Getting a green card is something that immigrants look forward to. This valuable document, known as a Permanent Resident Card, opens the door to living and working as a productive permanent resident of the United States. But, unfortunately, the journey to getting a green card is not easy, and requires a long processing time. Generally, the length of the process is affected by the caseload in immigration court. By the way, is there any way to speed up the processing of your green card? Well, this article will discuss how to get a green card faster than 90 days.
Can the Green Card Process be Expedited?
In some cases, you may be able to expedite your green card process. To do so, you must take certain steps, including submitting an expedited request to the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Once you submit an expedited request to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), then USCIS will consider your case and determine if you qualify for an expedited processing of your green card. Aside from that, you must also be able to explain the right reasons why USCIS should expedite your green card process. Provide valid reasons and adequate supporting documentation so that your application for an expedited green card process is granted. Knowing the steps to take and how to expedite the green card process will be able to help you expedite your immigration petition.
How to Get a Green Card in Less Than 90 Days?
Getting a green card in less than 90 days will be very challenging. As we know, the green card process involves several steps, including filing a petition, attending appointments, interviews, and waiting for the background check process. There are many factors that contribute to the green card processing time. To get a green card faster than 90 days will definitely require a tremendous amount of effort.
While getting a green card within the 90-day timeframe is quite challenging, here are some strategies and scenarios where your green card process can be expedited:
1. Emergency Situations
In emergency situations, you can expedite your green card application to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). These emergency situations include, severe financial losses for a person or company, circumstances of an emergency nature, and urgent humanitarian reasons. Additionally, you can also expedite your green card application if it is in the interests of the US government. So, if you are currently in one of these situations, then you can expedite your green card application by explaining your emergency situation, and providing supporting evidence.
2. Premium Processing for Employment-Based Petitions
The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) offers Premium Processing Services for certain employment-based petitions. This premium service guarantees processing within 15 calendar days. To be able to take advantage of this service, you have to spend a certain amount of money to pay the fee. And, you should also check for the latest USCIS updates as availability and policies regarding USCIS Premium Processing Services may change at any time. For your information, USCIS Premium Processing Service is currently available. If you want to speed up your green card process, you can take this method.
3. Adjustment of Status of Non-immigrant Visa
If you are already in the US on certain non-immigrant visas, you are likely eligible to adjust your status to become a permanent US resident more quickly. This is very possible, especially if you are married to a US citizen, or your employer is sponsoring you for a green card. In essence, to be able to do this method, you are already in the US, thereby reducing your green card processing time significantly.
4. Consular Processing
If you are outside the United States, you can do consular processing to get your green card faster. This consular processing process requires you to attend an interview at the US embassy or consulate in your home country. The speed of consular processing can vary. It depends on the country and your specific circumstances as an applicant. However, for some countries, consular processing can be faster than adjusting status from within the US.
5. Expediting Military Service
If you are a member of the U.S. military, then you and your family can receive faster green card processing. This is a form of pride and gratitude for your service to the country, recognizing the sacrifices made by your family while you were on duty.
Some Important Considerations
Here are some important considerations you need to note:
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Accuracy and Completeness
When you apply for a green card, make sure your application is complete and accurate. Delays may occur if there are errors or missing information in your application.
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Legal Representative
An experienced immigration lawyer will be able to guide you through the fastest legal path. Also, an attorney can help avoid things that could delay your green card processing. So, if you want to get a green card quickly, you might consider hiring an immigration lawyer.
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Stay Informed
Remember that immigration laws and policies may change over time. Therefore, you should stay abreast of USCIS announcements and policy changes that may impact processing times.
Length of Processing Time to Get a Green Card in 2024
In 2024, the processing time to get a green card will vary depending on various factors. Some factors that influence green card processing times include the type of green card application, eligibility for expedited green card processing programs, current USCIS workload, and any special circumstances specific to your case. Generally, the processing time to obtain a green card can range from a few months to several years. Currently, the average processing time for an I-130 is estimated to take more than 12 months for immediate relatives of United States citizens. Then, for family members who applied for a green card via Form I-485, they had an average waiting time of 11.7 months. However, for cases that do not involve family members of United States citizens, the process will take longer, namely around 36 months. In general, processing time takes several months to several years.
Why Does USCIS Deny Green Card Expedited Requests?
When you submit your green card acceleration application to USCIS, USCIS has sole responsibility for approving or denying the acceleration application. If you want to obtain approval from USCIS, then you must have sufficient documentation to support your reasons for submitting the request. If not, then you will most likely get rejected.
The following are some reasons why USCIS may deny your request:
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- You failed to submit your request within the standard processing window.
- You cannot submit supporting documentation and evidence strong enough to support your request.
- Your request indicates that you are applying for an Employee Authorization Document (EAD) for benefits such as a change in immigration status.
- You are considered to be eligible for premium processing for Employment-Based Petition.
These are some of the reasons why USCIS denies your request to expedite your green card. If you want to speed up your green card process, then you really have to know and understand how to speed up your green card process. That way, you will be able to get your green card more quickly as needed. Or, you may also find other ways that can help you win your immigration case. Whatever the case, there are several things you should know, including what processing times and categories apply to you, the right reasons to apply for an accelerated green card, and when to talk to a lawyer about your case. By taking the right actions, you will most likely get a green card more quickly.
Conclusion
Getting a green card within 90 days is quite challenging. However, do not worry, there are several strategies and scenarios that can speed up your green card process. Also, there are many factors that contribute to processing time. Some strategies and scenarios that can speed up the green card process are emergency situations, Premium Processing for Employment-Based Petitions, Adjustment of Status of Non-immigrant Visa, consular processing, and expediting Military Service. By understanding several strategies and scenarios that can speed up the green card process, you can choose and take strategic steps that are suitable for you to submit your green card acceleration request. Remember that each case is unique. Thus, Green card processing times may vary based on individual circumstances and current USCIS backlogs.
