How Long Does It Take To Obtain A Work Visa In The United States?

Do you know how long it takes to process an application for a US work visa? Below, we’ve discussed the various work permit categories and how long they take to process.

Most foreign nationals wishing to start a new life abroad seek a place where they can use their abilities to build a comfortable lifestyle. Having a job also makes it easier for someone to pay for daily living expenditures, so most immigrants prioritize getting a work visa for the US.

There are various work visa pathways for people wishing to move permanently or temporarily to the United States. So that you may begin the process well enough in advance, we’ve broken down how long it takes to process your temporary work visa and employment green card.

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US Work Visa Processing Times

US Temporary Work Visas

About 5-7 months is the typical processing time for a temporary work visa to the US. However, it might vary depending on the type of work visa you are looking for and the number of work visa applications that came before yours. USCIS used to process work permit petitions within 90 days before COVID-19 shutdowns, but there is an increasing backlog.

US Employment-Based Green Card

As for the long-term US visa, you should anticipate that permanent residence will take longer to process than most other visas. For example, the processing time for a Form I-485 petition for permanent residence can range from six months to thirty-three months, according to USCIS.

Each country is only permitted a certain number of green cards each year. It indicates that individuals from countries with fewer green card applicants typically have shorter waiting times.

USCIS Premium Processing

Some USCIS applications may be submitted utilizing Premium Processing, a service the agency provides and ensures will result in response to your application or petition within fifteen (15) calendar days.

Form I-907, Application for Premium Processing Service, is available to petitioners or applicants submitting their applications. It costs USD 2,500. The US government will keep adding new applications that can use this service in the future.

Don’t hesitate to contact an Immigration Lawyer to explore whether your application for USCIS, which is now pending, may be upgraded to premium processing or if you can submit your petition with premium processing.

US Work Visa Options

Depending on whether you want to live in the US permanently or just temporarily, you have different alternatives when trying to immigrate to the United States based on your previous work experience. These employment-based green cards and work visas consist of the following:

Temporary Work Permits