How Long Does Marriage Based Green Card Take?

The process of obtaining a green card through marriage can take anywhere from 11 to 14.5 months. The timeline depends on three main factors: the couple’s legal status, the couple’s residence in the U.S., and the validity of the marriage relationship. For couples living outside the U.S. and married to a U.S. citizen or green card holder, the entire marriage green card application process typically takes 10-13 months for U.S. citizens and 29-38 months for U.S. green card holders.

The process also involves establishing the authenticity of the marriage relationship through Form I-130, which takes 6 to 11 months. Applying for the green card can take anywhere between 10 and 66 months, depending on the type of application. Factors affecting processing time include the relationship to the 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 to obtain their green card.

For couples applying for a marriage-based green card, the total processing time averages 9.3 months, depending on whether they are married to a U.S. citizen or a U.S. green card holder (lawful permanent resident). The first 11-15 months for USCIS to process the I-130 petition, after which there is a waiting period.

In many cases, USCIS grants conditional permanent residence for two years after marriage, which typically takes anywhere from 6 to 12 months to process an I-130 for a green card through marriage case.

How long does it take for I-130 to get approved for spouse in 2024?

The fee for Form I-130 is now $675 and it takes about 12 months to be approved. Filing and getting an I-130 approved doesn’t give you an immigration status. This is the first step in getting a green card. This article explains the cost, approval time, and steps to follow after submitting Form I-130.

I-130 processing times; Form I-130 used for; Form I-130 cost; Form I-130 eligibility; Form I-130 required documents; Alternative documents; What happens after the I-130 is approved?; I-130 FAQs; Boundless guides; Common marriage green card forms; Boundless reviews. The time it takes to get your I-130 petition approved in 2024 depends on two things:

Do you automatically get a green card if you marry an American?

Yes. USCIS grants two-year conditional permanent residence for marriage. After two years, you must file Form I-751 to remove the conditions of residence and get a permanent green card.

It might be hard to travel after marrying an American. Is that true? Yes. If you marry an American or green card holder, be careful about travel. If you are in F, J, or tourist status, you must have a home abroad and intend to return. When you apply for a visa, you have to prove you have ties to your home country. Marriage to a U.S. citizen makes it hard to prove you have ties to your home country because you are assumed to want to immigrate to the United States. If you need a new visa to return to the United States, your will visa is likely to be denied, even if you plan to continue as a full-time student. What if I have a student visa in my passport? Can I travel then? As long as you have a valid visa, are a full-time student, and have your I-20 or DS-2019 signed for travel by OIS, you may be able to re-enter the United States even if you have married a U.S. citizen.

How long does it take to get I-130 approved for wife?

The number of green cards for immediate relatives of U.S. citizens is unlimited. Most Form I-130 petitions for immediate relatives are approved within a year, but they can take longer. If you are in the United States and filed an application to adjust status, USCIS will review Form I-485. If you are outside the U.S., USCIS will send your case to the NVC to start processing. The NVC will tell you when to submit your visa application and other documents. Immediate relatives are spouses, unmarried children (under 21) and parents of U.S. citizens. This group of immigrants can get unlimited visas. Other relationships are family preference categories and take longer to approve.

3B. Approval for family preference. Approximately 12 months to several years after filing.

Can I move to America if I marry an American?

If you’re a U.S. citizen, you can bring your foreign spouse to the United States in two ways. They are:

Spouse of a U.S. Citizen (IR1 or CR1) – You need to file an immigrant petition for your spouse. Learn more. Nonimmigrant visa for spouse (K-3) – You must file for this visa in the country where you married your spouse. Once the visa is issued, the spouse can travel to the United States to wait for the immigrant visa case to be processed. Two petitions are needed. Petition for Alien Relative, Form I-130, and Petition for Alien Fiancé(e), Form I-129F. Learn more. If you are a U.S. citizen, you can bring your fiancé(e) to the United States to marry and live here with a nonimmigrant visa for a fiancé(e) (K-1). You need an I-129F fiancé(e) petition. Learn more.

What is the current wait time for a green card?

Green card applications for family members or spouses of U.S. citizens take about 10 months to process. Green card applications for workers take about 7.5 months. (Note: You need an approved Form I-140 to adjust your status.)

For the latest processing times, Boundless analyzes USCIS offices across the country. You can find our Form I-485 timeline estimates here.

Form I-131 (“Travel Document – Advance Parole Application”): It takes 6.1 months to process advance parole applications.

How can I speed up my I-130 processing time?

You can ask USCIS to speed up the process of reviewing your application, petition, request, appeal, or motion. We consider all expedite requests on a case-by-case basis and generally require supporting documentation. USCIS decides whether to expedite your case. If we do, we will adjudicate your benefit ahead of others. We carefully consider each request.

Factors that may be considered when deciding whether to grant an expedite request include: Not every example above will result in expedited processing. See below for more information on expedite criteria and circumstances. For USCIS guidance on expediting, see Volume 1 of the USCIS Policy Manual.

Can I travel while waiting for my green card?

If you need to travel outside the United States while waiting for your Green Card, you can use Advanced Parole. This lets Green Card applicants leave and re-enter the U.S. without affecting their application. It’s important for those facing an emergency or urgent matter abroad.

Note: We don’t always recommend getting this authorization or traveling outside the U.S. while your Green Card is pending. There’s little to no guarantee that immigration officials will let you re-enter the country. If you don’t have to leave the country, don’t!

The Green Card waiting period in the U.S. is important. Applicants must stay in the country legally and avoid crime. You must submit all the right documents on time to avoid problems. Not all visas are eligible for Adjustment of Status. Some may require a return to the applicant’s home country for the final stages.

What is the shortest time to get a green card?

Which state has the fastest green card processing time?; What is the fastest you can get a green card?; Is green card processing faster now?; *Understanding the Green Card Process. The green card, officially known as the United States Lawful Permanent Residency, is a highly sought-after status. It grants immigrants the right to live and work permanently in the United States. *Obtaining a green card is a significant milestone to be a lawful permanent resident. And it can be achieved through various categories. The most common are family-based and employment-based applications. *Family-based green cards. One of the primary ways to obtain a green card is through family sponsorship. Lawful permanent residents and U.S. citizens may sponsor family members to immigrate to the U.S. and obtain permanent residency. These include spouses, parents, and unmarried children under 21. *The green card holders immediate relatives have a higher priority. Generally, they experience shorter processing times compared to other family categories. *Employment-based green cards. Employment-based green cards offer a pathway to permanent residency for a skilled worker, professional, and individual with extraordinary ability. These categories are subject to various preferences and priorities, affecting processing times. *Diversity Visa Lottery. Also known as the DV Lottery, the Diversity Visa Lottery is another avenue for individuals from countries with low rates of U.S. immigration. Each year, a select number of applicants are chosen randomly and allowed to apply for a green card. *Factors Affecting Processing Times. Visa category. Visa preference categories have different levels of demand and available visa numbers.; Country of chargeability. Certain countries may have a higher demand for green cards, leading to longer wait times.; USCIS caseload. High volumes of applications and varying USCIS workloads can influence processing times.; Request for Evidence (RFE). If USCIS requires additional evidence to support the application, it can lead to delays if the requested information is not provided promptly.; Priority date. The priority date (when the application was initially filed) plays a crucial role in determining the applicants place in the queue.; Visa bulletin. The Visa Bulletin is published by the U.S. Department of State monthly. It outlines the availability of immigrant visa numbers, which can impact the progress of certain applications.; *Does State Matter?. State-specific factors can influence processing times. Still, USCIS endeavors to maintain consistent national standards for processing green card applications. *Due to the complexity of the immigration system and the numerous variables at play, variations between states are possible. *Possible reasons for state-level variations. Caseload and demand. States with higher immigrant populations or industries that rely heavily on foreign workers may experience increased demand for green cards. Consequently, USCIS field offices in these states may face higher caseloads. And this could lead to longer processing times. *USCIS Field Office resources. States with better-funded and well-staffed USCIS field offices may have a higher capacity to process applications efficiently, resulting in shorter processing times. *Proximity to USCIS Service Centers. Some states might have USCIS service centers within close proximity. This allows for quicker transfer and processing of applications. *Immigration court backlog. States with significant backlogs in immigration court cases may indirectly affect green card processing times. The USCIS might hold certain cases pending court outcomes. *Regional policies. Regional USCIS offices may have some flexibility in managing caseloads based on local priorities or economic considerations. *States with potentially faster processing times. States with well-funded and efficiently managed USCIS field offices; States with a smaller immigrant population and lower application volumes; *States with potentially slower processing times. States with high immigrant populations, particularly in densely populated metropolitan areas; States with significant immigration court backlogs could experience delays; *Effects of COVID-19 on Green Card Processing Times.. The outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic had far-reaching impacts on various sectors worldwide. And the U.S. immigration system was no exception. Green card processing times were significantly affected. There were delays and disruptions for many applications. *However, the pandemics effects on processing times were not uniform across all states. Some states experienced more pronounced delays than others. *Here are the key factors that contributed to these delays and the potential state-level variations. *USCIS Office closures and limited capacity. To safeguard the health of employees and the public, USCIS field offices and Application Support Centers were temporarily closed or operated with reduced capacity during the pandemic. These closures led to the suspension of in-person interviews and biometric appointments. *Reduced staffing and remote work challenges. The shift to remote work arrangements posed challenges for USCIS personnel. This has led to possible staffing shortages and communication difficulties. *Backlog accumulation. The suspension of certain services and the continuation of essential operations at USCIS during the pandemic resulted in the accumulation of application backlogs. As the pandemic continued, the backlog increased, further affecting processing times. *Prioritization of emergency services. During the pandemic, USCIS shifted its focus to prioritize emergency services, such as humanitarian and medical-related applications. This reprioritization may have further impacted the processing of regular green card applications. *Travel restrictions and consular closures. Applicants outside the U.S. faced difficulties attending interviews. They also struggled to obtain an immigrant visa number. *State-level variations. States with higher infection rates and stricter lockdowns might have faced more significant disruptions in USCIS operations. *Digital transformation and remote services. To mitigate the impact of the pandemic, USCIS accelerated its digital transformation efforts. This includes offering more remote services. However, implementing these new processes might have differed across states. *Recommendations for Green Card Applicants. Navigating the green card process can be complex. These tips can improve your chances of becoming a green card holder, regardless of the state you reside in. *1. Research the process. Begin by thoroughly researching the green card application process. Look into the different categories, requirements, and forms needed. *Understanding the process will help you prepare the necessary documents. This helps avoid unnecessary delays. *2. Choose the right category. Select the most suitable green card category based on your eligibility and circumstances. Whether you are applying through family sponsorship, employment-based immigrant visas, or other avenues, ensure you meet the criteria for that specific category. *3. Be accurate and thorough. Complete your application forms accurately and thoroughly. Errors and omissions can lead to delays or even denials. *Double-check all information. And if you are unsure about anything, seek guidance from reliable sources or an immigration attorney. *4. Gather strong supporting evidence. Provide ample supporting documentation to strengthen your case. This may include: *birth certificates; marriage certificates; employment records; other relevant evidence to verify your eligibility; *5. Stay organized. Keep all your documents and correspondence related to your green card application organized. This will help you promptly respond to any requests from USCIS. It also ensures you dont misplace essential paperwork. *6. Timely responses. Respond promptly to any communication from USCIS. If they request additional information or evidence (Request for Evidence or RFE), address it quickly to avoid delays in processing. *7. Pay attention to filing fees. Ensure you submit the correct filing fees with your application. USCIS fees may change over time. Thus, verify the most up-to-date fees on the USCIS website. *8. Consider premium processing. For eligible employment-based green card applications, you might have the option of expedited processing through the USCIS Premium Processing service. This can speed up the adjudication process. *9. Stay informed. Keep up-to-date with immigration policies and any changes that might affect your application. USCIS often updates its procedures. Being informed will help you adapt your strategy accordingly. *10. Be patient and persistent. Green card processing times can vary, and delays are not uncommon. Remain patient throughout the process. Also, follow up on your applications status when appropriate. *11. Seek legal assistance. If your green card application involves complexities, contact an experienced immigration lawyer. They can navigate the intricacies of your case and provide personalized advice.. *How Licensed Immigration Attorneys Can Help. Navigating the complex maze of immigration laws can be daunting. *The consequences of making a mistake could be grave. It could also disrupt ones plans to obtain lawful permanent residence in the U.S. *This is where licensed immigration attorneys, like those at Hacking Law Immigration LLC, come into play. *They offer invaluable assistance by simplifying intricate legal processes for green card applications. They also ensure compliance with all requirements. *Avoiding common pitfalls. Mistakes on forms or missing deadlines may lead to delays or even rejections of your application. A seasoned attorney can avoid these common pitfalls. Thus, expediting your path to obtaining a green card. *Fighting Against Possible Deportation. Immigration violations might jeopardize ones eligibility for permanent residence. *Which state has the fastest green card processing time?. Green card processing times may vary by state as determined by USCIS. It also greatly depends on factors like eligibility category, home country, and specific circumstances. *What is the fastest you can get a green card?. The Diversity Immigrant Visa Program offers one of the quickest routes to obtain a green card. But its based on luck. Family-based visas for immediate relatives also offer faster paths, typically within 1-2 years. *Is green card processing faster now?. Processing times for green cards fluctuate based on various factors, so they may not necessarily be faster currently. *Conclusion. Securing a green card can feel like an uphill battle. The process is intricate, and the wait times are often long. Errors in the immigration process could lead to serious consequences. It could potentially endanger your prospects of attaining a green card.

How to get a green card faster than 90 days?

Choose the right green card category. Consult with an experienced Duluth immigration attorney to find the right green card category for you. Make sure you meet all the eligibility requirements. Our immigration team can help you gather all the necessary documents and make sure your application is complete and accurate. If USCIS asks for more information or evidence, respond quickly to avoid delays. USCIS offers premium processing for an additional fee for certain categories and circumstances. This can speed up the process to within 15 days. This option isn’t available for all green card categories and doesn’t guarantee approval. Stay informed and manage expectations. USCIS offers online tools to track your case. An immigration attorney at Barrios Virgüez can help you understand USCIS updates and manage your expectations.

Factors Considered by USCIS for Expedite Requests. You can ask USCIS to speed up your green card application for certain reasons. USCIS looks at each case individually. USCIS may speed up your application in certain cases.

If you or your family are facing eviction, foreclosure, or loss of essential services; if you or a family member are in a medical emergency or severe illness; if you or a family member are in danger; if you or a family member are helping a nonprofit organization. If you have a unique skill, talent, or contribution that benefits the U.S., or if USCIS made a clear error.

Can I leave U.S. before receiving a green card?

If you’re a U.S. lawful permanent resident without a green card, don’t leave the U.S. without an I-551 stamp in your passport. After getting U.S. lawful permanent residence or coming to the U.S. as immigrants, many new residents want to take a vacation or visit family abroad. But they may need to take extra steps if they haven’t received their green card yet. How can you get back into the United States after traveling abroad? Some people wait weeks or months for their green cards. The agency in charge, USCIS, is always backed up. It makes mistakes too. If you change addresses, tell USCIS online.