U.S. Immigration: How Long Does It Take To Get A Green Card?

Are you looking to stay in the United States permanently? Then you should consider applying for a Green Card. Also known as a permanent resident card, it is one of the most sought-after immigration documents for those wanting to remain in the country. The process of obtaining it can vary greatly depending on an individual’s circumstances and the country they are coming from. Getting one can take anywhere from a few months to several years. Learn how long it generally takes and how an immigration lawyer can assist in your petition.

Factors That Affect The Waiting Time

One of the main factors determining the time it takes to get a Green Card is the individual’s immigration category. Several of them include family-based immigration, employment-based immigration, and humanitarian immigration. Each type has its own set of eligibility requirements and processing times.

Family-Based Immigration

Family-based immigration is the most common category for obtaining a permanent resident card. An individual may be married to a U.S. citizen or has a close relative who is a U.S. citizen or Green Card holder. In that case, they can apply for permanent residency through family sponsorship.

The processing time for this category can vary greatly depending on the individual’s relationship with the sponsoring relative. It also depends on the country they are coming from. For example, spouses of U.S. citizens and unmarried children under 21 typically have shorter wait times than other family members.

Employment-Based Immigration

Employment-based immigration is another category that allows individuals to get a Green Card. If a person has a job offer from a U.S. employer, they may be able to get a permanent resident card through an employment-based Visa. The processing time for this depends on the individual’s job category and the country they are coming from. For example, those with advanced degrees or exceptional abilities in their field may have shorter wait times than those in other categories.

Humanitarian Visas

Humanitarian Visa is a category that allows individuals to apply for a Green Card if they are fleeing persecution, violence, or other serious harm in their home country. This category includes refugees and asylum seekers. The processing time can vary greatly depending on the individual’s situation and the country they are coming from.

Other Factors To Consider

Aside from the individual’s immigration category, the length of time it takes to get a Green Card can also be influenced by other factors, such as their country of origin and the availability of Visas. For example, those from certain countries may have longer wait times due to quotas on the number of Visas available for those countries.

What Is The Application Process Like?

Getting a permanent resident card can be complex and involves several steps. After an individual files a petition, they may need to go through an interview with an immigration officer and provide documentation to prove their eligibility. If their application is approved, they may need to undergo a medical examination and pay various fees before receiving their Green Card.

Note that denials can happen if there is no proper documentation or anomalies in your records. When applying, you should make sure that you have everything ready.

Why You Should Seek An Immigration Attorney

There is always the chance of denial when applying for a Green Card. Since the wait can be lengthy, increasing your chances of a favorable outcome is a good idea. Seeking help from an immigration attorney is a step that you should consider. The lawyers at Lincoln-Goldfinch Law – Abogados de Inmigración have years of experience in immigration cases. They will assist you in filing a petition, ensuring a less stressful application.

The time it takes to get a Green Card can vary greatly depending on an individual’s immigration category, country of origin, and other factors. Getting it can take anywhere from a few months to several years, and the process can be complex and involve several steps. It’s crucial for individuals seeking it to be aware of the requirements and processing times. It’s best to be ready and seek the help of an immigration lawyer.

About the Author: Kate Lincoln-Goldfinch

I am the managing partner of Lincoln-Goldfinch Law. Upon graduating from the University of Texas for college and law school, I received an Equal Justice Works Fellowship in 2008, completed at American Gateways. My project served the detained families seeking asylum. After my fellowship, I entered private immigration practice. My firm offers family-based immigration, such as green cards and naturalization, deportation defense, and humanitarian cases such as asylum, U Visa, and VAWA. Everyone at Lincoln-Goldfinch Law is bilingual, has a connection to our cause, and has demonstrated a history of activism for immigrants. To us, our work is not just a job.