How Long Does It Usually Take To Get A Green Card?

A green card is the designation for a permanent visa for a foreign national in the U.S. under immigration law that is obtained by an alien or an employer with the assistance of an immigration lawyer.  Immigration laws for green cards have changed in recent years; therefore, the requirements under immigration law for obtaining green cards are much more complex and should not be attempted without the help of an immigration lawyer.  Because of the complexity, quotas, various American consular filing locations around the world, and the experience of immigration lawyer, it is impossible to predict exactly how long it takes to have a green card granted.  However, that process can, in many situations, take years.  It is recommended that those applying for green cards under immigration law consult an experienced immigration lawyer to ensure all the paperwork is completed correctly and filed on time.

Family Categories for Green Card Applicants

The highest priority of applicants for green cards under immigration law is immediate family members of U.S. citizens.  These applicants may not require the assistance of an immigration lawyer, but each case is difference, so at least consulting with an immigration lawyer can provide a wise beginning under complex immigration law for green card applications. 

These categories include:

• Spouses, recent widows, and unmarried children under 21
• Parents of children who are at least 21
• Stepchildren or stepparents if the relationship began before the child turned 18
• Adopted children if the adoption occurred before the child’s 16th birthday  

There are no limits for these greed cards under immigration law; however, the green card application process can still be time consuming and confusing, and an immigration lawyer can help understand and fulfill immigration law for these green cards.  For these applicants, a green card is usually granted as soon as all the paperwork satisfying immigration law is completed correctly by their immigration lawyer.

The second green card priority under immigration law goes to other family members.  These are called “preference categories,” and while the green card process is less complex, it can still depend on details that an immigration lawyer can address under immigration law.

 ,b>Immigration law designates the following order:

• Children 21 or older of at least one citizen
• Spouses and unmarried children under 21 of permanent residents
• Unmarried children of permanent residents who are 21 or older
• Married children of any age with at least one parent who is a citizen
• Sisters and brothers, age 21 or older, of citizens

These greed card applications are addressed on a first come, first served basis, but once they and their immigration lawyers have fulfilled all the requirements under immigration law, they may take 3 to 24 years for green cards.  An immigration lawyer can help track visa status for their client.

Other Categories for Green Card Applicants

The next priority categories under immigration law for granting green cards are those of preferred employees and workers.  There are quotas for these types of applicants, making it even more vital to enlist the guidance of an immigration lawyer to make sure an application fulfills all the requirements of immigration law.  It can be difficult to determine which departments are involved and what they require, and an experienced immigration lawyer knows the process and can streamline them. In many situations, the sponsoring employer can use their own corporate attorney, but without experience with immigration law, they may not be as efficient as immigration lawyers may.

For most types of worker green cards, a specific employer must have a specific position for a specific immigrant selected.  The employer must have already attempted unsuccessfully to find American employees to fill the position.  Then the employer and their immigration legal counsel file all the appropriate paperwork required by immigration law.  An immigration lawyer will also compile and submit evidence that the immigrant is qualified and necessary.  It is vital to have an immigration attorney provide evidence that the employer complies with immigration law.  Immigration law dictates that applications by employers and their counsel are processed for preferred employees in the following order:

• Those with extraordinary ability in such areas as education, the sciences, the arts, business, or athletics
• Professionals with advanced degrees or exceptional abilities
• Professionals and skilled or unskilled workers
• Religious workers and other miscellaneous categories of workers and immigrants
• Investors who have or are planning to participate in American businesses with an investment of at last $500,000 and who add or ensure the employment of at least ten workers

Because these of quotas and lower priorities, it can take many years to be granted a green card, although a skilled immigration attorney can help expedite that process.