Faster Green Card Processing: Where to Apply in the U.S.?

Getting a Green Card, or permanent residence in the United States, is a crucial step for many immigrants who want to live in the country. Nonetheless, the procedure necessitates perseverance, as the typical processing period for a Green Card application is roughly 18 months.

Here’s a detailed look at the procedures, variables that impact processing timelines, and cities where applicants can anticipate expedited processing.

Timeline for Processing Green Cards

Although it might vary, the average processing time for a Green Card application is 18 months. Every applicant’s situation is different, and some places have faster processing times than others. Let’s examine the process’s steps and the variables that affect the waiting time.

Important Actions

• Filling out Form I-485: The main application form for people looking to obtain permanent residency is Form I-485, also known as the “Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status.” It’s crucial to complete this form correctly and make sure all the information is correct.
• Providing Necessary Documentation: In addition to Form I-485, applicants need to provide verification of their identity, evidence of their existing immigration status, and, in certain situations, affidavits of support.
• Providing Biometric Information: In order to conduct background and security checks, applicants must go to a biometric appointment where the USCIS will take their fingerprints, pictures, and signatures.
• The majority of the time, candidates will go to their local USCIS office for an interview. In order to assess the applicant’s eligibility for permanent residency, USCIS officers examine their case during this interview and pose further queries.

With 89 offices nationwide, the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is in charge of overseeing these procedures.

Processing Time

The USCIS office handling the application will determine the processing time. Some of the fastest USCIS locations have typical processing times, which are shown in the timeline below.

The time it took USCIS to finish 80% of cases at each office over the previous six months is reflected in processing times. This implies that depending on a number of variables, certain cases may be processed more quickly while others may take longer.

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Processing periods for green cards might differ significantly depending on a number of criteria, such as:

• Location of USCIS Office: Because administrative efficiency and workloads vary, some USCIS offices process cases more quickly than others.
• Completeness of Documentation: Incomplete or missing paperwork may cause processing to be delayed since USCIS may ask for more information.
• Case Complexity: Some applications need to be examined more thoroughly, particularly if they involve complicated matters like criminal histories or other eligibility issues.
• Government Backlogs: Bottlenecks caused by delays within the Department of Homeland Security or USCIS can slow down the processing of cases.

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Timeline Average

It helps candidates set reasonable expectations when they are aware of the processing times for Green Cards. In the last six months, USCIS completed 80% of applications in the allotted processing time, therefore the remaining 20% may take longer.

Understanding that processing times differ can help candidates feel less anxious and better organize their journey to permanent residence.

The Green Card application procedure is a significant yet frequently drawn-out one. Most applications wait about 18 months on average, however candidates in some cities—like Burlington, Norfolk, and Providence—may be processed more quickly.

Knowing these deadlines and prerequisites will help you proceed confidently toward U.S. permanent residency, regardless of whether you’re already in the application process or are thinking about applying.

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