How long does it take to get Green Card

[drogbi 2]

During my K1 interview, a miss told me I will get my real Green Card maybe two or three years after my wedding !!

And during this time, I will have a temporaly Green Card but I won't be able to go abroad without an AP.

Is it true or is it just a nightmare ?

[Harpa Timsah 13,258]

It's wrong. After you get married, you file for your greencard (Adjustment of Status- AOS) and that whole process takes 3-5 months. You can't travel abroad during that time until you have your temporary travel permit (called Advance Parole) which takes about 3 months. Good luck.

Edit: Oh! I think I know what that person was talking about. The first greencard you get (after filing for AOS) is good for two years. It is a real normal greencard and gives you all the benefits of travel, work, etc. However, in two years time, you don't just file for a renewal, you need to file for Removal of Conditions, which is a form that shows you are still married and living with your spouse. If you get divorced before 2 years, you can also file ROC based on the fact that you entered the marriage for real reasons, not just to get a greencard. This is a built-in system to make sure people don't marry for a month and get divorced and give people greencards. But, bottom line is, the first greencard you get is not really "temporary." It just expires in two years instead of 10, but otherwise it is the same and gives you all your rights as LPR. Hope that helps.

Edited December 14, 2010 by Harpa Timsah

[Barbara J 115]

During my K1 interview, a miss told me I will get my real Green Card maybe two or three years after my wedding !!

And during this time, I will have a temporaly Green Card but I won't be able to go abroad without an AP.

Is it true or is it just a nightmare ?

After you marry you will apply for AOS and receive a conditional green card for 2 years.Within 90 days of your 2 year anniversary of receiving GC you will apply for removal of conditions and receive a GC valid for 10 years. I thik this is what she meant. No you can't travel until you receive AP or GC whichever comes first.

[drogbi 2]

Thank you very much for quick answers !

I feel better now !

Just a last question about the work permit : have I to wait for months before work legaly ?

[YuAndDan 153]

K-1 visa interview, or AOS interview?

Have you married and filed I-485?? Did you interview for adjustment of status??

No such thing as a "Temp" green-card, you are an LPR that is Lawful PERMANENT Resident. You will be issued a 2 year CONDITIONAL green-card, which you file to remove the conditions on at 2 years of residency, after which you will get a 10 year card.

You should receive a card within a month after approval of AOS.

Thank you very much for quick answers !

I feel better now !

Just a last question about the work permit : have I to wait for months before work legaly ?

No as soon as you have green-card in hand you will have evidence of work eligibility, Green-card is also work permit.

Note, if you got an I-551 stamp in passport at interview, this will serve as a green-card.

Edited December 14, 2010 by YuAndDan

[Harpa Timsah 13,258]

His timeline says he had his K-1 interview today. OP - Yes you have to wait a few months before you can work legally. The temporary work permit comes in about 3 months after you get married and file for AOS, like the temporary travel permit. Once you get your greencard you don't need these temporary documents anymore.

[drogbi 2]

ok, thank for all