The process of obtaining a marriage-based green card can vary depending on your unique circumstances, but most couples should anticipate the process taking at least seven months. Factors such as filing fees, accuracy of documents, and the number of applications being processed all come into play.
Applying for a green card requires both extensive documentation and intense scrutiny of that documentation by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Whether you choose to go through the USCIS or use another route, such as an immigrant visa through a U.S. embassy, consider that it could take longer than originally anticipated to get your green card due to processing times and unforeseen setbacks along the way.
What Impacts the Timeline to Get a Marriage Based Green Card?
The timeline for a marriage based green card can vary greatly, depending on several factors including whether the couple is applying from inside or outside the United States. Filing applications abroad can cause a longer wait time due to additional processing at U.S. embassies, while applicants who are already living in the U.S. can usually get their green cards approved much more quickly as they do not need consular processing.
Furthermore, each application is subject to a USCIS review of supporting documents; if an applicant's documentation is incomplete or needs correction, this can lengthen an already lengthy timeline considerably. Therefore, it is important to ensure all required documents are sent in accurately and any requests for additional information are answered swiftly when pursuing the green card application process so that the couple can move towards their new life together as soon as possible.
Is There Anything to Do to Speed Up the Process?
The process of obtaining a marriage based green card can take anywhere from 10 to 13 months, depending on the country of residence and other variables. To commission the fastest possible result, couples should ensure that their application is complete and up-to-date before filing. All documents should be neatly organized according to immigration guidelines to streamline the application process. Moreover, applicants should keep in contact with the U.S Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) office if any changes occur during the course.
If a follow-up is requested during the process, it will crack down on approval time significantly as well. Additionally, having an experienced legal adviser familiar with USCIS laws can help ease worries about bureaucracy and relieve stress for applicants - all leading to a faster resolution.