How To Get A Green Card Faster Than 90 Days

by | Feb 27, 2024

Speeding Up the Green Card Journey

In the quest for a life filled with opportunity and security in the United States, obtaining a green card is a crucial milestone for many immigrants. This prized document, officially known as a Permanent Resident Card, opens the door to employment, stability, and the path toward U.S. citizenship.

However, the journey to securing a green card is often perceived as a long and winding road, fraught with bureaucratic hurdles and lengthy processing times. But what if there were ways to navigate this path more swiftly?

90 Day Green Card Strategies & Scenarios

While a 90-day timeframe is ambitious and may not be achievable in all cases, here are a few strategies and scenarios where the process can be accelerated.

1. Emergency Situations

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) may expedite a green card application in certain emergency situations. These situations include, but are not limited to, severe financial loss to a company or person, emergencies and urgent humanitarian reasons, or if it is in the interest of U.S. government. If you find yourself in one of these situations, you can request expedited processing by providing evidence of the emergency.

2. Premium Processing for Employment-Based Petitions

For certain employment-based petitions, USCIS offers a Premium Processing Service, which guarantees processing within 15 calendar days for a fee. While this service is currently available for some visa categories like H-1B, it’s important to check the latest USCIS updates as availability and policies may change, including potential expansions to other categories.

3. Adjustment of Status from a Nonimmigrant Visa

Individuals already in the U.S. on certain nonimmigrant visas may be eligible to adjust their status to a permanent resident faster, especially if they marry a U.S. citizen or their employer sponsors them for a green card. The key here is that the applicant is already in the U.S., significantly cutting down on processing times.

4. Consular Processing

For individuals outside the U.S., consular processing can be a faster route to a green card in certain cases. This process involves the applicant attending an interview at a U.S. embassy or consulate in their home country. The speed of this process can vary greatly depending on the country and the specific circumstances of the applicant but can be quicker than adjusting status from within the U.S. for some.

5. Expediting Military Service

Members of the U.S. military and their families may receive expedited processing of their green card applications. This is a token of gratitude for their service to the country, recognizing the sacrifices made by military families.

Important Considerations

  • Accuracy and Completeness: Ensure your application is accurate and complete. Errors or missing information can cause delays.
  • Legal Representation: Consider hiring an immigration attorney. A knowledgeable lawyer can guide you through the fastest legal pathways and help avoid pitfalls that delay processing.
  • Stay Informed: Immigration laws and policies change frequently. Keep up to date with USCIS announcements and policy changes that may affect processing times.

For Those Who Must Wait: Patience Pays Off

If you’ve explored all available avenues and found that you’re not eligible to expedite your green card process, it’s understandable to feel a sense of disappointment or frustration. The journey to U.S. permanent residency is often a marathon, not a sprint, filled with complex procedures and waiting periods. However, it’s crucial to remember the value of what lies at the end of this journey—a chance to live, work, and thrive in the United States with the security and benefits that come with permanent resident status.

Embracing the Process

While the wait may seem daunting, it’s a period filled with opportunities. Use this time to prepare for your new life in the U.S. This can include enhancing your English skills, understanding American culture, or furthering your education and professional qualifications to improve your employment prospects once your green card is granted.

Staying Informed and Prepared

Stay engaged with the process by keeping your documentation up to date and continuing to gather any additional evidence that may strengthen your case. Regularly check for updates from USCIS and ensure you’re ready to respond promptly to any requests for additional information or to attend interviews.

The Value of Community and Support

Connecting with community organizations or support groups for immigrants can be incredibly beneficial. These groups can provide emotional support, practical advice, and the opportunity to meet others who are on a similar path. Sharing experiences and tips can be a great source of comfort and encouragement.

The Worth of Your Journey

It’s important to keep sight of why you started this journey. The benefits of obtaining a green card, such as the ability to live and work permanently in the U.S., protection under U.S. law, and the path to citizenship, are significant. These advantages offer stability and opportunity not just for you but potentially for future generations of your family.

While the path to obtaining a green card can be longer for some than others, the outcome is undeniably worth the wait. The security, opportunities, and freedoms that come with being a U.S. permanent resident are invaluable. At North County Immigration, we understand the challenges and the patience required throughout this process. We are here to support you every step of the way, providing guidance, assistance, and encouragement as you move closer to achieving your American dream.

Remember, good things come to those who wait—and the green card, with all its benefits, is certainly a good thing worth waiting for.

Conclusion

While getting a green card in under 90 days is challenging and may not be possible in all scenarios, understanding your options and taking strategic steps can significantly reduce waiting times. Remember, each case is unique, and processing times can vary widely based on individual circumstances and current USCIS backlogs.

At North County Immigration, we understand the urgency and significance of obtaining your green card. Our commitment is to provide you with the most accurate, strategic, and up-to-date advice to navigate the immigration process as swiftly as possible. If you’re seeking to expedite your green card application, contact us to explore your options and devise a tailored strategy to meet your goals.