In recent green card backlog news, Data from the Department of State's National Visa Centre (NVC) show that the backlog of immigrant visas (IVs) decreased by 4% between November (304,773) and December (292,105).
The number of green card applicants who had completed their cases and were ready for an interview fell from 341,392 in November to 336,870, a 1 per cent fall, according to the same source.
A case is considered "documentarily complete" when all necessary paperwork has been filed and approved by the NVC, meaning that the case is prepared for scheduling an interview.
The National Visa Centre (NVC) of the Department of State released information showing a significant increase in the number of applicants scheduled for green card interviews. In December, 45,765 interviews were scheduled, up from 36,619 in November.
Good news for those waiting impatiently for their green cards comes from the NVC numbers. International citizens can apply for a Green Card and a permanent residency permit to become citizens of the United States.
The United States government issues Green Cards in four primary categories:
The number of people eligible for such permits exceeds the number of green cards available once the number valid each year is capped.
In September of last year, it was claimed that it would take 134 years to clear the 1,070,000 Indians in the US EB-2 and EB-3 employment green card backlog.
This implies that over 134,000 kids would reach adulthood before receiving a green card.
The Green Card processing time varies based on several factors. Here are some key points to consider:
According to research done last year by David J. Bier, associate director of immigration studies at the Cato Institute in the US, the time frame for a green card is 54 years if variables like ageing and death are considered, or 134 years if they are not.
Furthermore, the report indicates that these kids, often known as "documented dreamers," are forced to apply for an F-1 visa for overseas students, which comes with more expensive costs and fewer work options. Their only choice is to self-deport to India or another nation as a result.
To prevent the children who are long-term visa holders from ageing out of the system, the Senate and House introduced the America's Children Act last year.
What does the 4% backlog reduction mean for processing times?
While a positive step, the impact on individual processing times is difficult to predict. The reduction affects the overall backlog, but factors like your application category, USCIS workload, and processing location still play a significant role. However, increased interview scheduling in December 2023 suggests potential improvements for some applicants.
How can I estimate my green card processing timeframe?
USCIS provides estimated processing times on its website, but remember, these are just approximations. Consider these factors for a more personalised estimate:
What are the eligibility requirements for different green card categories?
Each green card category has specific eligibility requirements. You can find detailed information on the USCIS website: https://www.uscis.gov/green-card. Common categories include:
Can I expedite my green card processing?
For employment-based categories, premium processing can expedite your application for an additional fee, with a decision typically within 15 days. However, not all categories are eligible. Consulting with an immigration attorney can help you understand your options and explore potential strategies for faster processing.
What resources can I use to stay updated on green card backlog developments?
Several resources can keep you informed:
