October 24, 2025
The time it takes depends on your green card category (family-based, employment-based, or diversity visa), your country of origin, and whether you apply through adjustment of status or consular processing. Backlogs at USCIS and visa number availability also play a big role in how quickly your case moves forward.
Yes. Immediate relatives of U.S. citizens usually move fastest, often within about 6 to 12 months. Priority employment categories like EB-1 may take around 8 months to a couple of years, while other family and employment categories can take several years, depending on visa availability and backlogs.
November 14, 2023
If you hold a 10-year green card that has expired or will expire within six months, you should file Form I-90 (Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card) with USCIS to renew it. Filing too early or too late can cause problems, so timing and accuracy matter.
With an expired 10-year green card, your permanent resident status does not end, but it can make things like travel, employment, housing, and ID issuance difficult without a valid card. It is important to renew or replace your card so you can show proof of status.
June 21, 2023
Divorce does not automatically take away your permanent green card. If you already have a 10-year green card, your immigration status generally stays the same even after a divorce. You can live and work in the U.S. and renew your green card without it being tied to your marriage.
If your green card is conditional (valid for two years), divorce can complicate removing the conditions. You must prove your marriage was entered into in good faith to USCIS and file Form I-751, possibly with a waiver of the joint filing requirement, or you risk losing your status.