Understanding the Timelines for Family-Based Green Cards
The journey to obtain a family-based green card can be a complex and lengthy process influenced by a multitude of factors. As someone seeking to live in the United States through family ties, it’s essential to understand the different elements that can affect your green card processing time. From your relationship with your sponsoring family member to the backlogs of the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), we’re breaking down what you can expect when navigating the system.
Factors Affecting Green Card Processing Time
The time it takes to receive your family-based green card varies depending on several factors:
- Relationship to the sponsoring family member
- Your home country
- Where you are applying from
- Need for additional information from USCIS
- Current USCIS backlogs
Timeline for Marriage-Based Green Cards
U.S. Citizen Spouse, Applicant Inside the U.S.:
For spouses of U.S. citizens applying from within the United States, the current average green card processing time is 18-22 months. Applicants can utilize concurrent filing of Form I-130 and Form I-485. During this wait, applicants may also apply for a work permit and Advance Parole for travel.
U.S. Citizen Spouse, Applicant Outside the U.S.:
Spouses living abroad can expect a processing time of 12.5-26 months. Processing involves both USCIS and the National Visa Center (NVC).
Green Card Holder Spouse:
For green card holder spouses, it takes about three years in total, with USCIS processing Form I-130 taking around 18 months and the subsequent waiting period for a visa number to become available.
Spouse of a Green Card Holder Outside the U.S.:
The timeline extends to about 23-32 months or longer.
Getting Green Cards for Children
Minor Children of U.S. Citizens:
The processing time is fairly quick at 10-13 months, given there is no cap on the number of visas issued.
Minor Children of Green Card Holders:
A bit longer at 23-38 months, these children fall under the same eligibility as spouses of U.S. green card holders.
For adult children, whether unmarried or married, and of U.S. citizens or green card holders, the processing times increase significantly and could range anywhere from 7 years up to more than 20 years, depending on the applicant’s home country.
Green Card Acquisition for Widows and Parents
For widows of U.S. citizens, expect a processing time roughly around 10-13 months. Widows should file Form I-360 within two years of the spouse’s death.
Parents of U.S. citizens can anticipate a similar 10-13 months processing window given the lack of caps on visas for immediate relatives.
Sibling Green Card Processing Time
Lastly, for siblings of U.S. citizens, expect a lengthy 14-16 years which may vary based on the sibling’s home country, stretching as long as 24+ years for certain nationalities.
How to Check Your USCIS Application Status
Once you’ve submitted your green card application, you can conveniently track your USCIS application status online with your 13-character application receipt number at the USCIS Case Status portal. For applicants outside the U.S., you’ll interact with the NVC and eventually the U.S. embassy or consulate in your home country. Both USCIS and the NVC provide portals and customer service numbers for status inquiries:
- USCIS Case Status Tracker
- USCIS National Customer Service Center: 1-800-375-5283.
- U.S. Department of State’s Consular Electronic Application Center
- NVC Contact Number: (603) 334-0700.
The difference in the green card processing times stems from various factors like USCIS operational backlogs, legal caps on certain family-based green cards, and the applicant’s nationality. By keeping a close eye on your application and understanding the estimated timelines, you can stay informed and prepared throughout the green card application process. For more detailed updates, remember to bookmark relevant articles and check the U.S. Department of State’s Visa Bulletin for changes pertaining to priority dates.
So there you have it, folks! The wild and wacky world of green card processing times. From the lightning-fast journeys of minor children to the marathon-like waits for siblings, it’s a rollercoaster of emotions. But fear not, my friends! If you want to dive deeper into the intricacies of this process, head on over to visaverge.com. They’ve got all the juicy details, FAQs, and helpful resources you need to conquer the green card game like a pro. Happy exploring!
This Article in a Nutshell:
Understanding timelines for family-based green cards is crucial. Factors affecting processing time include relationship to sponsor, home country, and USCIS backlogs. Marriage-based green cards take 18-22 months for applicants inside the U.S., 12.5-26 months for applicants outside. Green card holder spouses take three years, siblings wait 14-16 years, and widows and parents take 10-13 months. Track application status online or through customer service. Be prepared and informed throughout the process.
