How To Get A Green Card Faster Than 90 Days
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 or other visa type is a crucial milestone for many immigrants. Permanent Resident Cards can open the door to employment, stability, and the path toward U.S. citizenship.
However, the journey to securing a green card ihas become 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?
Green Card Strategies & Scenarios
While no one can control government processing times and it is highly unlikely you’ll be able to obtain a green card faster than 90 days, there are some strategies we have successfully used to assist our clients receive a more efficient experience.
- Emergency Situations
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) may expedite some applications 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.
- 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 know the latest USCIS updates as availability and policies may change.
- Adjustment of Status v. Consular Processing
Individuals already in the U.S. may be eligible to adjust their status to a permanent resident faster than consular processing from abroad, especially if they are married to a US citizen. The key here is that the applicant is already in the U.S., significantly cutting down on processing times.
- 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.
- 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.
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.
Conclusion
While getting a green card and other applications expedited 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.
By Anna M. Hysell
Ms. Hysell is the founding and managing attorney of North County Immigration. After graduating from law school at the University of Wisconsin and getting several years of experience, Ms. Hysell returned to her native Southern California to open an office in North San Diego County to serve clients from the Bay Area to the Mexican Border. She frequently speaks at law conferences, law schools, and workshops providing training to other lawyers. Ms. Hysell is committed to representing individuals with the resolve, compassion, ethics, and values she believes everyone deserves.