The family-based green card stands out as one of the most highly sought-after paths to obtain U.S. lawful permanent residency. While this is the dream of many foreign-born individuals, the process can be quite lengthy. Complexities arise due to the sheer interest in family-based green cards, coupled with the limits of U.S. green cards issued per year. Let’s dive deep into the family-based green card processing time, factors that influence the length of processing, procedures for applying, and more.
In FY 2025, the Department of State (DOS) set the annual limit for family-sponsored visas at 226,000. While 226,000 might sound like a large number, the volume of people seeking green cards annually is often much higher. This numerical cap, along with other factors, is the reason why some applicants apply for and obtain their green card within a year or two, while some may need to wait several years, sometimes decades. This is primarily based on each applicant’s family-based green card preference level.
VisaNation makes the entire process fast and easy. It takes just 60 minutes to start your green card application
Family-Based Green Card Processing Time in 2025
Foreign Partner Living in the U.S
If the spouse is a U.S. citizen and the foreign partner is living in the U.S. on a valid nonimmigrant status, then it will take about 9.5 months to get a permanent resident card.
In the meantime, you can also apply for a work permit and advance parole travel documents while you wait to get your green card.
Foreign Partner Living outside the U.S.
If the foreign partner is outside of the U.S., NVC Consular Processing adds additional time, totalling approximately 20.6 months. This time can extend due to backlogs and a lack of available appointments at embassies.
Other family members of U.S. Citizens include:
- Unmarried adult children (21+) (F1): 9 years
- Married children (any age) (F3): 14 years
- Siblings (F4): 18 years (longest wait, especially for countries with high demand like India, Mexico, and the Philippines)
Permanent residents
For permanent residents filing for a spouse or child, the processing time is subject to the visa bulletin.
After I-130 approval, beneficiaries’ U.S. Green Card Holders must wait until the Final Action Date in the Visa Bulletin becomes current before proceeding with Adjustment of Status (if living in the U.S.) or consular processing (if living outside the U.S.).
As of April 2025, the average wait time is 39 months for spouses and children, and 9 years for unmarried sons and daughters over 21 years of age. (*Data retrieved from the May 2025 Visa Bulletin).
I-130 Processing Time for Family Applications
Since green cards are immediately available for individuals sponsored by U.S. citizens as immediate relatives, the sponsor and beneficiary can file Form I-130 (Petition for Alien Relative) and Form I-485 (Application to Adjust Status) together, as long as the beneficiary is in the U.S. under a valid non-immigrant status, such as a K Visa.
The green card is issued after Form I-485 is processed and approved.
For immediate relatives outside the U.S., concurrent filing is not allowed. Instead, you will have to wait for the I-130 petition to be approved and wait for your priority date to become current before you can apply for a family-based green card through NVC consular processing at a U.S. embassy or consulate in your country of residence.
Find out how you can Track Your Green Card.
Family-Based Green Cards are Easy with VisaNation
The processing time at this point will depend on the caseload at the embassy or consulate. You will need to factor in the immigration interview schedule and other consular processing requirements
Based on the latest USCIS data, immediate relatives of a U.S. citizen (spouse, unmarried child under 21, or parent) will typically experience a wait time of 14.6 months for their I-130 form to process.
Filing the I-130 petition is the first step when filing a family-based green card application. This petition must be filed with the USCIS by a U.S. citizen or green card holder and must be accompanied by the required documentation to show eligibility and a qualifying family relationship.
Once the USCIS receives your petition, you will be notified via a receipt by mail. If the petition is approved, the sponsored foreign national will then need to wait until a green card is available for their category.
Family- Sponsored Preference Subcategories
For individuals who don’t fall under the immediate relative category, they must refer to the Family-Sponsored Preference categories on the Visa Bulletin to know the dates for when they can file a petition, and the processing times for their case.
Family First Preference (F1): This subcategory of the family-based green card is for unmarried sons and daughters of U.S. citizens and their children under 21. Its annual cap is 23,400.
Family Second Preference (F2): This is for children under 21, spouses, and unmarried sons and daughters (who are 21 years old and above) of lawful permanent residents. Its annual cap is 114,200. 77% of the green cards in this group are issued to children under 21 and spouses (F2A), while the remaining are allocated to unmarried sons and daughters (F2B).
Family Third Preference (F3): This is for married sons and daughters (of any age) of U.S. citizens, and their children under 21. Its annual cap is 23,400.
Family Fourth Preference (F4): This subcategory is for brothers and sisters of U.S. citizens, as well as their children under 21 and spouses, provided the U.S. citizen sponsor is at least 21 years old. It has an annual cap of 65,000.
Reunite with Your Family Sooner
Immediate Relative Green Card
This particular visa category enjoys a higher preference over other family-based green card types for two major reasons. It does not have an annual limit, meaning there is always there is an unlimited number of visas so long as the applicant and the sponsor are eligible.
Also, immediate relative applicants don’t have to worry about the green card waiting line as in other categories. The adjudication process starts as soon as the I-130 petition is received by the USCIS. Once it is approved, the green card will immediately become available.
Family-Based Green Cards Categories and Processing Times
If the sponsor is a U.S. citizen:
|
Category |
Processing Times |
|
Spouses, Parents and Children (Inside U.S.) |
9.5 months |
|
Spouses, Parents and Children (Outside U.S.) |
20.6 months |
|
Unmarried adult Sons and Daughters (F1) |
8 years |
|
Married Sons and Daughters (F3) |
14 years |
|
Siblings (F4) |
18 years |
If the sponsor is a Green Card Holder:
|
Category |
Processing times |
|
Spouse or Children (F2A) |
3 years |
|
Unmarried Adult Sons or Daughters (F2B) |
9 years |
*These dates are updated as of April 2025.
The relationship between the petitioner and the sponsored foreign national will determine the processing time for the green card application. Not sure which category your family members fall into? We can help you with every aspect of bringing your family to the U.S. Get started today!
Fastest Way to Bring Siblings to the USA
As siblings are the lowest priority for family-based green cards, it means that it has the longest waiting period. However, there are options worth exploring. Either through other family categories or by exploring employment opportunities.
Employment sponsorship
The alternative method for your sibling to come to the United States faster is if they can find a job that sponsors them for a work visa. The best way to determine which employment-based immigration path might be suitable for them is to discuss their qualifications with an immigration attorney.
Speak to one of our attorneys to determine if you qualify for an employment visa.
Alternatively, some countries have a visa lottery system which are relatively easy to enter, but the odds of being selected are low due to the sheer volume of applicants. Learn more about the Diversity Visa Program.
Other family categories
However, siblings can also explore other family categories. If your parent is in the process of obtaining their green card or citizenship, they can also sponsor you. This would put you in another family preference category, rather than being stuck in long processing times for the F4 sibling category.
Green Card Waiting Time By Country
Depending on the country you are from, you may have to anticipate longer waiting times depending on the embassy’s backlog. This can vary significantly depending on current political and social factors.
We saw an increase in backlogs for many countries during the COVID-19 pandemic, and countries involved in active war also had higher backlogs. There are no U.S. embassies or consulates in the countries of Venezuela, Afghanistan, Iraq, Palestine, and North Korea, which means that individuals have to travel to the nearest consulate/embassy for an immigrant visa interview.
Can I Expedite the Process?
Generally, family-based green card applicants can expedite the processing time by having the petitioner file the I-130 petition properly and submit all the required documents. This, however, will only have an impact on the I-130 petition.
There is another option for beneficiaries who are F2A applicants. If the sponsor becomes a citizen while they are still in the green card waiting line, they will be able to expedite the process. In this case, your sponsor will need to send a letter to the National Visa Center indicating that he or she is now a citizen. This will pave the way for your green card application to be processed as an immediate relative of a U.S. citizen.
Family-Based Green Card Processing Time Frequently Asked Questions
Below you will find answers to the most commonly asked questions:
How can I submit a service request if I think my case is taking too long?
The first step would be to consult your immigration attorney to gauge whether your case is taking longer than it normally should. If your case is considered outside of normal processing times (longer than the time it takes to complete 93% of cases or beyond 130% of the cycle time), USCIS will provide you a link to submit an inquiry.
What affects the length of processing time?
Several factors include:
- Number of applications submitted
- Petitions or requests received
- Service center workload and staffing
- The time it takes to respond to a request for evidence
- Operational and policy changes in the service center
What is the I-130 processing time for a brother and sister in 2025?
Sibllings, including brothers and sisters, must wait around 17 years. This is because they are not considered immediate relatives (they are in the F4 category), so they have to wait for a permanent resident card to become available. It has an annual cap of 65,000, and hundreds of thousands of people apply. They have to wait for the priority date and visa bulletin date to become current.
What is the I-130 processing time for parents in 2025?
Parents of a U.S. citizen typically experience a wait time of 14.6 months for Form I-130 processing, according to USCIS data.
What is the green card waiting time for India?
Check the latest Visa Bulletin to see current times for India. Check which category you fall into: F-1, F-2A, F-2B, F-3 or F-4. The Dates for Filing chart determines when an applicant can file an I-485, Adjustment of Status. If a particular immigrant visa category is “current” on the Final Action Dates chart or the cutoff date on the Final Action Dates chart is later than the date on the Dates for Filing chart, applicants in that immigrant visa category may file using the Final Action Dates chart during that month.
It’s a hard task to keep track of the final action dates for your family members and know which forms to submit. Let us make the process easy for you. Create your account today!
I am a U.S. citizen petitioning for my parents. How long does it take in 2025?
The I-130 average processing time is 14-53 months for immediate relatives. If your parents are already in the U.S. you can file Form I-485 at the same time.
I am a U.S. citizen petitioning for a brother or sister. How long does it take in 2025?
If they are within the U.S., you’ll need to file Form I-130, wait for a visa to become available and then file Form I-485. Wait times are typically years. Consult with your immigration attorney about possible alternative options to help them immigrate to the U.S.
How We Can Help
Family-based green card processing times keep getting longer by the day. Things can become more complicated if your petition is not filed properly. Any mistake can be very costly as it can lead to delay or denial. This is why you need an experienced family-based green card attorney.
VisaNation Law Group’s highly experienced green card immigration attorneys will help you file your petition. With their experience and expertise in the field, they will help you avoid the common immigration pitfalls. Start by taking a look at our family immigration plans.
