Green card processing times vary depending on several factors, including the type of green card you’re applying for (family-based or employment-based), your country of origin, and USCIS workload. On average, it can take anywhere from 7 months to several years to receive a green card.
In this guide, we’ll break down the 2025 processing timelines by category, explain what affects your wait time, and offer tips to check your case status and avoid delays.
What Is a Green Card?
A green card, officially called a Permanent Resident Card, allows non-U.S. citizens to live and work in the United States permanently. It serves as proof of your lawful permanent resident (LPR) status and provides important benefits, such as access to employment, the ability to travel more freely, and eligibility to apply for U.S. citizenship after meeting certain requirements.
Green cards can be obtained through different paths, including family sponsorship, employment, refugee or asylee status, or the Diversity Visa (DV) lottery. Each category has its own eligibility rules and documentation requirements, but all applications are reviewed and processed by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
Why Is Green Card Processing Time Important?
Understanding green card processing time is crucial because it directly affects your ability to live, work, and make long-term plans in the United States. Long delays can impact your job opportunities, travel plans, access to benefits, and even your family’s stability — especially if you’re waiting to reunite with loved ones.
Knowing how long your green card might take helps you:
- Plan ahead for major life decisions like moving, employment, or education
- Avoid surprises related to application delays or document expirations
- Stay compliant with immigration rules and deadlines
- Track your case status and take action if something goes wrong
For many immigrants, this wait time also affects when they can apply for U.S. citizenship, sponsor family members, or travel internationally without restrictions. That’s why being informed about green card timelines isn’t just helpful — it’s essential.
Understanding Total Green Card Wait Times
When it comes to getting a green card, the total wait time often includes two separate phases—and understanding both is key to setting realistic expectations.
- Visa Availability Wait Time (Visa Bulletin):
This is the time you may need to wait before you’re even allowed to file your green card application. It’s based on your visa category and your country of origin, and it’s tracked through the U.S. Department of State’s Visa Bulletin. If the demand for visas in your category is high, you may wait months or even years until a visa number becomes available. - USCIS Processing Time:
Once your priority date is current and your application is submitted, USCIS will begin reviewing your case. This includes background checks, biometrics, and possibly an interview. The processing timeline here varies depending on the type of green card, workload at your local USCIS office, and individual case factors.
If you’re an immediate relative of a U.S. citizen (such as a spouse, parent, or unmarried child under 21), you typically skip the first wait time because visas in this category are always available. Applicants in other categories—especially those from countries with high demand—must go through both stages, which can significantly extend the overall wait.
To find out when your priority date becomes current, check the latest Visa Bulletin monthly update.
Green Card Processing Time in 2025: Key Updates
In fiscal year 2025, green card processing times continue to vary depending on application type, visa category, and USCIS workload. However, several updates and trends are shaping the experience for applicants this year:
1. USCIS Digital Transformation & Backlog Reduction
USCIS is expanding its use of digital processing and automation tools to reduce case backlogs and improve processing efficiency. The agency has prioritized quicker decision-making for forms like I-485 (Adjustment of Status) and I-130 (Family Sponsorship).
Check the latest Form I-485 processing times and get tips to avoid delays.
2. Fee Rule Implementation
A new USCIS fee structure took effect in 2024, impacting green card applicants in 2025. Some categories now require higher fees, while others saw modest increases. Although the fees don’t directly affect processing speed, they may influence application volume — which, in turn, can impact processing times.
3. Family-Based Green Cards: Stable but Slow
In 2025, family-sponsored categories such as F2A (spouses and children of green card holders) remain backlogged, with wait times ranging from 2 to 10+ years, depending on the applicant’s country of origin. Immediate relatives of U.S. citizens, however, continue to experience shorter processing times.
Check our Family-Based Green Card Processing Time to get a better understanding.
4. Employment-Based Green Cards: Movement in Priority Dates
Some employment-based categories, especially EB-2 and EB-3 for India and China, have seen slight forward movement in the Visa Bulletin. This is offering new opportunities for applicants with older priority dates.
5. Country-Specific Wait Times Still a Major Factor
Applicants from high-demand countries like India, Mexico, China, and the Philippines still face longer wait times due to annual per-country limits. For these applicants, even minor shifts in the Visa Bulletin can be significant.
Note: Processing timelines and visa availability may change throughout FY 2025. For the most up-to-date information, always check the USCIS Processing Times Tool and Visa Bulletin.
Typical Green Card Processing Times by Category
Green card wait times vary depending on the pathway you apply under. While some categories take less than a year, others—especially those subject to visa caps—can take several years or longer. Below is a general breakdown of average processing times in 2025, based on category.
Family-Based Green Card Processing Times (FY 2025)
| Category | Relationship | Estimated Wait Time | Notes |
| Immediate Relative (IR) | Spouse, parent, or unmarried child under 21 of a U.S. citizen | 10–18 months | No visa cap; only USCIS processing applies. |
| F1 (Family First Preference) | Unmarried adult children (21+) of U.S. citizens | 7–12+ years | Subject to visa backlog; slower for high-demand countries. |
| F2A | Spouse and unmarried children (under 21) of green card holders | 24–36 months | One of the faster preference categories. |
| F2B | Unmarried adult children of green card holders | 6–10+ years | Wait time increases based on applicant’s country. |
| F3 | Married children of U.S. citizens | 10–15+ years | Long delays, especially for applicants from Mexico or the Philippines. |
| F4 | Siblings of U.S. citizens | 14–20+ years | One of the longest wait times; heavily backlogged. |
Employment-Based Green Card Processing Times (FY 2025)
| Category | Description | Estimated Wait Time | Notes |
| EB-1 | Priority workers (extraordinary ability, researchers, execs) | 12–24 months | Generally the fastest employment category. |
| EB-2 | Advanced degree holders or exceptional ability workers | 1–6+ years | May face backlogs for India and China. |
| EB-3 | Skilled workers, professionals, other workers | 1–7+ years | Common but slower for high-demand countries. |
| EB-4 | Special immigrants (religious workers, certain juveniles) | Varies (1–4+ years) | Wait time depends on sub-category and country. |
| EB-5 | Immigrant investors (regional center or direct) | 18–36+ months | Delays possible due to complex processing and document reviews. |
Green Card Processing for Refugees and Asylees (FY 2025)
| Category | Eligibility | Estimated Wait Time | Notes |
| Refugee Adjustment | Refugees eligible after 1 year in the U.S. | 12–20 months | Must file Form I-485 1 year after arrival. No visa backlog. |
| Asylee Adjustment | Asylees eligible after 1 year of approved asylum | 12–24 months | Timeline includes USCIS processing only. |
Diversity Visa (DV) Lottery Green Card Processing
| Category | Eligibility | Estimated Wait Time | Notes |
| DV Lottery | Selected applicants from eligible countries via annual draw | 6–12 months | Must complete processing by Sept 30, 2025. Time-sensitive process. |
Country-Specific Wait Time Impact
Green card processing times aren’t the same for everyone — where you were born plays a major role. U.S. immigration law places annual numerical limits on how many green cards can be issued per country. If more people from a specific country apply than the number of green cards available, a visa backlog forms.
Why Your Country Matters
Each country is subject to a limit of 7% of the total green cards issued per year in most categories. For countries with fewer applicants, the wait is often shorter. But for countries with high demand — like India, China, Mexico, and the Philippines — backlogs can stretch for many years, especially in family- and employment-based categories.
Most Affected Countries
- India: Long wait times, especially in the EB-2 and EB-3 employment categories, where delays can exceed 10 years.
- China: Also faces long delays in employment-based categories due to oversubscription.
- Mexico & the Philippines: Often experience long waits in family-based categories such as F3 (married children of U.S. citizens) and F4 (siblings of U.S. citizens).
How to Check Your Place in Line
If you’re from one of these high-demand countries, your wait depends on when your petition was filed (your priority date). You must monitor the Department of State’s Visa Bulletin each month to see if your priority date is “current” — meaning your green card can move forward.
Factors That Affect Green Card Processing Time
There’s no single timeline for green card approval. The time it takes to receive your green card depends on a combination of personal circumstances, government workload, and the specific immigration path you’re using. Below are the most common factors that influence how long your case may take:
1. Type of Green Card Application
Each green card category has its own processing structure and timeline. For example:
- Immediate relatives of U.S. citizens usually face shorter waits.
- Family preference and employment-based categories may involve long queues due to annual visa caps.
- Refugees and asylees have a separate, less backlogged process.
2. Country of Birth
U.S. immigration law limits the number of green cards issued each year to applicants from a single country. If you’re from a high-demand country like India, China, Mexico, or the Philippines, you may face significant delays due to visa backlogs.
3. USCIS and NVC Workload
Processing times vary depending on which USCIS service center or consular post handles your case. Some offices have longer wait times due to higher application volumes or staffing delays.
4. Priority Date and Visa Availability
If your category has an annual cap, your case is subject to a priority date. Your green card cannot be issued until your date becomes “current” in the Visa Bulletin, published monthly by the Department of State.
5. Completeness and Accuracy of Your Application
Incomplete forms, missing documents, or small errors can lead to a Request for Evidence (RFE) or even denial, which can set your case back by weeks or months.
6. Background and Security Checks
USCIS conducts thorough background checks on every applicant. If your case requires additional review due to past immigration history, arrests, or inconsistencies, this could delay processing.
7. Interview Requirements
Some green card categories require an in-person interview, which can add months of waiting—especially if the local field office is backed up. Scheduling delays are common in busy metropolitan areas.
8. Form of Processing: AOS vs. Consular
- Adjustment of Status (AOS): For applicants already in the U.S.
- Consular Processing: For applicants abroad through a U.S. embassy or consulate. Processing times can differ depending on the country and how fast interviews are scheduled.
Common Delays in Green Card Processing Time
Even if you file everything correctly, green card applications can face delays due to a variety of reasons — some within your control, and others completely out of your hands. Here are the most common causes of delays and how they can impact your case:
1. Incomplete or Inaccurate Applications
One of the most frequent delays is caused by missing information or incorrect details on your forms. Forgetting to sign, submitting outdated forms, or failing to include supporting documents can result in a Request for Evidence (RFE) or denial, which may add several weeks or even months to your timeline.
2. Backlogged USCIS Service Centers
Some USCIS service centers and field offices handle more applications than others. If your case is assigned to a high-volume location, it may take longer to process, regardless of how well you submitted your application.
Want to check current processing times by service center? See our guide to USCIS Processing Times Explained.
3. Visa Number Unavailability
In family- and employment-based green card categories subject to annual limits, your application may be delayed if no visa numbers are available. You must wait until your priority date becomes current based on the Visa Bulletin.
If your category is subject to annual limits, you’ll need to check the latest Visa Bulletin update to see when your priority date becomes current.
4. Background or Security Checks
USCIS performs thorough background checks on every applicant. If your name appears in any security database or requires additional vetting, your case may be placed under administrative processing, extending the wait time indefinitely.
5. COVID-19 and Other Emergencies
Past and ongoing global or local emergencies, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, have caused delays due to staff shortages, office closures, and suspended interviews. Some locations are still working through backlogs caused during that time.
6. Delays in Biometrics or Interviews
If you’re required to attend a biometrics appointment or in-person interview, delays in scheduling these can pause your application for months. Missed appointments or rescheduling can also push your case back.
7. Mailing Errors and Lost Documents
Sometimes, delays happen simply due to lost mail, incorrect addresses, or miscommunication. If USCIS sends you a notice or RFE that you don’t receive or respond to in time, your application may be delayed—or denied.
How to Check Your Green Card Processing Time
If you’re waiting for your green card, it’s important to know how long the process might take. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) offers a helpful online tool to check estimated processing times based on your case type and service center.
Follow these steps to check your green card processing time:
- Visit the USCIS Processing Times Page
Go to the official USCIS website and navigate to the Processing Times tool. - Select Your Form and Category
From the dropdown menu, choose the form you filed — for most green card applicants, this will be Form I-485 (Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status). Select the appropriate category (e.g., “Refugee Adjustments,” “Family-Based,” etc.). - Choose Your Field Office or Service Center
Look at your receipt notice (Form I-797) to find out which USCIS office is handling your case. Then, select it from the list. - View the Estimated Processing Time
USCIS will display a time range that shows how long it is currently taking to process that type of case at that location. - Compare Your Receipt Date
Use your case’s receipt date to see if it falls within the current processing time. If your case is outside the posted time, you may be eligible to submit an inquiry.
Monitoring Your Wait Time
After checking your estimated processing time, it’s a good idea to keep track of your case status regularly. Staying informed helps you prepare for the next steps and quickly respond to any USCIS requests.
Tips to monitor your green card wait time:
- Create a USCIS Online Account
With an online account, you can check your case status, receive automatic updates, and track your case history. - Use the Case Status Tool
Visit USCIS Case Status Online and enter your 13-character receipt number (found on your Form I-797 notice) to get real-time updates. - Sign Up for Email or Text Alerts
Once your online account is set up, opt-in for email or text notifications so you’ll know when there’s a change in your case. - Respond Quickly to Requests for Evidence (RFEs)
If USCIS asks for more information, respond by the deadline to avoid delays or denial. - Watch for Case Status Changes
Typical status updates include “Case Received,” “Fingerprint Appointment Scheduled,” “Interview Scheduled,” or “Case Approved.”
Keeping an eye on your case can reduce anxiety and help you act promptly if any action is needed. It’s your best tool for staying informed during the green card process.
Tips to Reduce Your Green Card Processing Time
While you can’t control everything about how long it takes to get a green card, there are steps you can take to help avoid unnecessary delays and keep your case moving forward. Here are some practical tips to reduce your green card processing time:
1. Submit a Complete and Accurate Application
Double-check your application before filing. Make sure all forms are filled out completely, signed, and include the correct information. Even small mistakes can lead to rejections or Requests for Evidence (RFEs), which can slow down the process.
2. Include All Required Supporting Documents
Attach all necessary documents, such as proof of identity, financial support, relationship evidence (if applying through family), and translations of foreign-language documents. Missing documents are one of the most common reasons for delays.
3. Pay the Correct Filing Fees
Make sure to include the full and correct fee with your application. Use the USCIS Fee Calculator to confirm the amount. Incorrect or missing payment can result in rejection.
4. Respond Quickly to USCIS Requests
If you receive a Request for Evidence (RFE) or notice of an interview or biometrics appointment, respond immediately and follow instructions exactly. Delays in responding can cause your case to be put on hold.
5. Use USCIS Online Tools
Create a USCIS online account to track your case, upload documents if needed, and receive status updates. This helps you stay informed and respond faster.
6. Notify USCIS of Any Address Changes
If you move, update your address with USCIS as soon as possible using Form AR-11 or through your online account. If USCIS cannot contact you, you may miss important updates or appointments.
7. Consider Premium Processing (If Eligible)
Some employment-based applications are eligible for premium processing, which guarantees faster service for an additional fee. Check with USCIS or an immigration attorney to see if this option applies to your case.
8. Work With a Trusted Immigration Professional
If your case is complex or if you’re unsure about any part of the process, consulting an experienced immigration attorney can help you avoid mistakes that lead to delays.
By taking these steps, you can help ensure that your green card application is processed as quickly and smoothly as possible.
How to Expedite Green Card Processing Time
In most cases, green card processing follows a standard timeline set by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). However, under certain circumstances, you may be able to request expedited processing to shorten your wait time. This option is limited and only approved for specific reasons.
Here’s what you need to know about requesting an expedited green card process:
Who Can Request an Expedited Process?
USCIS may consider an expedited request if one or more of the following criteria are met:
- Severe financial loss to a person or company
Example: You have a job offer that cannot wait, or your delay would result in losing essential income. - Emergency or urgent humanitarian situation
Example: Serious illness, safety concerns, or urgent travel needs related to family emergencies. - Nonprofit organization request (as in the public interest)
Example: A nonprofit needs your presence urgently for a critical mission or event. - U.S. government interest or national interest
Example: Your work is critical to a government agency or the public good. - Clear USCIS error
Example: You have already waited beyond the normal time due to a mistake or delay by USCIS.
How to File an Expedite Request
- Call USCIS Contact Center
Call 1-800-375-5283 to speak to a USCIS representative. They will create a service request and give you instructions. - Submit Supporting Evidence
Be ready to explain your reason for the request and submit documents to prove the urgency (such as medical records, job offer letters, or legal notices). - Wait for a Response
USCIS will review your request and notify you by email or mail if your expedite request is approved or denied.
Important Reminders
- Expedite requests are not guaranteed.
Each case is reviewed individually, and most routine delays do not qualify. - Premium Processing ≠ Expedite Request
Premium processing is a paid service available only for certain employment-based applications. Expedite requests are free but granted only in special situations. - Make sure your case is already filed.
You can’t request expedited processing unless USCIS has received your application and issued a receipt number.
What These Times Mean for You
The processing times published by USCIS are more than just numbers—they affect your daily life, your plans, and your peace of mind. Understanding what they mean can help you manage your expectations and take the right next steps.
A Range, Not a Guarantee
USCIS provides a time range (like “10 to 24 months”) based on how long it took to process similar cases recently. This is an estimate—not a promise.
- The first number shows how long it took to process 50% of cases
- The second number shows how long it took to process 93% of cases
What this means: You might get your decision earlier or later than the range suggests.
Plan Your Life Around the Timeline
Green card wait times can affect:
- Travel plans (you may be unable to leave the U.S. until you receive advance parole)
- Job changes (especially if you’re switching from a work visa)
- Family reunification (if your green card is based on a family relationship)
What this means: Knowing your timeline helps you plan for key life events more realistically.
Know When to Take Action
If your case is taking longer than the posted processing time:
- You may be eligible to submit a service request
- In extreme cases, you might consider asking for expedited processing
What this means: Monitoring the time helps you decide when to contact USCIS or seek legal help.
Stay Calm, Stay Informed
Delays can be stressful, but not all delays mean something is wrong. Regularly checking your status and understanding the process can give you peace of mind.
What this means: Use the posted timelines as a guide—not a countdown clock—and focus on what you can control.
Still wondering if the wait is worth it? See the key benefits of becoming a green card holder.
FAQs on Green Card Processing Times
1. How long does it take to get a green card after filing Form I-485?
Green card processing usually takes 8 to 24 months, depending on your application type, USCIS workload, and location. Some cases may take longer due to interviews or background checks.
2. How can I check my green card processing time?
You can check estimated processing times on the USCIS website. Select your form type, category, and service center to view the current timeline.
3. Why is my green card application taking longer than expected?
Delays can happen due to missing documents, Requests for Evidence (RFEs), local office backlogs, or security checks. Always monitor your case status and respond to any USCIS requests quickly.
4. Can I expedite my green card application?
Yes, in limited situations such as medical emergencies, urgent financial loss, or humanitarian reasons. USCIS decides on a case-by-case basis. You must submit strong evidence with your request.
5. What should I do if my case is outside normal processing times?
If your case is outside the posted timeline, you can submit a case inquiry through your USCIS online account or by calling the USCIS Contact Center.
6. Can I travel while my green card is being processed?
Only if you have an approved advance parole document (Form I-131). Traveling without it may lead to your green card application being considered abandoned.
7. What happens if I miss a USCIS biometrics or interview appointment?
Missing a scheduled appointment without rescheduling can delay or even result in denial of your application. Always notify USCIS ahead of time if you need to reschedule.
Ready to Take the Next Step in Your Green Card Journey?
Green card processing can be long and unpredictable—but it doesn’t have to be confusing. Understanding the timelines, tracking your case, and taking the right steps can make all the difference. Whether you’re applying through family, employment, or as a refugee or asylee, staying informed and organized is key to avoiding delays.
If you want expert support and fewer surprises along the way, our immigration professionals are here to help. From filing your forms correctly to tracking updates and responding to USCIS on time—we handle it all.
Let us simplify your green card journey. Start your application with confidence today.
