The United States is a land of opportunity and many people dream of immigrating to the country to build a better life for themselves and their families. One of the most sought-after immigration documents is the green card, which grants permanent residency status in the United States.
However, obtaining a green card is not a simple one, and it can take a significant amount of time to complete.
How Long does it take to get a Green Card in US
This blog post will discuss how long it takes to get a green card in the US and the factors that can affect the timeline.
The timeline for obtaining a green card varies based on the specific immigration category the applicant falls under and other factors such as the backlog of applications and the applicant’s country of origin. Here are the average processing times for some of the most common green card categories:
Family-Based Green Card
This category is for individuals who have a close family member who is a US citizen or permanent resident. The average processing time for this category is currently around 12 to 24 months, although this can vary depending on the applicant’s specific circumstances.
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Employment-Based Green Card
This category is for individuals who have been offered a job in the United States. The processing time for this category can vary widely depending on the type of job and the applicant’s qualifications. For example, an individual with an advanced degree and a job offer in a high-demand field may have a faster processing time than someone with a lower level of education and a job offer in a less in-demand field. Currently, the average processing time for employment-based green cards ranges from six months to several years.
Diversity Visa Green Card
This category is for individuals who are selected through a lottery system that grants a limited number of green cards each year to individuals from countries with historically low rates of immigration to the United States. The processing time for this category can vary depending on the number of applications received and the number of available green cards. In recent years, the processing time for this category has ranged from several months to several years.
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Other Factors Affecting Processing Times
In addition to the specific immigration category, several other factors can affect the processing time for a green card application. One of the biggest factors is the backlog of applications. If there are a large number of applications in a particular category, the processing time can be significantly longer. Another factor is the applicant’s country of origin. Some countries have longer processing times than others due to a high volume of applications or security concerns.
Conclusion
Overall, obtaining a green card in the United States can take a significant amount of time. Applicants should be prepared for a lengthy wait and should make sure to keep their contact information up to date in case there are any updates to their application status. However, despite the long processing times, a green card is a valuable document that can grant permanent residency status in the United States and open up many opportunities for individuals and families looking to build a better life in the country.
