The current wait time for a green card is not a single, exact duration but varies significantly depending on the specific application type and the forms involved in your immigration process. USCIS processing times can fluctuate, and the overall timeline is determined by the specific petition filed and whether you are adjusting status from within the U.S. or applying from abroad.
Key Green Card Processing Times
To understand the wait, it's essential to look at the processing times for the individual forms required to obtain a green card. The primary forms for many family-based green card applications include Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, and Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status.
| Form | Purpose | Current Processing Time |
|---|---|---|
| I-130 (U.S. citizen sponsor) | Petition for Alien Relative | 14.3 months |
| I-130 (Green card holder sponsor) | Petition for Alien Relative | 35 months |
| I-485 (Family-based) | Adjustment of Status | 10 months |
Understanding Each Stage
- Form I-130: Petition for Alien Relative
This is often the first step for family-based immigration, filed by a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident (green card holder) on behalf of a qualifying relative. As seen in the table, the processing time for this petition can differ substantially based on the sponsor's status:- U.S. Citizen Sponsor: Petitions filed by U.S. citizens generally have a shorter processing time, currently around 14.3 months.
- Green Card Holder Sponsor: Petitions filed by green card holders typically take longer, with current processing times around 35 months.
- Form I-485: Application to Adjust Status
After the I-130 petition is approved and a visa number becomes available (if applicable), individuals already in the U.S. can file Form I-485 to adjust their status to a lawful permanent resident. The current processing time for family-based adjustments of status is approximately 10 months.
Other Related Processing Times
For those who already possess a green card and need to renew or replace it, the relevant form is Form I-90, Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card. This process typically takes around 1.1 months.
Important Considerations:
The total wait time for a green card is the sum of these processing times, plus any potential backlog or visa availability delays not reflected in individual form processing times. It's crucial to regularly check official USCIS processing times for the most up-to-date information.
- Source: Current USCIS Processing Times at a Glance. For the latest updates, you can refer to Boundless Immigration's resources: The Latest USCIS Processing Times - 2024
