How Long To Get The Green Card After Marriage?

The process of getting a marriage green card in the United States typically takes 10-38 months. After getting married, you are first issued a conditional Marriage Green Card, which can be applied for a permanent marriage green card after being married for two years. The timeline includes proving the marriage is real with Form I-130 and applying for a green card concurrently with Form I. If you are an immediate relative of a U.S. citizen, you can become a lawful permanent resident based on your family relationship.

The spouse applying for a green card lives in the U.S. and is married to a U.S. green card holder. To complete the process, the petitioner must submit Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative (signed with proper fee), with all required documentation. The average time to get a marriage green card is 17 months, depending on factors such as whether your spouse is a US citizen or not, whether your spouse has a US Green Card, and whether your spouse lives in the U.S. or abroad.

For a marriage-based green card, the total processing time averages 9.3 months, depending on whether you are married to a U.S. citizen or a U.S. green card holder (lawful permanent resident). The entire marriage green card timeline can take 10-38 months, with several factors influencing wait times, including processing delays.

After two years, you will need to file Form I-751 to remove the conditions of residence and get a permanent green card. If you have already been married for 8 to 14 months, you will receive your Green Card in the mail approximately 8 to 14 months after you initially filed.

Can you marry someone in another country if you’re already married?

If you are married to someone in the U.S., what happens overseas depends on the country. If polygamy is recognized in another country, you can get married again. However, if you return to the U.S., your foreign marriage won’t be recognized. If you are already married in the U.S., you have to get divorced or widowed before you can remarry. Laws vary by state and country. Contact a local family law attorney before planning a wedding in a foreign country.

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.

How fast can my wife get a green card?

USCIS processes Form I-130 at five centers. USCIS takes 13-54.5 months to process Form I-130 for a spouse. Five USCIS service centers process Form I-130. The processing time for U.S. citizens filing Form I-130 for a spouse is 13-54.5 months. The processing time for legal permanent residents filing Form I-130 for a spouse is 32-67.5 months. The average processing time for Form I-485 across 89 field offices is around 20 months.

Form I-485 Processing Times: 2018-2022;

I-765 Work Authorization Application Processing Times: 2018–2022.

Can a US spouse and a green card through marriage apply after only 3 years?

A lawful permanent resident married to a U.S. citizen can start the naturalization process after three years of marriage. This is the “three-year rule.” The three-year rule only applies to those who got their green card through marriage. It is different than the five-year rule for most other green card holders. To qualify, you must have lived in the U.S. for three years before applying for citizenship. You must live in the U.S. for at least 18 months during those three years. You must live with your U.S. citizen spouse and show you are a good person.

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.

Can my wife stay in the US while waiting for a green card?

Adjustment versus consular processing. Few people can choose between adjustment of status and consular processing. But some U.S. citizen spouses in the United States can choose. Most eligible spouses prefer to adjust their status. It lets the foreign spouse stay in the United States while waiting for the green card. Consular processing often results in quicker processing times. The couple may be separated. Each path has its own pros and cons. Read Adjustment of Status vs. Consular Processing for a detailed breakdown.

Inadmissible grounds. All green card applicants are checked for admissibility before entering the United States. If the applicant is already in the U.S., they are still checked for inadmissibility before becoming a permanent resident. People with a criminal or terrorist history, drug abuse, infectious diseases, or other characteristics will not be allowed to enter the U.S. The following list summarizes some of the major classes of inadmissibility. Sometimes a waiver is available.

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 specific 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.

What is the fastest spouse visa in the USA?

Fiancé(e) and Spousal Visa Application Process and Timeline. If you want to get to the U.S. fast, the K-1 fiancé(e) visa is the fastest option. If you want a green card quickly, a marriage-based visa is faster. For details on the steps involved, see the K-1 Fiancé Visa and Marriage-Based Immigrant Visa application guides. Overview: K-1 visa processing times have slowed. The average time to get the first step done, USCIS approval of the Form I-129F Petition for Alien Fiancé(e), was between 6 and 15 months in early 2024.

Is it faster to get green card through marriage?

If your spouse is a green card holder and you live in the United States, you will wait about 13.5–20.5 months to receive your green card. If your spouse is a green card holder and you live outside the United States, you will wait about 29–40 months to receive your green card.

Widows of U.S. citizens. Widows and widowers of U.S. citizens can apply for a green card within two years of their spouse’s death. The process is similar to the marriage-based green card process for spouses of U.S. citizens, but instead of the I-130, widows and widowers will file Form I-360.

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.

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. (Tell USCIS if you change addresses.)