How long does it take to get a green card?

In California, the length of time it takes to get a green card, also known as obtaining lawful permanent residency, depends on a variety of factors. On average, it takes about 6-13 months to complete the process. The process begins with filing Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative. If the applicant is the immediate relative of a United States citizen, Form I-130 can be filed and approved at the same time. If the applicant does not fall into the immediate relative category, then the Form I-130 must be approved before the applicant can proceed with their green card application. After the Form I-130 has been approved, the applicant must file Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status. This form is usually processed within 8-12 months. The applicant will then be contacted for an interview with the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). After the interview is conducted and all required documents are submitted, the USCIS will make a decision on the application. If approved, the applicant will receive their green card in the mail. Once received, the green card will be valid for 10 years. After 10 years, the applicant must renew their green card by filing Form I-90, Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card. Following the submission of this form, the applicant will receive a renewed green card in the mail. In total, the average length of time it takes to get a green card in California is 6-13 months. However, there are several factors that can alter the timeline, so the process can take longer or shorter depending on the individual case.

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La obtención de una tarjeta verde no es un proceso sencillo y a menudo puede llevar tiempo. El tiempo de espera depende del tipo de visas a la que una persona califica, el lugar de residencia y el número de visas disponibles en un año. En general, el proceso de obtener una tarjeta verde comienza con la solicitud de una visa de inmigrante. Esta puede ser una visa familiar, de empleo, de refugiado, de victima de malfeasance u otros. Esta visa solo es un paso en el proceso, pero es crucial. Una vez que la visa ha sido aprobada, el solicitante puede entonces solicitar la tarjeta verde. Esta etapa del proceso toma alrededor de 6-8 meses para completar. Una vez que la tarjeta verde es aprobada, la persona puede entonces solicitar la residencia permanente e iniciar el proceso de obtención de ciudadanía. Dado el número de pasos en el proceso de obtener una tarjeta verde, el tiempo de espera puede llevar de uno a varios años.

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How long does it take to get a green card?

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