How Long Does Green Card for Family Preference Immigrants Take?
The time it takes to get a green card through the family preference category can vary significantly depending on several factors, such as the specific category, your country of origin, and the current visa demand.
Family preference categories include:
- F1 – Unmarried adult children of U.S. citizens
- F2A – Spouses and unmarried children under 21 of green card holders
- F2B – Unmarried adult children of green card holders
- F3 – Married children of U.S. citizens
- F4 – Siblings of U.S. citizens
On average, the processing times are:
- F2A: About 1 to 2 years
- F2B: Around 5 to 10 years
- F3: Around 10 to 15 years
- F4: Can take 15 to over 20 years, especially for applicants from countries with high demand like Mexico, India, or the Philippines.
These long wait times are largely due to annual visa limits and per-country caps. Once a petition is filed, the applicant is assigned a priority date. This date determines their place in line, and they must wait until it becomes “current” on the Visa Bulletin published monthly by the U.S. Department of State.
In short, the timeline can range from a couple of years to several decades, so it’s important to stay informed and track your case regularly.
