How Long Should You Expect to Wait After Biometrics for Your Green Card? A Detailed Timeline
Are you one of the millions of people who have applied for a green card in the United States? If yes, you might be wondering how long it will take to receive your green card after completing the biometrics process.
The answer is not straightforward as it depends on various factors such as the type of application and USCIS processing times. In this article, we’ll look at the typical green card timeline after biometrics, as well as the factors that can affect it.
What are Biometrics?
Before we dive into the green card timeline after biometrics, let’s briefly go over what biometrics are. Biometrics are a form of identification that capture physical characteristics such as fingerprints, photographs, and signatures.
USCIS requires green card applicants to undergo biometric screening as part of the application process. During the biometrics appointment, you will need to submit your fingerprints, a photograph, and a signature. The biometric information is then used to conduct a background check to ensure that you don’t have any criminal history and are not a security risk to the United States.
Green Card Timeline After Biometrics
After completing the biometrics process, you might be eager to know how long it will take to receive your green card. Typically, USCIS takes around 10-14 months to process green card applications, and the timeline can vary depending on the type of application and USCIS processing times.
Here’s a detailed green card timeline after biometrics for different application types:
Family-Based Green Card
If you’re applying for a family-based green card, the timeline after biometrics can vary depending on the relationship between you and the petitioner. For example, if you’re the spouse of a U.S. citizen, the timeline might be shorter compared to if you’re a sibling of a U.S. citizen.
On average, the green card timeline after biometrics for family-based green card applications is around 10-14 months. However, this timeline can vary depending on the USCIS processing times in your area.
Employment-Based Green Card
If you’re applying for an employment-based green card, the timeline after biometrics can also vary depending on the type of employment-based visa you’re applying for. For example, the timeline for an EB-1 visa might be shorter than that of an EB-3 visa.
The green card timeline after biometrics for employment-based green card applications is typically around 10-14 months. However, the timeline can vary depending on the type of employment-based visa, USCIS processing times, and whether there are any issues with your application.
Diversity Visa Lottery
If you applied for a green card through the Diversity Visa Lottery, the green card timeline after biometrics can vary significantly. The State Department typically conducts the Diversity Visa Lottery around October of each year, and the winners are notified by mail.
If you’re a winner, you will then need to go through the green card application process, which includes biometrics. The timeline for receiving a green card after biometrics for Diversity Visa Lottery winners can be as short as a few months or as long as a year or more.
Factors That Can Affect the Green Card Timeline After Biometrics
The green card timeline after biometrics can vary depending on several factors, including:
USCIS Processing Times
USCIS processing times can vary depending on the office processing your application. If your local USCIS office has a high caseload, the processing times might be longer.
Issues With Your Application
If there are issues with your green card application, such as missing documents or incomplete information, it can delay the processing of your application.
Type of Green Card
The green card timeline after biometrics can also vary depending on the type of green card for which you’re applying. Employment-based green cards and Diversity Visa Lottery green cards might have different timelines compared to family-based green cards.
Conclusion
The green card timeline after biometrics can vary depending on several factors, including the type of green card application and USCIS processing times. Typically, it takes around 10-14 months to receive a green card after biometrics, but the timeline can vary significantly based on the factors mentioned above. If you’re unsure about the green card timeline after biometrics for your specific situation, it’s best to consult with an immigration attorney who can provide personalized advice and guidance.
