How Long Is The Immigration Waiting List?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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The average waiting time for all categories was almost six years . Wait times become the longest for non-immediate relatives of petitioners. For example, the current wait for Filipino siblings of adult American citizens need to wait an average of 23 years to be eligible for a green card.

Why are immigration cases taking so long?

Background checks . While the very necessary procedure – by which the USCIS verifies that an applicant is no threat to society – has become much more advanced (and quicker) than 20 years ago, certain checks take an extraordinarily long time. Many law enforcement agencies are tied into the network.

How long could the wait be just to get a green card?

In most cases, it takes about two years for a green card to become available, and the entire process takes around three years. It can take slightly longer for citizens of Mexico, China, India, and the Philippines.

Why is USCIS taking so long 2021?

Due to a large backlog of applications , review times at United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) are delayed for most applications and services. USCIS received a higher volume of applications than normal in 2020 and 2021, and offices remain understaffed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

How long does it take USCIS to schedule an interview 2021?

As we've mentioned above, you could wait for anything between 1 month and 24 months for your interview to be scheduled. These times are not guaranteed in any way, however. So, if there is a long delay at your field office, it could even take even longer.

Can I leave the US while waiting for green card?

The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) does provide that immigrants may travel abroad while waiting on their Green Card, officially known as a Permanent Resident Card. ... An Advance Parole travel document allows for the continued processing of an adjustment of status to a lawful permanent resident.

Can I stay in the US while waiting for green card?

Any immigrant with a pending green card application (for U.S. permanent or conditional residence) is allowed to remain in the United States until the application is decided upon by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

How many cases does Uscis process a day?

According to documents obtain by The Washington Post, USCIS is creating the “Organization of Professional Responsibility” to enhance oversight of the way its employees handle the more than 26,000 cases the agency decides each day.

How can I speed up immigration process?

You can generally request expedited processing by contacting the USCIS Contact Center at 1-800-375-5283 (TTY for the deaf, hard of hearing, or those having a speech disability: 1-800-767-1833) or by asking Emma after you have obtained a receipt notice.

How fast is Uscis processing time?

Form type Application center Processing time U.S. citizen filing for a married son or daughter over 21 California Service Center 92.5 Months to 120 Months Nebraska Service Center 12.5 Months to 16 Months Potomac Service Center 7 Months to 9 Months Texas Service Center 5 Months to 7 Months

How long does it take to get green card after interview 2021?

Usually, the immigrant officer brings the decision right at the end of the interview. If the application has been approved, he or she will put the stamp in the immigrant passport, which is valid for 30 days as a green card. The green card will arrive by mail in the next 60 days .

How long does it take USCIS to make a decision after interview 2020?

If you did not receive a decision at the end of your interview, you should expect to receive a decision from USCIS within 30 days . We are aware of many cases, however, where USCIS does not meet this deadline.

Are green card interviews being waived 2021?

It is possible that USCIS is using its discretionary power to waive i485 employment-based interviews to avoid wasting GC numbers in 2021 and will continue to do so in 2022. ... If your employment-based interview is waived, you can expect your green card to be approved within a month of submitting your medical RFE.

Can you move while waiting for green card?

The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) does provide that immigrants may travel abroad while waiting on their Green Card, officially known as a Permanent Resident Card. ... In order to obtain Advance Parole, you must complete Form I-131—Application for Travel Document.

Can I stay in the US while waiting for change of status?

You must remain in the U.S. while your application is pending . If you leave the U.S., USCIS will consider your application abandoned and deny the application. Consult your immigration attorney or ISS if you must leave the U.S. during USCIS processing.

Rachel Ostrander
Author
Rachel Ostrander
Rachel is a career coach and HR consultant with over 5 years of experience working with job seekers and employers. She holds a degree in human resources management and has worked with leading companies such as Google and Amazon. Rachel is passionate about helping people find fulfilling careers and providing practical advice for navigating the job market.