The time it takes to get a green card can vary greatly depending on several factors, such as the type of application you’re submitting and how long U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) takes to process your case. For instance, a marriage green card or spousal visa might take anywhere from 11.4 to 40 months, depending on various elements.
Even if you’re confident that you qualify for a family-based green card, it’s likely you’re eager to finish the process and hold your green card in your hand. Unfortunately, the green card application process isn’t immediate it takes time, patience, and a clear understanding of the steps involved.
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Factors That Impact the Green Card Timeline
The timeline for receiving your green card depends on several factors:
- The type of family relationship: Whether you’re applying as a spouse, child, parent, or other family member can impact how long the process takes.
- The status of your relative: If your family member is a U.S. citizen or a legal permanent resident (green card holder) will influence the wait time.
- Your nationality and location: Where you are from and where you’re applying from (inside or outside the U.S.) can also play a significant role.
- USCIS requests for additional evidence: Sometimes, USCIS asks for more information during processing, which can add extra time.
In this article, we’ll focus specifically on the family-based green card process. Keep in mind that there are other green card options available, such as through employment or refugee status, and these paths can have different timelines.
Note: USCIS processing times can change frequently, but we’ll give you an idea of how long it typically takes to receive a family-based green card in 2024.
How the Green Card Process Works
The green card process involves several important steps, depending on your specific situation. Here’s a general overview of the process:
- Step 1: File Form I-130 (Petition for Alien Relative) to prove the family relationship.
- Step 2: File Form I-485 (Application for Adjustment of Status) if you’re already in the U.S.
- Step 3: File Form DS-260 (Immigrant Visa Application) if you’re applying from outside the U.S.
The amount of time it takes to get a green card primarily depends on the processing time between filing the family relationship form and applying for the green card.
USCIS provides quarterly updates on the processing times for different forms, and the current wait times are about several months for Form I-130 and 20 months for Form I-485. However, our team at Law and Visas tracks processing times every month and provides more accurate estimates based on the application type and field office. Below, we’ve outlined the average timelines (as of October 2024) for various family relationships.
Green Card Timelines for Different Family Relationships
The time it takes to receive a family-based green card differs based on the type of family relationship:
1. Spouses of U.S. Citizens
- Living inside the U.S.: If your spouse is a U.S. citizen, and you’re already living in the U.S., the green card process usually takes 10–23 months. Spouses of U.S. citizens can file Form I-130 and Form I-485 at the same time, which is called concurrent filing.
- Living outside the U.S.: If your spouse is a U.S. citizen, and you’re applying from outside the U.S., the process typically takes 11.4–15 months.
2. Spouses of Green Card Holders
- If your spouse is a green card holder, the wait for a green card can take longer. They’ll need to wait for a green card to become available after filing Form I-130. The entire process for spouses of green card holders can take around 2-3 years, though it may be longer for citizens of countries like Mexico, China, India, and the Philippines.
- Inside the U.S.: If you live in the U.S. and your spouse is a green card holder, expect the process to take 29–40 months.
- Outside the U.S.: The process for spouses of green card holders living outside the U.S. is similar, taking 29–40 months.
3. Widows/Widowers of U.S. Citizens
If you’re a widow or widower of a U.S. citizen, you can apply for a green card as long as you do so within two years of your spouse’s death. The timeline is similar to that of spouses of U.S. citizens, but instead of Form I-130, you’ll file Form I-360 (Petition for Amerasian, Widow(er), or Special Immigrant).
4. Parents of U.S. Citizens
Parents of U.S. citizens can get a green card relatively quickly, as there’s no limit on the number of green cards issued for parents of U.S. citizens. The process usually takes around 1-2 years.
5. Minor Children (Under 21) of U.S. Citizens
Like parents, there’s no limit on the number of green cards given to children under 21 years old of U.S. citizens. Typically, this process takes 1-2 years.
6. Minor Children of Green Card Holders
Minor children of green card holders need to wait for a green card to become available after the I-130 petition is filed. The entire process generally takes around 3 years, though it may be longer for citizens of certain countries.
7. Unmarried, Adult Children of U.S. Citizens
The process for unmarried, adult children of U.S. citizens can be quite lengthy. They must wait for a green card to become available after their parent files Form I-130 on their behalf. For many countries, the wait can be 7-8 years, but it may be longer for citizens of Mexico, the Philippines, and India.
8. Unmarried, Adult Children of Green Card Holders
This group generally faces a longer wait than those applying through U.S. citizen parents. The wait time for unmarried adult children of green card holders is usually 8-9 years for most countries, but it can take over 10 years for citizens of Mexico or the Philippines.
9. Married Adult Children of U.S. Citizens
For married adult children of U.S. citizens, the wait is typically 13-14 years, but it can take much longer for those from countries like Mexico or the Philippines.
10. Siblings of U.S. Citizens
Finally, siblings of U.S. citizens face some of the longest wait times. The entire process usually takes 14-16 years, but it can take longer for citizens of Mexico, India, and the Philippines.
Why Are Wait Times So Long?
The wait times vary because there are limits on the number of people allowed to come to the U.S. each year in all family-based green card categories, except for spouses, parents, and minor children of U.S. citizens. Everyone else has to wait for a green card to become available.
If you’re curious about where you are in the process, you can check the Visa Bulletin, which will show you how far along the waitlist is for your category.
Unfortunately, the green card process can be time-consuming and complicated, depending on your specific situation and the type of family relationship involved. Delays can occur, especially if USCIS needs additional information to process your application. However, staying informed about current timelines and making sure all necessary documents are submitted can help minimize delays.
For personalized assistance navigating this complex process, Law and Visas is here to help. Get in touch today to start your green card journey with confidence!
