Getting a U.S. green card marks a big step toward permanent residency in the U.S. — but what happens now? How long will it take? The time an application takes to be granted a green card is dependent on several factors including the type of green card, your location, and the speed at which your paperwork is processed.
1. What Affects Green Card Processing Time?
Type of Application: Different timelines apply for family-based, employment-based, and asylum-based applications, as well as diversity visas.
USCIS Workload: If your local USCIS office or embassy is also busy, processing times will vary.
Priority Dates: In most categories, you have to wait for a visa number to become available. The Visa Bulletin tracks how fast eligible applicants are going through.
Country of Origin: Longer wait times apply to applicants from countries with high demand.
2. Estimated Timelines by Category
Family-Based Green Cards:
Immediate Relatives: ~12–18 months
Other Family Categories: Up to several years depending on the backlog
Employment-Based Green Cards:
Ranges from 1 to 3 years, sometimes longer depending on the category (EB-1, EB-2, etc.)
Diversity Visa Lottery:
About 1 year after selection, assuming all documents and interviews are on time
Adjustment of Status (within the U.S.):
Generally, 12–24 months
Consular Processing (outside the U.S.):
Usually 12–18 months
3. How to Check Your Case Status
USCIS Case Status has your green card application status and you can find it by using your case number.
4. Speeding Up the Process
Apply in full and accurately
Act quickly to requests for additional evidence (RFE)
Consider using premium processing (for some employment categories)
Keep an eye on your case and stay in tandem with your attorney or sponsor
Need help navigating your green card process or checking your timeline? Visit Helping Green Card for expert guidance and updates or call us at +91 8305233223.
