Fastest Ways to Immigrate to the US

If you’re interested in immigrating to the US but want to do it as fast as possible, there are several programs that can get you to the United States in less than a few months.

Factors That Affect The Processing Time for US Immigration

1. Location of Field Office or Service Center
   All US visa applications go through a field or service center. The Service Center Operations Directorate (SCOPS) has five service centers that process and adjudicate certain immigration applications and petitions. Service centers do not provide in-person services, conduct interviews, or receive walk-in applications, petitions, or questions.  They are located in California, Nebraska, Potomac, Texas, and Vermont.
   Field offices (within the United States) handle scheduled interviews on non-asylum related applications.  They also provide limited information and applicant services that supplement those we provide through our website and by phone. There are thousands of field offices throughout the US.
2. Type of Visa
   The processing time for different visas or permits can differ. The number of applicants for the type of visa or program you are applying for can have an affect on how fast or slow your application will be processed. If a program receives more applications than expected, then it may take longer to process. For example: person applies for an H-1B visa at the California field office it will take 8.5 to 10 months but if they apply for a H-3 visa it will take 3 to 5 months.
3. Errors
   If the USCIS receives an application that has incomplete or mistakes it will tremendously delay your application. They may either deny your request or request for more information. This is why it is important to hire an immigration lawyer so that your application will be flawless to ensure the fastest processing time.

US Immigration Programs with the Fastest Processing Time

Whether you’re looking for immigrating to the US temporarily or wanting to become a Permanent Resident there are several programs in each category that are considered faster programs. 

Permanent Residency

A lawful permanent resident is someone who has been granted the right to live in the United States indefinitely. Permanent residents are given what’s known as a “green card,” which is a photo ID card that proves their status. Permanent residents remain the citizen of another country.

Family Sponsorship

6 – 9 Months

The processing time will vary depending on which field office the application is viewed at but typically on average it takes 6-9 months for US family sponsorship.

K-1 Fiance Visa

6-9 Months

In general, it may take approximately 6-9 months to obtain a K-1 fiance visa. As explained, the K-1 processing time can vary significantly based on the agencies that adjudicate the many steps.

EB-5 Investor Green Card

6 Months

The average processing time for the EB-5 Visa (green card) is six months and the initial application and petition are usually approved in 60 days from the date of filing.

Temporary Visas

Temporary visas refer to US visas that allow a foreign individual to immigrate to the US for a temporary amount of time for work, study, or visit.

Student Visas

4 Months

Student (F and M) visas for new students can be issued up to 120 days in advance of the start date for a course of study. However, you will not be allowed to enter the United States on your student visa more than 30 days before the start date.

E2 Visas

2-4 Months

Most applicants for E2 visas submit their application for an E2 through a U.S. Consulate. The processing time for an E2 visa varies by Consulate anywhere from about two weeks to four months. After an initial review is completed, the Consulate will set up an interview with the applicant.

B-1 and B-2 Visa

1-5 Weeks

The B-1 visa is the business visitor visa and B-2 is the tourist visitor visa. Both visas have a similar processing time at about sometimes a few days to a few weeks.