How Long Does It Take to Get a Green Card?

Obtaining a green card is a significant milestone for families seeking to live permanently in the United States. It offers security, the ability to work, and a path to citizenship. However, one of the most common questions people ask is: How long does it take to get a green card?

The answer varies greatly depending on the type of green card you’re applying for and other factors. Here’s more information about the various timelines and factors involved in the green card process to provide a clearer understanding.

What Factors Affect Processing Time?

The processing time for a green card isn’t one-size-fits-all. Several factors influence the duration of the process, including your country of origin, the visa category (family-based vs. employment-based), and whether you apply through adjustment of status or consular processing.

In 2025, the backlog at U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has grown significantly, which can further delay processing. Heightened security clearances and policy changes, such as new forms and eligibility reviews, also contribute to longer wait times, especially when there are unresolved issues in an applicant’s history.

What Are the Different Types of Green Cards?

The time it takes to get a green card can differ based on the category under which you’re applying. Each type has its own process and timeline. The most common types of green cards are:

• Family-Based Green Cards for individuals with family members who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents.
• Employment-Based Green Cards for workers sponsored by a U.S. employer.
• Diversity Lottery Green Cards issued through a random selection process to individuals from countries with historically low immigration rates to the U.S.

Processing Times for Family-Based Green Cards

Family-based green cards can be divided into two main categories: immediate relatives and preference relatives.

1. Immediate Relatives: These are spouses, unmarried children under 21, and parents of U.S. citizens. The wait time for this category is usually the shortest, typically ranging from 6 to 12 months.
2. Preference Relatives: These include more distant family members like adult children and siblings of U.S. citizens or permanent residents. The timeline for these applications can stretch from several months to over a decade, depending on the applicant’s country of origin and visa availability.

Additionally, whether the sponsor is a U.S. citizen or a green card holder can significantly affect how fast the application is processed.

Employment-Based Green Card Timelines

Employment-based green cards also follow a preference system, which includes categories such as:

• EB-1: For priority workers like multinational executives or individuals with extraordinary ability. These green cards typically have a faster processing time, usually ranging from eight months to two years.
• EB-2: For individuals with advanced degrees or exceptional ability. This process can take 18 months or longer, depending on the applicant’s country of origin and the required labor certification.
• EB-3: For skilled workers and professionals. The timeline for this category is typically longer, ranging from one to three years, with additional delays for applicants from countries such as India and China.

In many cases, employment-based applicants must first complete the permanent labor certification process, which can take a year or more on its own.

Diversity Visa Timeline

For those lucky enough to be selected for the Diversity Visa Program, results are typically announced in early May each year. After selection, winners must submit a green card application within a specific timeframe.

The lottery still requires participants to undergo standard background checks and interviews. From selection to receiving the green card, the process usually takes one to two years.

How to Speed Up the Green Card Process

TO help expedite your green card or adjustment of status application, you should work with an experienced immigration attorney who understands the 2025 changes in policy and form requirements for the USCIS. Attorneys can ensure your case is correctly prepared, the proper form editions are used, and any required documentation is submitted accurately. For example, in 2025, USCIS will only accept the new January 20, 2025, edition of Form I-485 for marriage-based green cards, starting on April 3, 2025.

You should also respond quickly to any USCIS Requests for Evidence (RFE) or other follow-up inquiries. Submitting supplemental documents promptly can avoid added delays and keep your application moving through the queue. In some cases, you may be eligible to explore alternative immigration pathways while waiting for your green card, such as a valid non-immigrant work visa or other immigrant-category petitions.

These strategies can help maintain your legal status and employment authorization during the green card process.

Common Delays in the Green Card Process

There are several reasons your green card process may take longer than expected:

• USCIS may issue a Request for Evidence (RFE) because required documentation is missing or incomplete. That can slow down the process if you don’t act promptly.
• Mistakes or outdated versions of immigration forms can lead to resubmissions or rejections. For example, using an older edition of Form I-485 after April 3, 2025, could result in delay or denial.
• If the background check, security clearance, or visa‑number availability for your category is delayed, your case may sit waiting for additional agency work or for the monthly visa bulletin to advance.

Being aware of these potential hold‑ups, especially in the current backlog‑heavy immigration environment of 2025, can help you and your attorney anticipate problems, act proactively, and reduce unnecessary setbacks.

2025 Tips to Expedite Your Green Card Application

• Use the latest USCIS form editions – For example, USCIS now only accepts the 01/20/25 edition of Form I-485 for marriage-based green cards starting April 3, 2025. Using outdated forms can lead to RFEs or delays.
• Monitor USCIS processing times – Check current USCIS processing times online to track how long your application may take and plan accordingly.
• Submit complete and accurate documentation – Double-check that all required documents are included, translated if necessary, and properly notarized.
• Respond promptly to RFEs – USCIS often issues RFEs when documentation is incomplete; timely responses prevent your case from being pushed back in the queue.
• Consider alternative visa options – If your green card category has long wait times, temporary work or family visas can help you maintain legal status while your application is processed.
• Stay informed on policy changes – USCIS updates, such as changes in eligibility or documentation requirements, can affect your timeline; working with an immigration lawyer ensures you’re aware of the latest rules.

How to Check Your Green Card Application Status

To stay informed about where your green card application stands, you can check the USCIS website using your receipt number to track your case status. Checking your status regularly ensures you stay updated and can respond quickly to any requests from USCIS.

Maintaining Status During the Green Card Process

During the green card application process, you must maintain a valid immigration status. This may involve extending or changing your current visa or status, such as a temporary work visa or student visa. Failure to maintain valid status can jeopardize the green card application and potentially lead to deportation or other adverse consequences.

Need Help Getting a Green Card? Call American Immigration Law Group

Navigating the green card process on your own can be overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it alone. The experienced immigration attorneys at American Immigration Law Group are here to help guide you every step of the way, ensuring that your application is completed correctly and submitted on time.

Contact us today or call 314-416-8000 to schedule a consultation with a green card lawyer and take the first step toward securing your family’s future in the United States.