What is the current Green Card processing time in Puerto Rico?

The current processing time for Green Card applications in Puerto Rico is approximately 8 to 10 months.

Are there delays in Green Card processing times in Puerto Rico?

Yes, there are delays in green card processing times in Puerto Rico. The US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has been experiencing processing delays due to the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and increased demand. The USCIS is currently experiencing an average of six month wait times for green card applications in Puerto Rico.

How can I check the status of my Green Card application in Puerto Rico?

The best way to check the status of your Green Card application in Puerto Rico is to contact U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) or the Department of State. You can do this by accessing your online USCIS account or by calling the National Customer Service Center at 1-800-375-5283 or 1-800-767-1833 (TTY).

Is there a way to expedite Green Card processing in Puerto Rico?

Yes, Green Card application processing can be expedited in Puerto Rico. First, you must ensure that all the necessary requirements for Green Card application have been met and that all documents have been thoroughly completed. Once these steps have been completed, you can contact the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) field office in San Juan to inquire about the possibility of expediting the application. Expedited processing is available for select individuals or families whose applications are of significant public benefit or who are facing urgent humanitarian concerns. If you believe you meet the conditions for expedited Green Card processing, you should contact the USCIS San Juan field office directly.

What factors affect Green Card processing times in Puerto Rico?

1. Number of applicants: The number of applicants can have an effect on the processing times of green card applications in Puerto Rico. If there are more applicants than the USCIS has capacity to process, this can lead to delays.

2. Type of Application: The type of green card application you’re submitting and the category you’re applying under can also affect processing times in Puerto Rico. For example, temporary residence applications take longer to process than permanent residence applications.

3. National Origin: Your nationality can also have an impact on your processing times. USCIS may prioritize certain nationalities over others, which can lead to different processing times for different applicants.

4. Political Factors: Different political administrations may prioritize different types of immigration applications over others, which could result in longer or shorter processing times for Puerto Rico residents.

5. Backlogs: The USCIS has experienced backlogs over the years, which can lead to longer processing times for all green card applications in Puerto Rico.

Can I contact USCIS to inquire about Green Card processing in Puerto Rico?

Yes, you can contact USCIS to inquire about Green Card processing in Puerto Rico. You can call the USCIS National Customer Service Center at 1-800-375-5283.

Are there specific issues causing delays in Green Card processing in Puerto Rico?

Yes, the current delays in Green Card processing in Puerto Rico are mainly due to a lack of resources and personnel, high demand for services, and backlogs in the visa process. The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is working to increase its capacity to handle Green Card applications in Puerto Rico, but progress has been slow. Additionally, the island’s economic crisis has also affected the process, as it has made it more difficult for applicants to cover the costs associated with filing a Green Card application.

How long does it take to get a decision on a Green Card in Puerto Rico?

Timelines for Green Card processing vary depending on the specific type of Green Card you are applying for. In general, the processing time for Green Cards in Puerto Rico usually takes somewhere between 6 to 12 months.

What is the average processing time for family-sponsored Green Cards in Puerto Rico?

The average processing time for family-sponsored Green Cards in Puerto Rico is approximately 5 to 7 months. This includes the time it takes for USCIS to process the initial application, the time it takes for a decision to be made, and the time it takes for the Green Card to arrive in the mail.

Is premium processing available for employment-based Green Cards in Puerto Rico?

No, premium processing is not available for employment-based Green Cards in Puerto Rico.

Are there USCIS service centers in Puerto Rico processing Green Card applications?

No, there are no USCIS service centers in Puerto Rico processing green card applications. All green card applications must be sent to the USCIS service center located in the United States.

Can I request an update on my Green Card application in Puerto Rico?

Yes, you can. The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) provides a website where you can request an update on your Green Card application in Puerto Rico. You will need to provide your case number, name, date of birth and other information to access the status of your application.

What is the USCIS customer service number for Green Card inquiries in Puerto Rico?

The customer service number for Green Card inquiries in Puerto Rico is 1-800-375-5283.

Can I visit a USCIS office to inquire about my Green Card status in Puerto Rico?

Yes, you can visit a USCIS office in Puerto Rico to inquire about your Green Card status. USCIS has two offices in Puerto Rico:

• San Juan Field Office, located at 218 Las Palmas Boulevard, San Juan, Puerto Rico 00918
• Aguadilla Suboffice, located at Avenida Paseo de los Locutores #10-20, Aguadilla, Puerto Rico 00605

You can find more information about visiting a USCIS office on the USCIS website.

What is the impact of COVID-19 on Green Card processing times in Puerto Rico?

The impact of COVID-19 on Green Card processing times in Puerto Rico varies widely depending on the particular immigration application. In general, USCIS has suspended in-person services at its offices throughout the U.S., including Puerto Rico, resulting in increased processing times for all applications. The Immigration Court in Puerto Rico is also currently closed, suspending hearings and causing further delays. USCIS has also implemented a backlog reduction plan, which has resulted in some applications taking longer than usual to process, while others have seen shortened processing times.

Are there any local USCIS initiatives to reduce Green Card processing times in Puerto Rico?

There are no specific local USCIS initiatives to reduce Green Card processing times in Puerto Rico. The general initiatives that are being taken to reduce Green Card processing times apply to all parts of the United States, including Puerto Rico. These initiatives include the introduction of the online application system, the increased use of electronic filing, and the usage of enhanced technology to streamline the process.

How to address delays in Green Card processing due to RFEs in Puerto Rico?

If you have received a Request for Evidence (RFE) from the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) regarding your Green Card application in Puerto Rico, you can address the delay in processing by promptly responding to the RFE. It is important that you provide all of the documents and information requested in your RFE response. The USCIS recommends that you respond to any RFE within 30 days of the date of issuance. If you fail to respond within this timeframe, your application may be denied. Additionally, if any of the documents you submit are incomplete or incorrect, then this can lead to further delays in processing. If you are having difficulty understanding or responding to the RFE, it is highly recommended that you seek help from an experienced immigration attorney.

What is the USCIS online tool for checking Green Card processing times in Puerto Rico?

The USCIS online tool for checking Green Card processing times in Puerto Rico is the USCIS Processing Times Information Tool. This tool can be used to check the processing times for various types of immigration applications submitted to the USCIS Field Office in San Juan, Puerto Rico.

Are there any legislative changes affecting Green Card processing in Puerto Rico?

Yes, in 2019, Puerto Rico passed a law that dramatically changed the process for obtaining a Green Card through the territory. The new law requires employers to obtain a certificate from the Puerto Rico Department of Labor prior to submitting any applications to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. This certificate must be obtained within 30 days of submitting the application. The new law also restricts the types of occupations eligible for Green Card processing, and requires employers to obtain labor market analysis reports from the Puerto Rico Department of Labor in order to demonstrate that there are no available local workers who could fill the positions. Employees must also submit affidavits and other documents as part of the application process.

Is there a USCIS helpline specifically for Green Card processing issues in Puerto Rico?

No, there is not a specific USCIS helpline for Green Card processing issues in Puerto Rico. The general USCIS customer service hotline number for all immigration related questions is 1-800-375-5283.