How long does it take to get a green card?
It depends entirely on your category and country of birth. Immediate relatives of US citizens have no annual cap and typically wait 12-18 months. Family preference categories can take 5-25+ years. Employment-based categories range from 1-2 years for EB-1 to 20+ years for India-born EB-3 applicants due to per-country annual limits.
What is the difference between adjustment of status and consular processing?
Adjustment of status (Form I-485) allows eligible applicants already inside the US to apply for permanent residence without leaving. Consular processing requires attending an interview at a US Embassy in your home country. Both lead to a green card, but adjustment of status allows you to remain and work in the US during processing.
What is a priority date and why does it matter?
A priority date is the date USCIS received your immigrant visa petition. For capped visa categories, you cannot receive a green card until the Visa Bulletin shows your priority date is current. India-born EB-3 applicants currently have priority dates backlogged into the early 2010s.
Can I work in the US while waiting for my green card?
If you filed for adjustment of status, you can simultaneously apply for an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) and Advance Parole travel document. Consular processing applicants must maintain valid work-authorized status until they receive their immigrant visa.
What is the fee to apply for a green card?
Adjustment of status fees are approximately $1,440 per adult (as of 2024 fee changes, covering I-485, EAD, and Advance Parole together) plus biometrics. Consular processing involves Form I-130 ($675) plus a $325 immigrant visa fee. Medical exams add $200-$500. Legal fees range from $2,000-$8,000+.