency of your documents and identity. You may also be asked to swear or affirm to an immigration officer that you are telling the truth and will follow US law and the Constitution.
Interview Wait Time
The time it takes for the interview to be scheduled and completed can vary depending on your category and the workload of the agency. According to the USCIS website, as of July 2021, the average wait time ranges from 2 months to 12 months.
Step 5: Receiving a Decision and Your Green Card
The fifth and final step is to receive a decision and your green card. This is the stage where you will find out if your application is approved or denied and if you can become a lawful permanent resident of the US.
If you applied for an adjustment of status, you may receive a decision on the same day as your interview or within a few weeks after your interview. You will receive a notice with the outcome of your case. If your application is approved, you will receive your green card in the mail within a few weeks. If your application is denied, you will receive a notice with the reasons for the denial and your options to appeal or reapply.
A decision may be received on the same day as your interview or within a few days after if you applied for consular processing. You will receive a notice with the outcome of your case. If your application is approved, you will receive an immigrant visa stamp on your passport and a sealed envelope with your documents. You will have to enter the US within six months of receiving your visa and present your envelope to the customs officer at the port of entry. You will then receive your green card in the mail within a few weeks. If your application is denied, you will receive a notice with the reasons for the denial and your options to appeal or reapply.
The time it takes for the decision to be made and delivered can vary depending on your category and the workload of the agency. According to the USCIS website, as of July 2021, the average wait time ranges from no wait to 4 months.
The Factors That Can Affect Your Green Card Processing Time
As you can see, getting a green card is not a simple or quick process. It can take anywhere from a few months to several years depending on your situation and eligibility. There are many factors that can affect your green card processing time, such as:
The Type of Green Card You Are Applying For
Some green cards are easier to get than others. Immediate relatives of US citizens can apply for a green card as soon as their petition is approved. Preference relatives and some employment-based green cards may face long backlogs and delays. EB-1 green cards for people with extraordinary abilities do not have to wait for a visa number, while EB-3 green cards for skilled workers may face long backlogs and delays.
The Country of Your Birth or Chargeability
Your country of birth or chargeability is another factor that can affect your green card processing time. This is because there are annual limits and quotas on how many green cards can be issued for each country. These limits and quotas are based on US immigration laws and policies that aim to promote diversity and fairness among immigrants from different regions of the world. However, some countries have more immigrants than others, which creates an imbalance in demand and supply. As a result, some countries face longer wait times than others.
Family-Based Green Card Processing Time
For example, if you are applying for a family-based green card as an unmarried child (over 21 years old) of a US citizen, your country of birth or chargeability will determine how long you have to wait for a visa number. According to the Visa Bulletin for July 2021, the cut-off date for this category is:
- March 15, 2015, for most countries
- January 1, 2015, for China
- January 1, 2012, for India
- May 22, 1999, for Mexico
- April 1, 1999, for the Philippines
This means that if you are from Mexico or the Philippines, you have to wait more than 20 years for a visa number, while if you are from most other countries, you have to wait about 6 years.
Employment-Based Green Card Processing Time
Similarly, if you are applying for an employment-based green card as a skilled worker, professional, or unskilled worker with a job offer in the US, your country of birth or chargeability will determine how long you have to wait for a visa number. According to the Visa Bulletin for July 2021, the cut-off date for this category is:
- Current (no wait) for most countries
- January 1, 2018, for China
- October 1, 2010, for India
- Current (no wait) for Mexico
- Current (no wait) for the Philippines
This means that if you are from India, you have to wait more than 10 years for a visa number, while if you are from most other countries, you do not have to wait at all.
The Availability of Visa Numbers and Quotas
What are visa numbers and quotas?
Visa numbers and quotas are annual limits and quotas on how many green cards can be issued for each category and country. These limits and quotas are based on US immigration laws and policies that aim to balance the demand and supply of immigrants from different regions and sectors of the world.
How do visa numbers and quotas change over time?
Visa numbers and quotas can change over time depending on various factors, such as:
- The number of applicants and petitions filed each year
- The number of visas issued and unused each year
- The number of visas recaptured or reclaimed from previous years
- The number of visas allocated or reallocated by Congress or the President
- The number of visas exempted or excluded by special laws or programs
How do visa numbers and quotas affect green card processing time?
Visa numbers and quotas affect how long you have to wait for a visa number and how fast your priority date becomes current. Your priority date is the date when your petition or application was filed or accepted by the US government. It determines your place in line for a green card. When your priority date becomes current, it means that there is a visa number available for you and you can apply for a green card.
What is an example of visa numbers and quotas changing over time?
An example of visa numbers and quotas changing over time is the increase in the annual limit of employment-based green cards from 140,000 to 261,500 for the fiscal year 2021 (October 2020 to September 2021). This was due to several reasons, such as:
- The low number of family-based green cards issued in the previous year due to the COVID-19 pandemic and travel bans
- The high number of employment-based green cards recaptured from previous years due to unused visas
- The high demand and backlog of employment-based green cards from certain countries, such as India and China
This increase in visa numbers and quotas allowed many applicants who were waiting for a visa number in the employment-based categories to see their priority dates become current or advanced significantly in the Visa Bulletin. This means that they could apply for a green card sooner than expected.
However, this increase in visa numbers and quotas may not last long. It depends on how many applicants and petitions are filed and processed in the current fiscal year and how many visas are issued and unused by the end of the fiscal year. It also depends on whether Congress or the President will make any changes to immigration laws and policies in the future.
How can I check the Visa Bulletin and be prepared for any changes in visa availability?
You can check the Visa Bulletin regularly on the US Department of State website: The Visa Bulletin shows the cut-off dates for each category and country for each month. The cut-off date is the priority date of the first applicant who cannot get a visa number in that month. If your priority date is before or on the cut-off date, it means that your priority date is current and you can apply for a green card. If your priority date is after the cut-off date, it means that you have to wait until your priority date becomes current.
You can use online tools to track your priority date and estimate your green card processing time. It’s also a good idea to be prepared for any changes in visa availability by gathering all the required documents, forms, fees, and evidence for your green card application. Keeping your contact information updated with the US government and checking your case status online is also important.
The Backlog and Workload of USCIS and Other Agencies
The backlog and workload of USCIS and other agencies are other factors that can affect your green card processing time. This is because there are many steps and stages involved in the green card process that require the involvement and approval of various agencies, such as:
- USCIS: This is the agency that handles immigration matters. It is responsible for processing your petition or application, conducting your background check, scheduling your interview, making a decision on your case, and issuing your green card.
- DOS: This is the agency that handles foreign affairs. It is responsible for issuing your visa number, publishing the Visa Bulletin, managing the diversity visa lottery program, conducting your interview at a US embassy or consulate, making a decision on your case, and issuing your immigrant visa.
- NVC: This is the agency that handles immigrant visa applications. It is responsible for collecting your fees and documents, reviewing your case, assigning your visa number, and transferring your case to a US embassy or consulate.
- FBI: This is the agency that handles criminal justice and security matters. It is responsible for conducting your fingerprint check and verifying your criminal history and security risks.
- CDC: This is the agency that handles public health matters. It is responsible for setting the medical examination standards and approving the designated doctors who can perform the medical examination.
- CBP: This is the agency that handles border security and customs matters. It is responsible for inspecting your documents and admitting you to the US at the port of entry.
Each of these agencies has its own procedures, policies, and resources that can affect how fast or slow they can process your case.
Sometimes, they may face delays or backlogs due to various factors, such as:
- The number of cases and applications they receive each year
- The complexity and accuracy of the cases and applications they review
- The availability and efficiency of their staff and systems
- The impact of external events, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, natural disasters, political changes, etc.
As a result, some steps and stages in the green card process may take longer than expected or estimated. Therefore, it is important to be patient and cooperative with the agencies and follow their instructions and updates.
The Complexity and Accuracy of Your Case and Documents
The complexity and accuracy of your case and documents is other factors that can affect your green card processing time. This is because your case and documents are the main sources of information and evidence that the agencies use to evaluate your eligibility and admissibility for a green card. Therefore, the more complex and accurate your case and documents are, the easier and faster it will be for the agencies to process your case.
Some factors that can make your case and documents more complex or inaccurate are:
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Your eligibility category:
Some categories are more complicated and require more evidence than others. For example, if you are applying for a green card based on your extraordinary ability, you will need to provide extensive documentation of your achievements and contributions in your field. On the other hand, if you are applying for a green card based on your marriage to a US citizen, you will need to provide basic documentation of your identity and relationship.
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Your admissibility factors:
Some factors are more challenging and require more scrutiny than others. For example, if you have a criminal record, a health issue, or a security risk, you will need to provide additional documentation of your circumstances and explain why you should not be barred from entering the US. On the other hand, if you have a clean record, good health, and no security risk, you will not need to provide any extra documentation.
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Your country of origin:
Some countries are more difficult and require more verification than others. For example, if you are from a country that has poor or unreliable records, such as birth certificates, marriage certificates, police clearance certificates, etc., you will need to provide alternative or secondary evidence of your identity and background. On the other hand, if you are from a country that has good or reliable records, you will not need to provide any additional evidence.
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Your document quality:
Some documents are more clear and consistent than others. For example, if you have original or certified copies of your documents that are legible, complete, valid, and match with each other, you will not have any problems with your document quality. On the other hand, if you have photocopies or scanned copies of your documents that are illegible, incomplete, expired, or inconsistent with each other, you will have issues with your document quality.
The complexity and accuracy of your case and documents can affect how long it takes for the agencies to review your case and make a decision on your case. If your case and documents are complex or inaccurate, it may take longer for the agencies to verify your information and evidence. It may also increase the chances of receiving requests for evidence (RFEs), notices of intent to deny (NOIDs), or denials from the agencies. Therefore, it is important to prepare your case and documents carefully and thoroughly before submitting them.
How to Check Your Green Card Status and Estimated Wait Time
After submitting your petition or application for a green card, you may want to know how long it will take for you to receive a decision and your green card. Fortunately, there are some ways to check your green card status and estimated wait time online or offline.
Using the USCIS Online Tools and Resources
One way to check your green card status and estimated wait time is to use the online tools and resources provided by USCIS on its website. These include:
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Case Status Online:
This is an online tool that allows you to check the status of your petition or application by entering your receipt number. Your receipt number is a 13-digit code that starts with three letters and is followed by 10 numbers. You can find your receipt number on the notice that USCIS sent you after receiving your petition or application. Case Status Online will show you the current status of your case, such as:
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- Received: This means that USCIS has received your petition or application and is reviewing it.
- Request for Evidence: This means that USCIS needs more information or evidence from you to process your case. You will receive a notice with the details of what you need to submit and the deadline to respond.
- Notice of Intent to Deny: This means that USCIS has found some issues with your case and is planning to deny it. You will receive a notice with the reasons for the denial and the opportunity to respond.
- Approved: This means that USCIS has approved your petition or application and is sending you a notice with the next steps.
- Denied: This means that USCIS has denied your petition or application and is sending you a notice with the reasons for the denial and your options to appeal or reapply.
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Processing Times:
This is an online tool that allows you to check the estimated processing time for your petition or application by entering your form type and office or service center. Your form type is the name or number of the form that you filed, such as Form I-130, Form I-140, Form I-485, etc. Your office or service center is the location where your petition or application is being processed, such as California Service Center, Nebraska Service Center, National Benefits Center, etc. You can find your form type and office or service center on the notice that USCIS sent you after receiving your petition or application. Processing Times will show you the estimated time range for USCIS to process your case, such as:
- 6 months to 9 months: This means that USCIS takes between 6 months and 9 months to process cases like yours on average.
- February 15, 2020: This means that USCIS is currently processing cases that were received on or before February 15, 2020.
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Visa Bulletin:
This is an online publication by the US Department of State that shows the availability of visa numbers for each category and country. You can check the Visa Bulletin to see if your visa number is available and if your priority date is current. Your visa number is a numerical code that indicates that you are eligible to apply for a green card. Your priority date is the date when USCIS received your petition. You can find your visa number and priority date on the notice that USCIS sent you after approving your petition. The Visa Bulletin will show you the cut-off dates for each category and country, such as:
- F1: Unmarried Sons and Daughters of U.S. Citizens
- All Chargeability Areas Except Those Listed: March 15, 2015
- China-mainland Born: January 1, 2015
- India: January 1, 2012
- Mexico: May 22, 1999
- Philippines: April 1, 1999
- F1: Unmarried Sons and Daughters of U.S. Citizens
This means that if you are applying for a family-based green card as an unmarried child (over 21 years old) of a US citizen, your visa number is available and your priority date is current if it is before or on the cut-off date for your country.
Contacting the USCIS Customer Service or Your Local Office
Another way to check your green card status and estimated wait time is to contact USCIS customer service or your local office by phone, email, mail, or in person. These include:
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USCIS Contact Center:
This is a phone service that allows you to speak with a live representative or an automated system about your case. You can call the USCIS Contact Center at 1-800-375-5283 (TTY: 1-800-767-1833) from Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., Eastern Time. You will need to provide your receipt number, name, date of birth, and other information to verify your identity and case. The USCIS Contact Center can help you with:
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- Checking the status of your case
- Updating your address or contact information
- Requesting a copy of a notice or document
- Scheduling or rescheduling an appointment
- Reporting a problem or complaint
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USCIS Online Inquiry Tool:
This is an online tool that allows you to submit an inquiry about your case by filling out a form on the USCIS website. You will need to provide your receipt number, name, date of birth, email address, phone number, and other information to verify your identity and case. The USCIS Online Inquiry Tool can help you with:
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- Checking the status of your case
- Updating your address or contact information
- Requesting a copy of a notice or document
- Reporting a problem or complaint
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USCIS Mail:
This is a mail service that allows you to send a letter or a form to the USCIS office or service center that is processing your case. You will need to provide your receipt number, name, date of birth, mailing address, phone number, and other information to verify your identity and case. You can find the mailing address of your office or service center on the notice that USCIS sent you after receiving your petition or application. The USCIS Mail can help you with:
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- Checking the status of your case
- Updating your address or contact information
- Requesting a copy of a notice or document
- Reporting a problem or complaint
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USCIS In Person:
This is an in-person service that allows you to visit a USCIS office near you and speak with an immigration officer about your case. You will need to make an appointment online through the InfoPass system on the USCIS website. You will also need to bring your original documents and copies that support your case, such as your passport, birth certificate, marriage certificate, divorce decree, police clearance certificate, medical examination report, financial documents, etc. The USCIS In-Person can help you with:
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- Checking the status of your case
- Updating your address or contact information
- Requesting a copy of a notice or document
- Reporting a problem or complaint
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Consulting an Immigration Lawyer or Expert
Another way to check your green card status and estimated wait time is to consult an immigration lawyer or expert who can advise you on your case and represent you before the agencies. An immigration lawyer or expert is a person who has the knowledge, experience, and credentials to handle immigration matters. They can help you with:
- Preparing and filing your petition or application
- Gathering and submitting your documents and evidence
- Responding to requests for evidence, notices of intent to deny, or denials
- Appealing or reapplying for your case
- Communicating and negotiating with the agencies
- Protecting your rights and interests
However, hiring an immigration lawyer or expert is not mandatory and may not guarantee the success of your case. It may also cost you some fees depending on the services and rates of the lawyer or expert. Therefore, it is important to do some research and compare different options before choosing an immigration lawyer or expert.
Conclusion
In conclusion, getting a green card is a complex and lengthy process that can take anywhere from a few months to several years depending on your situation and eligibility. There are many factors that can affect your green card processing time, such as:
- The type of green card you are applying for
- The country of your birth or changeability
- The availability of visa numbers and quotas
- The backlog and workload of USCIS and other agencies
- The complexity and accuracy of your case and documents
Checking Your Green Card Status:
There are also some ways to check your green card status and estimated wait time online or offline, such as:
- Using the USCIS online tools and resources
- Contacting the USCIS customer service or your local office
- Consulting an immigration lawyer or expert
However, these methods may not be accurate or reliable. Additionally, they may change over time depending on various factors. Therefore, it is important to be patient and cooperative with the agencies. Furthermore, it is crucial to follow their instructions and updates.
Tips for Improving Your Chances
Here are some tips or advice that may help you improve your chances of getting a green card faster and easier:
- Choose the best category and option for your situation and eligibility
- Prepare your case and documents carefully and thoroughly before submitting them
- Respond to any requests for evidence, notices of intent to deny, or denials promptly and properly
- Keep track of your receipt number, priority date, visa number, and visa availability
- Update your address or contact information if they change
- Avoid any criminal activities, health issues, security risks, or immigration violations that may affect your admissibility
- Seek professional help if you need it
We hope this article has helped you understand how long it takes to get a green card and what you can do to improve your chances of success. We wish you all the best in your green card journey!
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions and answers about how long it takes to get a green card:
How long does it take to get a green card after marriage?
It depends on whether your spouse is a US citizen or a lawful permanent resident. If your spouse is a US citizen, you are considered an immediate relative and you do not have to wait for a visa number. You can apply for a green card as soon as your petition is approved by USCIS. The average processing time for this category is about 10 months to 18 months. If your spouse is a lawful permanent resident, you are considered a preference relative and you have to wait for a visa number. You can only apply for a green card when your priority date becomes current. The average wait time for this category is about 2 years to 3 years.
How long does it take to get a green card through employment?
It depends on which employment-based category you are applying for and which country you are from. Some categories, such as EB-1, do not have to wait for a visa number and can apply for a green card as soon as their petition is approved by USCIS. The average processing time for this category is about 8 months to 12 months. Other categories, such as EB-2 and EB-3, have to wait for a visa number and can only apply for a green card when their priority date becomes current. The average wait time for these categories can range from no wait to 9 years depending on the country of chargeability.
How long does it take to get a green card through the diversity visa lottery?
It depends on how fast you complete your application and interview after winning the lottery. You have to enter the US within six months of receiving your visa and present your envelope to the customs officer at the port of entry. You will then receive your green card in the mail within a few weeks. The average processing time for this category is about 6 months to 12 months.
How long does it take to get a green card as a refugee or asylee?
It depends on how fast you file your application after being granted refugee or asylum status in the US. You can apply for a green card one year after being granted refugee or asylum status in the US. The average processing time for this category is about 8 months to 16 months.
How long does it take to get a green card as a special immigrant?
It depends on which special immigrant category you are applying for and which country you are from. Some categories, like those born in the US to foreign diplomats, can apply for a green card immediately. The processing time is 6-12 months. Other categories, like those who served in the US armed forces, have to wait for a visa number. The wait time can range from no wait to 6 years.
