Introduction
The process of obtaining a Green Card in the USA varies significantly based on the type of Green Card being pursued. Two common types are marriage-based and employment-based Green Cards. This article outlines the typical timelines for each.
Marriage-Based Green Card
A marriage-based Green Card, also known as an IR-1 visa or Spouse Green Card, allows the spouse of a U.S. citizen to live and work in the United States. According to VisaGuide.World, the typical processing time for a marriage-based Green Card is between 10 to 13 months.
Steps and Timeline:
1. Filing Form I-130: The process begins with the U.S. citizen spouse filing Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative. This form establishes the relationship between the petitioner and the foreign spouse. The approval time for Form I-130 can vary but generally takes about 6 to 12 months.
2. National Visa Center (NVC) Processing: Once Form I-130 is approved, the case is transferred to the NVC for further processing. This stage involves collecting necessary documentation and paying fees. The NVC process can take around 1 to 2 months.
3. Consular Processing: For spouses living outside the U.S., the final step is consular processing, where the foreign spouse attends an interview at a U.S. embassy or consulate. This can take an additional 2 to 3 months, depending on the embassy’s workload and the applicant’s location.
In summary, from the initial filing to the final interview, obtaining a marriage-based Green Card typically takes around 10 to 13 months.
Employment-Based Green Card
An employment-based Green Card allows individuals to live and work in the U.S. based on their employment. The processing time for employment-based Green Cards can be longer and is influenced by factors such as the applicant’s country of origin and the specific employment category.
Steps and Timeline:
1. PERM Labor Certification: For most employment-based Green Cards, the employer must first obtain a PERM labor certification from the Department of Labor (DOL). This step can take about 6 to 8 months.
2 Filing Form I-140 After obtaining the PERM certification, the employer files Form I-140, Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker. The processing time for Form I-140 varies but generally takes about 6 to 9 months.
3. Adjustment of Status or Consular Processing: Once Form I-140 is approved, the applicant can either file for Adjustment of Status (if in the U.S.) or undergo consular processing (if outside the U.S.). Adjustment of Status can take 8 to 14 months, while consular processing may take 6 to 12 months.
In total, the processing time for an employment-based Green Card can range from 18 to 36 months, depending on the specific circumstances.
Conclusion
The timeline for obtaining a Green Card in the USA varies based on the type of Green Card and individual circumstances. A marriage-based Green Card typically takes 10 to 13 months, while an employment-based Green Card can take 18 to 36 months. Understanding these timelines can help applicants plan and prepare for their immigration journey.
