Most people want to immigrate to the United States, but they get stuck on this very important step of the process. This article will give you a breakdown of what is green card processing time and how it affects your immigration status.
Many of us know that it takes a lot of time to get a green card through the immigration process. However, various other factors can affect the time taken for this process to be completed. Here is all you need to know about processing times and how they can vary from person to person.
What Is a Green Card?
A green card is a United States permanent resident status, allowing the holder to live and work in the country. The Green Card allows individuals to stay in the United States permanently, even if they are not a citizen of the country. It is considered an extension of citizenship that provides you with all the rights that citizens have.
The Green Card also serves as proof of U.S. immigration status. But unlike an alien registration card or other official government documents. It does not have any other form of identification value besides showing citizenship and being issued by the federal government.
There are many requirements that need to be met before you can get your green card. There are many reasons why one may need a green card which is highlighted below.
Benefits Of Green Card:
The Green Card is an employment authorization document that allows foreign nationals to legally work in the United States. The main benefit of a Green Card is to enable foreigners to live and work in the U.S. for any period of time. It also lets them access various services offered by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Here are some benefits of having a green card:
- Green card holders can reside in the United States for as long as they want. They are not subject to the same restrictions that immigrants are subject to.
- Many immigrants come to the United States with a green card and then decide that they do not want to stay here anymore. If you have a green card, you will be able to return home if you so choose.
- The only time that an immigrant is allowed to leave the country without permission is when he or she has been granted asylum or refugee status by the government of the United States. Green card holders do not need permission from anyone before leaving their home country and returning home.
- There are other benefits associated with having a green card, such as being able to work in America indefinitely as well as travelling abroad freely even though your passport may be valid only within certain countries depending on where your family lives or where you were born originally.
Is Getting a Green Card Difficult?
Getting a green card is difficult because it requires both legal expertise as well as patience and persistence. To get a green card, you need to show that you are economically dependent on your country of residence. This is usually done by establishing that you have a job offer in the United States or proof of financial support from your family.
It’s very difficult to predict how long it will take to obtain permanent residency because there are so many factors that go into the equation.
What Are the Green Card Process Stages?
Green card process stages are the various steps that one has to follow to get permanent resident status in the United States. The green card process starts with an application and ends with final approval by USCIS. This process involves a lot of paperwork, processing time, and costs as well.
The green card stage begins with filing your I-130 petition or I-140 petition. Once you have filed your petition, it will be forwarded to the National Visa Center (NVC) for processing. After which, it will go to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Your family members who want to immigrate also need to file their own petitions at this stage. There is no limit on how many people can apply at this stage, but you cannot file more than one petition for each family member at any given period.
If all goes well, then your case will be approved by USCIS in about 6 months or so, depending on how fast they can process your case once they receive it from NVC. The approval letter from USCIS should come within 90 days after receiving your application.
How Can I Speed up My Green Card Process?
I have heard of many people who are dreaming of getting a green card and becoming U.S. citizens. I believe that they should take it step by step because if you rush the process, there is a possibility that something could go wrong, and the whole thing could be delayed.
First of all, you need to learn about immigration laws and regulations so you can understand what documents you will need to apply for your green card or naturalization. Some government websites provide information on how to get a green card as well as how long it takes to get one depending on your case. It is important that you read everything carefully before applying for your green card because there might be certain things that require more paperwork or evidence than others. So make sure not to miss anything out.
Once all the necessary documents are collected, then you can submit them online at the appropriate application form. The next step is waiting until all required documents are processed before moving on with other steps such as medical examination and taking a test for English proficiency (if applicable). When all these steps have been completed, then it’s time to submit additional documentation like supporting letters and birth certificates if needed. And finally, when everything has been approved, then it’s time for being interviewed by an immigration officer.
| Sector | Start-to-finish timeline |
| Spouses of U.S. Citizens | 10-17 months |
| Spouses of Green Cardholders | 23-38 months |
| Widows of U.S. Citizens | 10-13 months |
| Parents of U.S. Citizens | Same as above |
| Minor (Under Age 21) Children of U.S. Citizens | Same as above |
| Minor (Under Age 21) Children of Green Card Holders | 23-38 months |
| Unmarried, Adult Children of U.S. Citizens | 7-8 years; 10+ years for citizens of the Philippines; 20+ years for citizens of Mexico. |
| Unmarried Adult Children of Green Card Holders | 8-9 years; 10+ years for citizens of the Philippines; 20+ years for citizens of Mexico |
| Married Adult Children of U.S. Citizens | 13-14 years; 22+ years for citizens of the Philippines and Mexico |
| Siblings of U.S. Citizens | 14-16 years; 16+ years for citizens of India; 20+ years for citizens of Mexico; 24+ years for citizens of the Philippines |
Sibling Green Card Processing Time India:
The processing period for siblings to receive Green Cards is roughly 10 years. Depending on the sibling’s nation of birth, the duration might be significantly quicker or lengthier. There is a yearly maximum of 65,000 Green Cards for siblings granted.
How Long Does It Take To Get a Green Card After Arrival in 2020?
A Green Card application might take anything from 7 to 33 months to complete. This varies on the sort of green card you’re seeking, where your registration centre is located, and a variety of other variables. As a rule, it requires 2 years for a green card to become accessible, but the complete three-year procedure usually takes longer.
Immigrants who really are authorized for a green card before flying to the U.S.A. should get their green letter in the mail between 30 – 90 days after landing in the region. The green card may take up to 120 days to arrive from USCIS, although this is very unlikely.
Family-Based Green Card Processing Time 2022:
The processing time for a sponsor’s I-130 is typically between six and 12 months. During a first attend, first provided a method, the USCIS evaluates the petition. If you already reside in the U.S.A. with your spouse, who is a U.S. passport holder, you can expect the process to take 10 to 13 months on typical.
Sibling Green Card Processing Time by Country:
Siblings must wait an average of ten years to apply for Green Cards. The length of time varies greatly depending on the nation of residence of the sibling. There is a restriction on the number of Green Cards awarded to siblings each year of 65,000. The average stretch is for a U.S. population’s siblings, who rank first among all of a person’s blood relations.
The request will be accepted if you’ve done everything properly and honestly. In the past, this has taken anything from two to five years. However, in other circumstances, the waiting period may become much longer. When the deadline and the visa issue dates are valid, you may be requested to wait according to green card processing time after the priority date current.
Green Card Processing Time for U.k. Citizens:
For centuries and centuries, the United States has been a favourite place for Brits who wanted to start a new life. For centuries, Scots, English, Welsh, and Northern Irish people have crossed the Atlantic in quest of the ‘Land Of opportunity’ at Jamestown, Virginia, which was founded in 1607. Approximately 678,000 British citizens are estimated to be residing in the United States at this time. However, this is fewer than 761,000 ‘former’ in Spain and 1.3 million ‘ex-pats’ in Australia.
Green card processing times for U.K. nationals are important to know if you want to relocate to the United States. A Green Card application might take anything from 7 to 33 months to complete.
Family-Based Green Card f4 Processing Time:
With a new USCIS release, it has become easier for foreign-born spouses and children of U.S. citizens to obtain permanent residence in the United States. The most common pathway is to be issued a conditional green card after an immigrant visa petition has been approved by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
One of these changes is that the time it takes for an immigrant to get a family-based green card has gone down significantly. It is important to know that the entire process of getting a family-based green card can take time. This time is spent on multiple steps, and at each step, the applicant has to prove their eligibility.
If you have been waiting for your application to be processed or have been denied due to missing documents, then you need to get in touch with an immigration lawyer immediately. However, According to on system unit in control of your registration, this might take anywhere from six to twelve months.
If I Get a Green Card, Should I Surrender My Indian Passport?
After acquiring a second citizenship, Indian passport applicants are required to return their passports to the closest Indian Mission/Post. According to Section 12(1A) of the Passports Act 1967, the corruption of Indian passports constituted an offence.
If you do not surrender your passport, it will become invalid. You will not be able to use it for travel or re-entry into India. In the event of a police encounter abroad, you can still surrender your passport and be detained until the situation is resolved.
Also, if you cannot surrender your passport because of certain circumstances (e.g., illness), there is no law that prohibits you from entering India without one. It is recommended that if you don’t have an Indian passport and want to enter India, contact the nearest embassy or consulate of India in the country where you are living so they can provide advice on whether it’s possible for you to obtain an Indian visa at a later date. The green card waiting time in India is also not short and varies.
Final Thoughts:
Getting a green card can be time-consuming and frustrating. Make sure you know how long it will take your application’s Green card processing time before applying for a green card. This blog post already gave you the timeline of processing times for each type of green card, along with the steps that need to be taken to complete the process. If you have questions or need help with the application, feel free to contact us.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which country gives green cards easily?
Ans: Only in Nicaragua may you apply for citizenship and be granted it instantly.
Is green card status permanent?
Ans: Generally speaking, green card holders are considered permanent residents of the United Arab Emirates and are allowed to live and work in the country indefinitely.
What can a green card be used for?
Ans: A green card can be used for a number of purposes, including working in the United States, owning a business, and bringing family members to the United States.
Can you get Qatar citizenship?
Ans: The requirements and procedures for obtaining Qatar citizenship may vary depending on your nationality and residence status. However, in general, you will need to meet certain residency requirements.
