How to Get a Green Card in Less Time Than 90 Days

What Does a Green Card Stand For?

A green card, also known as a Permanent Resident Card, is a document that allows an individual to live and work permanently in the United States.

It is a vital document for anyone wishing to establish a long-term life in the U.S., offering the holder many rights and privileges similar to those of U.S. citizens. The term “green card” originates from the document’s historical color, which has varied over the years but is currently green.

Holding a green card signifies that you are a lawful permanent resident of the United States, which is a step below full citizenship. Green card holders can live and work in the U.S. indefinitely, travel abroad with fewer restrictions, and eventually apply for U.S. citizenship if they meet the eligibility criteria.

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Benefits of Having a Green Card

The benefits of having a green card are numerous and impactful. Firstly, it provides stability, allowing you to live and work in the United States without the need to constantly renew your visa. This stability is essential for building a career, buying property, and starting a family.

Green card holders also enjoy greater job opportunities. Unlike visa holders who may be restricted to specific employers or job categories, green card holders can work for any employer in any job. This freedom opens up a wide range of professional opportunities and can lead to significant career advancement.

Additionally, green card holders can sponsor close family members for their own green cards, allowing them to bring their loved ones to the U.S. over time. Finally, having a green card is a pathway to U.S. citizenship. After holding a green card for a certain period (usually five years), you can apply for naturalization, becoming a full-fledged U.S. citizen with all the associated rights and privileges.

How Long Does It Take to Get a Green Card?

The time it takes to get a green card can vary widely depending on several factors, including the type of green card you are applying for, your country of origin, and the current backlog of applications. Typically, the process can take anywhere from several months to several years.

For example, green cards based on marriage to a U.S. citizen generally take 10 to 13 months to process, while those based on employment can take longer, depending on the employer’s sponsorship and the type of work visa you currently hold.

If you are applying from outside the U.S., you must go through consular processing, which can add additional time to the process. The waiting period for a green card can also be affected by annual visa quotas and backlogs for certain countries, making the timeline even more unpredictable.

How to Get a Green Card Faster Than 90 Days

While the standard green card process can take many months, some certain circumstances and strategies can significantly expedite the process, potentially allowing you to obtain a green card in less than 90 days.

Here’s how:

1. Expedited Processing for Certain Cases

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) may expedite a green card application under specific conditions. These include severe financial loss to the company or person, urgent humanitarian reasons, or if the application is in the national interest of the United States.

If you believe your situation qualifies, you can request expedited processing by contacting USCIS and providing evidence supporting your case.

2. Concurrent Filing

If you are married to a U.S. citizen, you can file Form I-130 (Petition for Alien Relative) and Form I-485 (Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status) concurrently.

This means that both forms are processed simultaneously, which can significantly reduce the overall processing time. In some cases, this can lead to a green card being issued in less than 90 days.

3. Premium Processing

For employment-based green cards, certain petitions may be eligible for premium processing, which guarantees that USCIS will process your application within 15 calendar days for an additional fee. While this service does not directly apply to the green card itself, it can expedite the overall process if you are transitioning from a work visa to a green card.

4. Military Personnel

If you are an active-duty member of the U.S. military, your green card application can be expedited. Additionally, the spouses and children of U.S. military personnel may also be eligible for expedited processing.

5. Investing in the U.S.

The EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program allows individuals who invest a minimum of $1.8 million (or $900,000 in a targeted employment area) in a new commercial enterprise that creates at least 10 full-time jobs for U.S. workers to apply for a green card.

While the process can still take time, the investment and job creation requirements make it a higher priority for USCIS, potentially leading to faster processing times.

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Fastest State to Get a Green Card

The processing time for a green card can vary depending on the state where you apply. States with lower application volumes, such as smaller or less populated states, may have faster processing times compared to larger states like California, New York, or Texas, where the volume of applications is higher.

However, the difference in processing times between states is generally minimal, as the primary factor influencing the speed of your green card application is your individual circumstances rather than your location. It is crucial to focus on ensuring that your application is complete, accurate, and well-documented to avoid any unnecessary delays, regardless of the state you apply in.

If you’re looking for the fastest possible processing, consider applying from a state with fewer immigration applications, such as states in the Midwest or the South. However, it’s important to consult with an immigration attorney to determine the best strategy for your particular situation.

FAQs About Getting a Green Card Fast

Can I expedite my green card application if I have a job offer?

Yes, if you have a job offer from a U.S. employer that is critical to the company or is in the national interest, you may be able to expedite your green card application.

Does marrying a U.S. citizen guarantee faster processing?

Marrying a U.S. citizen can significantly speed up your green card process, particularly if you file for concurrent processing. However, it does not guarantee approval.

Can I get a green card faster if I am already in the U.S. on a visa?

Yes, if you are in the U.S. on a visa, you may be able to adjust your status without leaving the country, which can be faster than consular processing.

Is premium processing available for family-based green cards?

No, premium processing is generally not available for family-based green cards. It is typically offered for certain employment-based green card petitions.

How can an attorney help speed up my green card application?

An immigration attorney can help ensure your application is complete and accurate, assist with any complications, and potentially help expedite your application if special circumstances apply.

Conclusion

Although challenging, getting a green card in less than 90 days is not unachievable. Your green card application procedure can be accelerated, concurrent filing can be considered, and skilled legal guidance can help you cut down on time.

Getting permanent residency in the United States faster than you ever would have imagined is feasible if you know the right procedures and make the most of them.