If you’re a foreigner who wants to live and work in the United States, one of the first things you’ll need to do is apply for a green card. Obtaining a green card is a long and complicated process, but fortunately, many resources are available to help you get started. This guide will outline everything you need to know about how long does it take to get a green card. We will guide you from planning your application to understanding the different types of visas available.
We’ll also highlight some important tips for avoiding common mistakes and ensuring that your application is successful. This can depend on a number of factors, including the country of residence, your occupation, and your family status. However, it can typically take about two and half years to obtain a green card.
Types of Green Card:
If you want to become a permanent resident of the United States, you need to secure a green card. The different types of green cards allow you to live and work in the United States for a specific period, and they come with different benefits. Below we will discuss the types of green cards and their respective benefits.
1. Family-Based Green Card:
The family-based green card is the most common type of visa, and it is typically the easiest to obtain. This card allows you and your spouse, children under 21 years old (if they are legal residents), parents, siblings, grandparents, or other relatives who are already living in the United States to live and work here permanently.
Family members who are not already living in the U.S. can be sponsored by a relative already residing in the United States. To qualify for a family-based green card, you must meet several requirements, including having a valid visa or residence permit in your passport and being able to provide evidence that you will financially support your family members while they are living in the U.S.
How Long Does It Take To Obtain a Green Card for Parents 2022:
Normally, it takes about twelve months to obtain a green card for parents in 2022. However, a few factors can influence this time frame, including your child’s age and your qualifications. If you are applying as a family-based immigrant, we can quickly help you submit your application.
However, If your employer files the I-130 petition on your behalf and you have met all of the other requirements for residency (e.g., having worked continuously in the U.S. for at least five years), then obtaining permanent resident status will generally take less time. This timeline can vary depending on your income and other factors, so it is important to contact us if you have any questions.
Benefits of Family-Based Green Card:
- Permanent residence in the U.S.
- U.S. citizenship for your spouse and any children born in the U.S. after they become citizens.
- No requirement to leave the U.S. if you have a family-based green card.
2. Marriage-Based Green Card:
The marriage-based green card is similar to the family-based one, but it is specifically designed for married couples. To be eligible for a marriage-based green card, you must have been married in a valid U.S. state or federal district court. Eligibility requirements also include being able to provide evidence that you will financially support your spouse while they are living in the U.S. and that you will live with your spouse permanently.
Benefits of Marriage-Based Green Card:
- You and your spouse will have a stronger connection and be closer than if you were just married to get a green card.
- Have a legal obligation to support each other financially.
- You may be able to apply for citizenship sooner if you meet certain requirements.
How Long Does It Take To Get a Green Card After Marriage?
Obtaining a green card after marriage can take anywhere from nine months to two years, but it all depends on the specific circumstances of your case. If you are married to a U.S. citizen, your application process is likely to be faster. If you are not a U.S. citizen, then your case may take longer due to the complexity of your immigration status.
But there are many types of green cards, as I mentioned above. And each of them will take a different time to get approval. Below I will discuss some of this specifically.
3. Employment-Based Green Card:
You can obtain an employment-based green card if you have a valid visa or residence permit and demonstrate that you will likely maintain your job in the U.S. To qualify, you must show that there is no available position in your home country that would allow you to work in the U.S. without having a visa. Your employer must also agree to sponsor your application, which may require them to prove they cannot find a qualified worker in your profession.
Benefits of Employment-Based Green Card:
- You will have a legal obligation to maintain the same job in the U.S.
- This may allow you to apply for citizenship sooner.
- You can bring your family with you when you immigrate to the U.S., which is not usually possible with a family-based green card.
Employment-Based Green Card Entire Processing Time:
If you are applying for an employment-based green card, your entire application processing time will likely range from 1 to 6 years, depending on the specific circumstances of your case. This is because several steps must be completed to receive the green card, and it can oftentimes take longer than average to complete all of these steps.
The Main Factors That Can Affect How Long It Will Take To Get Employment-Based Green Card Approval:
- Your nationality and immigration status.
- The category of visa you are applying for (e.g., employment, family, etc.)
- Whether or not you have any criminal history.
- The availability of positions in your area of expertise.
How Long Does It Take To Obtain a Green Card Through Employment:
As I already mentioned above but the sooner you start the process, the better. The main priority is to have a well-written resume that highlights your experience and skills that match the requirements of the position you are seeking. You should also have a clean criminal record and provide documentation of your education and work experience.
Employment-Based Green Card Timeline 2022:
If you are applying based on your job skills and you have a valid visa or green card, the wait time to receive your U.S. citizenship may be significantly shorter. You will generally need at least eight to the fourteenth months of continuous employment in the U.S. (including probationary periods) to qualify for residency status.
However, If you have lived and worked in the U.S., you will qualify for residency even if your employment was terminated. To know whether it makes sense to submit an application or not, you must speak with a qualified immigration attorney who can advise of what is required from both sides under U.S. Immigration law.
Returning Resident Immigrant Visa:
If you have been living abroad for some time and are now ready to return to the U.S., you may be eligible for a “returning resident immigrant” visa. This type of green card entitles you to live in the U.S. permanently and work here. To qualify, you must demonstrate that you will not disrupt social or economic stability in the United States. The application process is more complex than either family-based or employment-based green cards and may require a financial security deposit.
Benefits of Returning Resident Immigrant Visa:
- Better economic opportunities.
- Improved access to health care.
- Opportunity for social and cultural integration.
- Full protection from persecution.
Speed Up the Green Card Process:
We all know how important it is to get our green cards processed as soon as possible. After all, if we can’t get them processed quickly, we’ll have to wait years, which can be frustrating and costly. But, the good news is that there are several ways to speed up the green card process and make it as easy as possible for you. Below, I will discuss a few of these methods and how you can use them to get your green cards processed as soon as possible.
1) While the green card process can be time-consuming and frustrating, it is important to stay organized and keep a positive attitude.
2) If you are interested in premium processing, be sure to speak with a representative from an authorized processing centre to learn more about the available options and how much they will cost. There are a number of processing centers that offer premium processing, so it is important to choose the one that is best suited for your needs. Be sure to research the processing center before making a decision.
3) Next thing to do is request expedited processing. This can be done by filling out Form I-129, Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker. When you submit your Form I-129, you will need to include evidence that you are qualified to work in the United States.
4) If you are eager to get a Green Card and are concerned about the long and drawn-out process, you should consider hiring an immigration lawyer. Immigration lawyers can help you to understand the process and navigate through the many bureaucratic hoops that can be difficult to jump through on your own. Also, they can help you to prepare the necessary paperwork and document your case in the best possible way.
Above is just the process of speeding up your green card petition process. Now I will share some tips that will not only help you to get the visa soon but also in a legal way.
Understand the Typical Process for Obtaining a Green Card or Visa:
You should file your petition with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) in the early stages of preparation, if possible. This allows you to get priority processing and can shorten the wait time by up to several months. If you cannot file early due to delays caused by required paperwork or other factors outside of your control, filing later in the process can still result in a shorter wait time. However, you are more likely to experience longer delays if your application is accepted late in the process.
Inquire About the Quick Process:
If you are eligible, you can request expedited processing through USCIS. This will allow the agency to handle your application more quickly and may result in a shorter wait time. You must submit evidence that you meet the qualifications for the position and are eager to employment in order to qualify for expedited processing.
Planning Your Green Card or Visa Petition:
To speed up the process, you must carefully prepare your application. Here are some tips to help you get started:
- Research the requirements for your visa or green card. Know what documents you will need and be prepared to provide them.
- Create a strong case for why you should be granted a visa or green card. This will require evidence of your skills, education, and experience.
- Keep accurate records of your application process. This will help you track and revise your submissions as needed.
- Stay informed of changes to the green card or visa process. This will help you adjust your strategy as needed.
- Communicate with your immigration lawyer throughout the application process.
Filing Tip: Make sure all required documentation is ready to go before filing. Spare copies of documents that will need to be submitted with your petition, such as financial statements, letters of recommendation, and old passports.
Final Thoughts:
Thanks for reading. In this blog, I have discussed how long does it take to get a green card. I also provided a CTA to explore more information on the topic. As you can see, it can take a while to get your green card, but with patience and the help of the right professionals, you’ll be on your way. I hope that this blog was helpful. Please leave a comment and let me know what you think.
Frequently Asked Questions:
How long does it take to get a green card based on employment?
Ans: It can take anywhere from a few months to several years, depending on the individual case and the complexity of it. Typically, though, it takes around one to ten years for a green card application to go through the system.
How long does it take for employer to sponsor green card?
Ans: Typically, it takes around five to eight months for an employer to sponsor a green card.
How much does it cost to get a green card through employment?
Ans: Depending on the case, it can cost anywhere from 4,000 dollars to 7,000 dollars.
How long does it take to get green card after work permit 2020?
Ans: There is no set time frame for when a person will receive their green card after receiving a work permit. Typically, though, it can take anywhere from five to forty-three months.
How long does it take to get a Green card in Canada?
Ans: The length of time it takes to get a green card depends on the applicant’s case and citizenship. However, generally, it can take anywhere from seven months to thirty-three months.
How long does it take to get a Green Card in California?
Ans: The process of getting a Green Card in California can take 12.5 months to 16 months or even a few years, depending on your specific case.
How long does it take to get a green card for Indian?
Ans: The length of time it takes to get a green card for an Indian citizen depends on a few factors, such as the applicant’s age, education level, and profession. Generally, though, it can take anywhere from six months to two years.
