How Long Does It Take for a Family-Based Green Card?

The time it takes to get a family-based green card varies based on the applicant’s relationship to the U.S. sponsor and their country of origin. Immediate relatives of U.S. citizens—including spouses, unmarried children under 21, and parents—typically have a faster process, taking around 12 to 18 months, since there are no annual visa caps for this category. 

In contrast, family preference categories, such as siblings, married children, or relatives of green card holders, are subject to annual limits and often face much longer wait times, ranging from 2 years to over 20 years. 

Additionally, applicants from high-demand countries like India, Mexico, and the Philippines may experience extended delays due to visa backlogs. Always refer to the latest USCIS processing times and Visa Bulletin for the most accurate estimates.