In the United States, the average time it takes to process a Green Card application for permanent status is about 18 months. It could take more than a year to get it, which is a long time.
One of the goals of many foreigners living in the United States is to stay there permanently. There are several important steps you need to take to get a Green Card.
4 key steps to get your Green Card
- Completing the Form I-485 to get your Green Card
- Submitting all necessary documentation
- Providing biometric data
- Passing the interview
The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), which has 89 offices across the country, is in charge of this process. It’s important to keep in mind, though, that processing times can be very different based on how things are run at each location.
Are you thinking about applying to live in the United States permanently? Knowing how long it takes to finish Form I-485 can help you make good plans. Based on information from USCIS, the usual wait time for this application has been around 18 months for the past five years.
Cities Where the Process to get a Green Card is Faster
There are, however, some places where the working times are much shorter. The government agency says that the following offices take the least time to handle Form I-485 applications on average:
- Burlington: 10 months
- Norfolk: 10.5 months
- Providence: 11 months
- Omaha: 11.7 months
What Does This Processing Time Mean?
This number shows how long it took USCIS to finish 80% of cases in the last six months. Don’t forget that every case is different. Some Green Card applications may be handled quickly, while others may take longer. Being aware of these differences can help you set reasonable goals.
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