Changing your status to that of a lawful permanent resident of the United States is a significant step. The wait can be lengthy and stressful. You’re probably wondering what occurs after you file Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status, and how long it will take for you to get your green card. We’ve outlined the I-485 processing period and the many phases along the way.
US Green Card Processing Time
A US green card is the most long-term visa, so you can expect the processing time for permanent residence to be more lengthy than most other visas. According to USCIS, an application for permanent residence (Form I-485) can take anywhere from 6 months to 33 months to process depending on certain factors.
Keep in mind, this is an estimate which varies from person to person. USCIS may seek further information or even schedule a second interview in some instances. Don’t forget that you may monitor the status of your case online using your receipt number. Normal processing timeframes are also listed on the USCIS website.
How Long Does It Take to Renew a Green Card?
Currently, the green card renewal process takes about 10 to 12 months. Poorly prepared applications, on the other hand, might result in considerably longer processing times. The good news is that temporary evidence of permanent resident status may be obtained for travel overseas, work, and other purposes. Even if you’ve misplaced your card, there are options.
Do you need to replace your US green card? Fill out a form I-190 form for green card replacement, renewals and changes.
Can I Get Premium Processing For My US Green Card?
When applying for a US green card, you may have the option for premium processing. Premium processing is an optional service provided by the USCIS that allows applicants to shorten the processing time of certain visas and green cards to 15 calendar days. In order to learn more, we recommend you speak to an immigration lawyer or visit the USCIS page on how to request premium processing.
US Green Card Options
When looking to immigrate to the United States permanently, you will have two options depending on how you wish to immigrate. These include:
Top Questions About US Green Card Processing Times
What is the waiting time for a sibling green card?
The average wait period for a sibling to obtain a Green Card is ten years – which is the longest wait period of any immediate relative of a US citizen. The period might vary greatly depending on the place of origin of the sibling. There is a yearly limit of 65,000 Green Cards given for siblings.
Can I travel outside of the US while waiting for a US green card to process?
The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) does allow immigrants to travel abroad while waiting on their Green Card, officially known as a Permanent Resident Card.
How long does it take to get a green card after my interview?
In most cases, the interviewing officer will let you know that your case is approved at your interview. You can expect to receive your Green Card in the mail about 2 to 3 weeks after your case is approved.
Sometimes, the USCIS officer might have to refer your application to a supervisor for approval. This may delay your green card for up to two weeks. In other cases, they’ll send you a Request for Additional Evidence. This process which can add 1-3 months to your waiting time or sometimes more.
Need An Immigration Lawyer For Your US Green Card Application?
If so, Contact VisaPlace today. All our cases are handled by competent and experienced immigration professionals who are affiliated with VisaPlace. These professionals consist of lawyers, licensed paralegals, and consultants who work for VisaPlace Legal an award-winning immigration firm that adheres to the highest standards of client service.
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VisaPlace Immigration News Contributor
Casey
Meet Casey, one of VisaPlace's immigration news contributors. She brings 6+ years of experience of content creation to VisaPlace. Casey has honed her expertise in delivering comprehensive and up-to-date content on immigration-related matters. Her work not only encompasses the complex legal aspects of immigration but also highlights the ever-evolving policies, procedures, and news that impact immigrants and aspiring visa holders.
