Green Card Family Processing Times

Video Transcript – Understanding Green Card processing times is crucial when planning your immigration journey, so here’s what you need to know. The time it takes to receive a Green Card depends on several factors, including the applicant’s category, country of origin, and the annual visa limits set by U.S. Immigration.

Immediate Relatives vs. Preference Categories

For immediate relatives of U.S. citizens—such as spouses, unmarried children under 21, and parents—there is no numerical limit on Green Cards issued each year. As a result, these applications tend to have faster processing times, typically ranging from 6 to 12 months.

For other family-based and employment-based Green Cards, applicants fall under preference categories, which have annual visa caps and often experience longer wait times. These categories include:

1. First Preference (F1): Unmarried sons and daughters (21+) of U.S. citizens
2. Second Preference (F2A & F2B): Spouses and unmarried children of Green Card holders
3. Third Preference (F3): Married sons and daughters of U.S. citizens
4. Fourth Preference (F4): Siblings of U.S. citizens

The Visa Bulletin & Estimated Wait Times

The U.S. Department of State publishes a monthly Visa Bulletin, which provides updates on Green Card availability and wait times based on priority dates. Due to high demand in certain categories, wait times can range from a few years to over a decade, especially for applicants from countries with large numbers of applicants, such as India, Mexico, the Philippines, and China.

Click here to view the latest Visa Bulletin and see current wait times for your category.

Alternative Immigration Strategies

Despite the potentially long waiting period, it could still be worthwhile to file these applications to help your family members. As a result, while their case waits “in line” we may be able to help to develop an interim immigration strategy such as work visas, student visas, or investment-based pathways to enter and remain in the U.S. legally until their Green Card sponsorship comes through.

If you’re unsure about your best immigration path, we can help. Contact us today to discuss your case and explore strategies to navigate the Green Cards process efficiently.

Chris M. Ingram, a U.S. Immigration Attorney, is originally from Northampton, England. He earned his BA (Hons) in Law from De Montfort University, Leicester, UK, in 1994. In 1996, he completed his Post Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice (PGDLP) at De Montfort School of Law, followed by a Master of Laws (LL.M.) from Huddersfield University, UK, in 1998. After relocating to the United States, Chris was admitted to the New York State Bar in 2003 and has been a proud member of the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) since 2004.

Having experienced the U.S. immigration process firsthand with his wife and three children, Chris M. Ingram founded his law firm with a mission to ensure that every client receives the best possible immigration experience. He recognized the need for accessible and comprehensive immigration education, leading him to develop one of the most informative online platforms available today.

The Law Offices of Chris M. Ingram website now features:

1. Over 1,000 pages of immigration resources
2. Hundreds of educational videos on visa and green card options
3. Client success stories and testimonials to inspire new applicants

We continually update and expand our content to keep visitors informed about the latest immigration policies, visa options, and legal strategies.

Chris M. Ingram strongly believes that every potential client deserves a free consultation. This allows individuals to speak personally and confidentially with an immigration specialist about their visa, work permit, or green card options. Our goal is to provide the guidance and expertise needed to help you achieve your American Dream.
We’re delighted you’ve found us, and we look forward to helping you make your immigration journey a reality. You’ve come to the right place!

All videos and content created by the Law Offices of Chris M. Ingram are intended for general informational purposes only and do not constitute legal advice. If you require specific guidance regarding your immigration case, please contact our office for personalized legal assistance.
Additionally, all images used on our website and in our videos are licensed stock images for illustrative purposes only. They do not depict actual clients or staff members unless otherwise noted