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Getting an I90, I130 I360 or I485 green card can be a long and challenging process. The United States Customs and Immigration Services or USCIS work hard at reviewing your application and making a case status as soon as possible.
But How Long Does It Take?
If you are living inside of the United States of America, it will usually take in the range of 29 – 38 months. If you are living outside of the U.S., expect to wait 23 to 32 months.
There are other wait times for the spouse of U.S. citizens, the spouse of green card holders, widows, parents of U.S. citizens, and siblings. There are also wait times for other categories of people.
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Call your local immigration office to determine a wait time for your particular green card and category.
Wait Time For The Spouse of a United States Citizen
The spouse of a U.S. citizen must complete the I130 and I485 forms at the same time. The entire processing time for a spouse living inside of the U.S. is 10-17 months. If you are living outside the U.S. your wait time for a green card renewal is 11-17 months. You will file for the married green card.
Wait Time For The Spouse of Green Card Holders
A green card holder must wait for a sponsor to file the I130 form and a green card to become available. The process may take 29-38 months if you are living inside the U.S and the entire process may take 23-32 months if you are living outside of the U.S.
Keep in mind that the spouse has to wait until the I1330 is filed by the other spouse and when a green card becomes available. Green cards are rare and becoming less available as more people want to live in the U.S. It can be a wait time of up to 3 years before receiving a green card.
Wait Time For Widows
Widowers and widows must apply for their green card within 2 years of a spouse’s death. You will apply for an application with the I360 form which is the Amerasian, Widow/widower, or Special Immigrant application.
Remember that there is a time limit window that the widow or widower must apply. The entire green card process is usually 10 – 13 months.
Wait Time For Parents Of US. Citizens
Parents of U.S. Citizens will apply using the I130 form for family relationships. The parent must also wait for a green card availability after the sponsor or child has filed. The green card usually takes 10-13 months to receive the card after filing for the I130, however, the total time could take up to 1 year.
Siblings Of U.S. Citizens
Siblings have one of the most difficult paths to getting a green card. The U.S. limits the number of people allowed in the country each year. High priority goes to children, spouses, and parents, which leave siblings at a far distance for the I130 family relationship green card.
It may take between 14 – 16 years before a sibling may obtain a green card. The sibling has to wait on card availability after the forms are filed. Siblings who are citizens of India can wait up to 20 years, while siblings from Mexico can wait up to 24 years.
There are the wait times for the immigration office according to your category. Children, spouses, and parents have a high priority because they are the most immediate family. However, even they have to wait for green card availability after the sponsor has filed the I130 form.
If you are living inside the United States, average wait times are 29-38 months. If you are living outside of the United States, the average wait times are 23-32 times. This will depend upon the form that needs to be filled out and the expediency of your sponsor.
Checking in with your local immigration officer is important for case status. Remember that there are millions of cases for reviewing and yours may be pushed to the end if you do not call and get them to recognize how eager you are for a final result. The United States Customs and Immigration Services of USCIS can help you with reviewing your case and getting approval for a green card.
