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By Sanjay Lama
Updated: Jan 13, 2026
The U.S. Green Card process is one of the most common questions among immigrants, workers, and families planning to live permanently in the United States. A straightforward inquiry such as “How long does the green card process take?” does not have a single, definitive response because the timeline is dependent on a number of variables, including the type of green card, application category, country of origin, and government processing pace.
In this guide, we will clearly explain the green card process time, steps and timeline, and realistic waiting periods for different categories, so you can understand what to expect and plan accordingly.
Disclaimer: This article does not offer legal advice; it is merely meant to be informative. Timelines and regulations pertaining to immigration may alter.
What Is a Green Card?
A foreign national can live and work in the United States permanently with a Green Card, sometimes called a Permanent Resident Card. Green card holders are able to travel within and outside of the country, work for the majority of firms, and, if qualified, seek for U.S. citizenship.
How Long Does the Green Card Process Take Overall?
In general, the green card process takes anywhere from 1 year to over 10 years, depending on the category and individual circumstances.
Here is a broad estimate:
Marriage-based Green Card: 10 months to 3 years
Employment-based Green Card: 1 year to 5+ years
Family-sponsored Green Card: 2 years to 15+ years
H1B to Green Card process: 2 years to 10+ years
These timelines include application review, background checks, interviews, and visa availability.
Green Card Process Steps and Timeline (Overview)
Before breaking down individual categories, it’s important to understand the basic green card process steps and timeline.
Step 1: Petition Filing
A sponsor (employer or family member) files an immigration petition with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
Step 2: Priority Date
A priority date is set as soon as USCIS receives the petition. Your position in line is determined by this date.
Step 3: Waiting for Visa Availability
Some categories have annual limits, which can cause long waiting periods.
Step 4: Adjustment of Status or Consular Processing
Adjustment of Status (AOS): If you are inside the U.S.
Consular Processing: If you are outside the U.S.
Step 5: Interview and Decision
USCIS or a U.S. consulate conducts an interview and makes a final decision.
How Long Does the Green Card Process Take by Category?
Marriage Green Card Process Timeline
- The marriage green card process depends on whether the spouse is a U.S. citizen or a Green Card holder.
Estimated timeline:
Married to a U.S. citizen: 10–18 months
Married to a Green Card holder: 18–36 months
Factors affecting time:
Location of applicant
USCIS workload
Background checks
Interview schedulingFamily-Based Green Card Process Time
- Family-based Green Cards are divided into preference categories.
Typical timelines:
Immediate relatives of U.S. citizens: 1–2 years
Adult children or siblings of U.S. citizens: 7–15+ years
Family of Green Card holders: 2–7 years
Country of origin plays a major role, as some countries have longer waiting queues.
Employment-Based Green Card Process Timeline
- Employment-based Green Cards are divided into five categories (EB-1 to EB-5).
Estimated processing times:
EB-1 (Priority Workers): 1–2 years
EB-2 & EB-3: 2–5+ years
EB-5 (Investor): 2–4 years
Processing includes labor certification (PERM), petition approval, and final application review.
H1B to Green Card Process Timeline
- The H1B to green card process usually takes longer because it involves multiple steps.
Typical timeline:
PERM Labor Certification: 6–12 months
I-140 Petition: 6–9 months
Adjustment of Status / Consular Processing: 8–14 months
Total time:
👉 2 to 10+ years, depending on country and visa availability.
Green Card Process Time by Country
Some countries face longer delays due to high demand.
Countries that often experience longer wait times:
India
China
Mexico
Philippines
Applicants from these countries may wait several additional years, especially in employment-based and family preference categories.
Factors That Affect How Long the Green Card Process Takes
Several factors can speed up or delay your application:
Category type (family vs employment)
Country of birth
USCIS workload
Accuracy of application
Background checks
Requests for additional evidence (RFE)
Interview availability
Even small errors can cause months of delay.
Can the Green Card Process Be Faster?
In some cases, processing can be faster:
Premium Processing (for certain employment petitions)
Immediate relative categories
Complete and error-free applications
Clear background history
However, not all green card categories are eligible for expedited processing.
Green Card Process Timeline: Inside the U.S. vs Outside the U.S.
Inside the U.S. (Adjustment of Status): Often faster and allows applicants to work while waiting
Outside the U.S. (Consular Processing): May take longer due to embassy scheduling
Each option has its own requirements and benefits.
Common Delays in the Green Card Process
Some common reasons for delays include:
- Missing documents
- Incorrect forms
- Security checks
- Interview rescheduling
- Visa number unavailability
Staying organized and responding promptly to USCIS requests can reduce delays.
FAQs: How Long Does the Green Card Process Take?
How long is the green card process on average?
On average, the process takes 1 to 5 years, but it can be longer depending on category and country.
How long does green card process take after marriage?
Marriage-based green cards usually take 10 months to 3 years.
How long does the green card process take for H1B holders?
It can take 2 to 10+ years, depending on visa availability.
Is the green card process time the same for everyone?
No, timelines vary based on category, country, and individual circumstances.
Can delays be avoided?
Delays can be reduced by submitting accurate documents and following instructions carefully.
