Timeline and Processing

After your marriage-based green card interview, it generally takes two to four weeks to receive a decision, though this timeline can vary. In some cases, USCIS may approve your application on the spot, while in others, additional review is needed, which can lead to delays. If your case is straightforward and all documents are in order, you may receive your green card within a few weeks.

However, if the officer needs more evidence or if your application requires further background checks, the decision may take several months. If you haven’t received any notice after 90 days, it might be a good idea to contact USCIS for an update on your case status.

Yes, it may be possible to expedite your marriage-based green card application, but it depends on your situation. USCIS allows expedited processing for specific reasons, such as severe financial loss, urgent humanitarian reasons, or if your case is in the national interest of the U.S. To request an expedite, you or your attorney must contact USCIS and provide strong evidence supporting your request. Keep in mind that expedite requests are rarely granted unless there are exceptional circumstances, and processing times are still subject to certain delays.

Alternatively, if you’re outside the U.S. and facing significant delays, contacting your local consulate for assistance can sometimes help, especially if there are urgent medical or family-related reasons.

There are several reasons why your marriage-based green card application might be taking longer than expected. Common delays include high backlogs at USCIS service centers, processing backlogs at U.S. embassies or consulates, and administrative issues, like requests for additional evidence (RFEs). Errors in your forms or missing documents can also slow things down considerably. If you’re applying from abroad, delays in scheduling your consular interview can add months to your timeline, especially if the embassy is facing staffing issues or local restrictions.

Additionally, green card applications for spouses of permanent residents may take longer because they are subject to visa availability limits, unlike those for spouses of U.S. citizens. Staying organized, responding promptly to any requests, and double-checking your application for accuracy can help avoid some of these delays.

The processing timeline for a marriage-based green card depends on your specific situation, but here’s a general overview. If you are married to a U.S. citizen and are applying from within the United States (Adjustment of Status), the process typically takes 10 to 14 months. It starts with filing Form I-130 and Form I-485, followed by a biometrics appointment, and then an interview with both spouses.

For those applying from outside the U.S. (consular processing), it can take 12 to 18 months or longer, depending on consulate wait times. If married to a green card holder, visa availability can further delay the timeline, sometimes adding several months or even years to the process. Each case is unique, and factors like errors in paperwork or additional requests from USCIS can lead to longer waiting times.

The timeline for getting a marriage-based green card can vary depending on several factors, such as whether you’re married to a U.S. citizen or a green card holder and whether you’re applying from inside or outside the U.S. Generally, for spouses of U.S. citizens applying from within the U.S., the process can take around 10 to 14 months. If applying through consular processing from abroad, it may take 12 to 18 months. For spouses of green card holders, the timeline may be longer due to visa availability, sometimes extending up to two years or more.

Factors like backlogs at processing centers and any additional requests for information can also impact your timeline, making it important to submit a complete and accurate application from the start.