Obtaining a U.S. green card is a dream for many people. So, how is this green card obtained? Can it be achieved in one step? The answer is no. The U.S. green card is divided into two stages: the U.S. temporary green card and the U.S. green card. The temporary green card grants the applicant conditional permanent resident status. So, how long does it take to obtain a U.S. investment immigration temporary green card? Here we will analyze the situation regarding the U.S. temporary green card.
The approval period for the I-526 (i.e., temporary green card application) varies depending on the investment project. Generally, it takes six months to a year from obtaining the file number to the approval of the I-526. The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services stipulates that investment immigration applicants can obtain a temporary green card upon lawful entry into the United States.
The U.S. temporary green card is valid for two years and cannot be renewed. Holders have two options: to remove the conditions of the temporary green card or to lose their U.S. permanent resident status.
To retain permanent resident status, temporary green card holders must submit the I-829 application to remove the conditions within 90 days before the corresponding deadline in the second year. After submitting the I-829 form, the validity of the temporary green card can be extended for six months or until the I-829 is adjudicated, whichever is longer.
If the I-829 form is not submitted as required, the temporary green card holder will lose their U.S. permanent resident status on the corresponding deadline in the second year. In this case, they must leave the United States.
Green card holders must submit the I-829 application within 90 days before the expiration date of the temporary green card in the second year. However, the submission can be delayed under the following circumstances:
• Submit a request explaining the reason for the delayed submission of the I-829 form
• Submit a written explanation indicating that the late submission of the I-829 form is excusable
