How Long Does a Green Card Take Through Adjustment of Status?
- Alena Ray Conrad
- Oct 28
- 2 min read
If you’re applying for a green card through Adjustment of Status—the process of becoming a permanent resident without leaving the United States—you may be wondering how long it will take. The truth is, there’s no one-size-fits-all timeline. Processing times can vary significantly depending on factors like where you live, who is petitioning for you, and how complete your application is when it’s filed. Understanding these factors can help you plan ahead and avoid unnecessary delays.
What Determines How Long Your Green Card Process in the US takes?
USCIS processing time depends on:
Where you live: Each local field office has its own timeline.
Your petitioner’s status: Cases filed by U.S. citizens usually move faster than those filed by lawful permanent residents.
Your relationship: Immediate relatives (spouses, parents, or children under 21 of U.S. citizens) are prioritized; sibling petitions take much longer.
Your age and country of origin: These can affect your priority date.
How well your case is prepared: Missing forms, incorrect fees, or incomplete evidence can cause major delays.
How to Check Current Processing Times for the form I-485
You can verify the average processing time for your local USCIS office:
Visit uscis.gov → Tools → Case Processing Times.
Select: Form I-485 Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status.
Choose: Family-based Adjustment of Status.
Enter your local field office, which you can find using the Field Office Locator tool and your ZIP code.
For example, the Los Angeles County Field Office reports that 80% of cases are completed in about 12 months, while other offices, like Baltimore, may take longer. Times vary monthly, so check every few weeks to stay updated.
Real-Life Green Card Examples
Case 1 – Los Angeles, CA: Filed in January, interview scheduled in June, and green card approved by August — well under the published 14-month timeline.
Case 2 – Baltimore, MD: Filed in January, interview in July, and card issued within a week of approval, even though the posted timeline was 25 months.
Every immigration journey is unique, and while online estimates can give you a general idea, the strongest cases are the best-prepared ones.
Free resources for you:
✅What documents do you need to file a family petition? Download the list of documents USCIS requires to petition for a spouse, sibling, parent, or child here. Download our family petition checklist here
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This is for general information purposes only. For advice about your specific situation, contact an experienced immigration attorney.
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