As all of us who have been through the immigration process know, immigration does not come without complications. Among them, the most common is that applications are delayed and stuck in endless waiting times. When asked a question like “Why my green card does not arrive?” we usually have to answer that the fault lies with what is called an unreasonable delay very difficult to speed up.
If you are facing an unreasonable delay, do not despair. At Urbina Immigration Law we can help you unblock your green card application so that you can obtain your legal status as soon as possible. Contact us today to evaluate your case and start realizing your dream life in the country you have chosen as your home.
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What is unreasonable delay and why is it affecting my case?
An unreasonable delay in immigration means that the application sent to the immigration offices, specifically USCIS, has been stuck in bureaucratic limbo and cannot move forward. and cannot move forward.
That is, unreasonable delays occur when the problem has to do with the immigration agencies, not with problems in individual applications. Probably the cases most affected by these delays are green cards or permanent residences. permanent residency.
The time is getting longer, the applicants are getting impatient, and the problems of not having an immigration status keep surfacing. So, if you find yourself wondering “Why isn’t my green card arriving?”, it is first important to find out the estimated time frame for each process and if there are possibilities to speed it up.
What is the USCIS waiting time?
First of all, before initiating any drastic measure, it is necessary to know the approximate time it may take the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to process the applications.
The agency’s official website has all the information on the subject, specifying the application forms, category, and office to which they were sent. Logging in regularly, before and after applying, could be significant in calming impatience and knowing what to expect from the process.
For example:
- If you have entered the United States on an immigrant visa and paid the visa fee before entering the country, the waiting time for permanent residency is approximately 90 days from the day of arrival.
- If the fee was paid after entry, the waiting time announced by USCIS is 90 days after payment is made.
- If you have not yet paid the immigration fee, you must pay it online in order to begin processing for permanent residency.
How long does it take to receive a green card?
The total green card processing time will depend on several factors, such as when and where the application was initiated, or the eligibility category. However, USCIS provides an estimated number based on historical data. From the start of the process until the green card is granted, he says it can take 11 months for applications based on family ties and job offers. On the other hand, asylum seeker and/or refugee cases are more rapid, with an estimated 6.9 to 8.9 months respectively.
How do I track my green card?
To calm nerves, there are several tools and ways to track a green card once application processing has begun. You can login to the USCIS website, create a user account within the Online Case Status page, and access all updates on your case automatically.
Another option is to register on the USPS Informed Delivery site. There you will receive the locations and all the necessary information about incoming mail. From there it is possible to make changes to orders and avoid misunderstandings so that the package with the green card arrives just in time and in perfect condition.
How long does it take for the 2023 residency renewal to arrive?
However, since green cards have an expiration date every 10 or 2 years, they must be renewed before their validity expires. This process can take up to 10 to 12 months. However, this number is subject to the number of renewal applications the agency must process at that time. It may be less time as well as, most likely, more.
Please note that this application must be filled out and submitted correctly, as any errors or omissions may lead to a delay in the processing of your application.
What to do if I am unreasonably delayed and my green card does not arrive?
When the wait becomes interminable, the delay is unreasonable and exceeds the applicant, there is the possibility of filing a Writ of Mandamus. It is a document filed with a District Court that seeks an order compelling government agency officials to comply with their duty, and compels the USCIS to make a decision, either favorable or unfavorable to the applicant.
The writ of mandamus should be considered a last resort, and should not be taken as just another tool in case of a delay in the case. It is a complex judicial process, and must be carried out in the company of a specialized lawyer.
In summary…
How much time have you spent thinking “my green card is not coming”? The USCIS waiting time can vary, but beyond a certain amount, it qualifies as an unreasonable delay. So make sure you have all the tools to know how long your application will take within the normal range, how to track your green card, and what to do in case it is unreasonably delayed.
At Urbina Immigration Law we can help you go through this complex process and obtain your green card without any problems that may affect your stay in the United States.
Sources
USCIS – Adjustment of Status
USCIS – How to Apply for a Permanent Resident Card
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