Expedited Green Card for Military Families
A Faster Pathway to Permanent Residency
There are many paths to obtaining a green card; one such path is through a U.S. citizen or permanent resident family member who is currently serving or has served in the U.S. armed forces. In some cases, you may also be eligible to receive expedited processing.
Understanding the Expedited Green Card Process
Expedited processing allows certain family members of U.S. service members to have their green card applications processed faster than the normal processing time. The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) considers all expedited green card requests on a case-by-case basis and has sole discretion on whether to approve or deny the request.
Since expedited processing essentially puts you ahead of other green card applicants, USCIS carefully weighs the urgency and merit of each request before coming to a decision. In some cases, they may also require supporting documents to establish your eligibility.
To be eligible for an expedited green card for military family members, you must meet the minimum following requirements:
- You must be the spouse, child, or parent of a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident who is serving or has serviced in the U.S. armed forces
- If the service member has passed away, you may still be eligible to receive an expedited green card. In these cases, establishing your relationship with the deceased and demonstrating your eligibility is key.
In addition, you must also have a valid reason to request an expedited green card, such as:
- An upcoming deployment or change in duty station
- Medical emergency
- National security interests
- Urgent humanitarian concerns
- Considerations for ongoing or impending military operations or missions
- Severe financial loss or hardship
- Clear USCIS errors
For more information on the reasons an expedited processing request may be granted, please visit the USCIS website.
Navigating Expedited Green Cards for Military Families
Since every case is different and immigration laws can be complex, it’s highly recommended to consult with an experienced immigration attorney. Understanding the process and meeting the eligibility requirements are crucial steps toward securing permanent residency in the United States.
At the Ranchod Law Group, we work closely with you to gain a firm understanding of your unique situation. We then create a compelling letter detailing the reasons why your expedited request should be granted. This additional step significantly strengthens your application and increases the chances of your request being approved. We also assist you throughout the application process to ensure everything is accurate, complete, and filed on time.
For guidance on your immigration journey, contact the Ranchod Law Group today at (916) 613-3553 or email us at info@ranchodlaw.com to schedule a consultation.