Green Card (Permanent Residence)
Complete guide to obtaining permanent residence in the United States
Expedited Processing Options
Criteria for Expedited Processing
- Severe financial loss
- Humanitarian reasons
- U.S. government interests
- Clear USCIS error
Congressional Assistance
Your local Congress representative can help:
- Inquire about case status
- Request case expedition
- Resolve administrative issues
- Find your representative
Application Process
1. Determine Eligibility
Review eligibility categories and verify requirements
Important: Ensure you meet all criteria before proceeding2. File Petition
Submit Form I-130 (family) or I-140 (employment)
Processing time: 2-6 months depending on category3. Wait for Priority Date
Monitor Visa Bulletin for availability
Time varies by category and country of origin4. File Adjustment of Status
Submit Form I-485 with supporting documents
Can be filed concurrently for some categories5. Biometrics & Interview
Complete fingerprinting and attend USCIS interview
Schedule typically within 3-5 weeks of filingSpecial Procedures
Concurrent Filing
For eligible categories, you can file Form I-485 together with:
- Form I-130 (Family petition)
- Form I-140 (Employment petition)
- Form I-765 (Work permit)
Concurrent filing can save several months in processing time
Travel Documents
Important documents for travel while application is pending:
- Advance Parole (Form I-131)
- Employment Authorization (Form I-765)
- Re-entry Permit for permanent residents
Do not travel without proper documentation
Fees and Processing Time
Filing Fees
-
Form I-485 Fee: $1,225
- Application Fee: $1,140
- Biometric Services: $85
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Additional Forms:
- I-130 (Family): $535
- I-140 (Employment): $700
- I-765 (Work Permit): $0 with I-485
- I-131 (Advance Parole): $0 with I-485
Processing Timeline
-
Average Processing Time: 8-14 months
- Petition Processing: 2-6 months
- Priority Date Wait: Varies by category
- I-485 Processing: 6-8 months
- Interview Scheduling: 2-4 weeks
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Times vary by category and service center. Check current processing times on the USCIS website.