Many immigrants want to know the Green Card waiting time, but it’s not always easy to find a clear answer.
At our New Jersey immigration law firm , we understand how important it is for you and your family to obtain lawful permanent residence.
That’s why our firm offers legal and up-to-date guidance on waiting times to help you achieve it.
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What is the Green Card waiting time to obtain one in 2025?
Currently, the wait time for obtaining a Green Card through marriage varies depending on the spouse’s immigration status and the applicant’s location.
The following are the estimated average deadlines for 2025:
- 9 months: For applicants married to US citizens and residing within the US.
- 14 months: For applicants married to US citizens and residing abroad.
- Up to 35 months: For applicants married to lawful permanent residents, regardless of their place of residence.
These times are estimates and may vary depending on USCIS workload, errors in the application, or the need for additional evidence. Below, we’ll detail your wait time by category:
Family-Based Green Card
Immediate relatives of US citizens are not subject to the visa bulletin, as they have no annual limits and do not have to wait for availability. This includes:
- Spouses within the US: approximately 9 months.
- Spouses outside the US: approximately 14 months.
- Parents of US citizens: 14 months.
- Unmarried children under 21 years of age: 14 months.
Family preference categories
These require an initial wait according to the visa bulletin:
- Spouses and minor children of lawful permanent residents (F2A): Currently processing priority applications through October 2024. USCIS processing time is up to 35 months.
- Unmarried Adult Children of U.S. Citizens (F1): Applications are currently being processed since September 2017, with a processing time of approximately 9 months.
- Unmarried adult children of lawful permanent residents (F2B): Applications are currently being processed since January 2017, and may take up to 35 months.
- Married children of U.S. citizens (F3): Applications are being processed starting in July 2012 and may take up to 9 months.
- Siblings of U.S. citizens (F4): In this category, the priority dates are very early. Additionally, USCIS processing takes approximately nine months once a visa is available.
Employment-Based Green Card
Employment-based applicants should also consider both visa availability and form review times:
EB-1 (priority workers)
EB-1 visas have no waiting period for most countries, except for the following:
- Applications for China are being processed from November 2022.
- For India from February 2022.
- Form I-140 processing time: 7 months.
EB-2 (professionals with advanced degrees or exceptional abilities)
EB-2 visas include the following:
- Progress since June 2023.
- For China, applications have been received since October 2020; for India, since January 2013.
- I-140 processing time: 7 months (with expedited processing option).
EB-3 (skilled workers and professionals)
In the case of EB-3 visas, you must:
- Applications are being processed from January 2023.
- For China since November 2020.
- For India since April 2013.
- Estimated I-140 time: 7 months.
EB-4 (special category, such as religious workers)
Visas are currently not being issued in this category.
For more information on religious workers, please check our blog on what is an R visa .
EB-5 (investors)
The EB-5 program doesn’t require a waiting period for most countries. However, its estimated processing time can be up to 71 months.
Still wondering how long it will take to obtain it? If you’d like to discuss your case in detail, don’t hesitate to consult with our firm.
General table of waiting times for a Green Card in 2025
As detailed above, the timeframes for obtaining legal permanent residence vary depending on the category and country of origin.
Below is a comparative summary of the current estimated times:
| Category | Countries with low demand | Countries with high demand (For example, Mexico, India, etc.) |
| Immediate family member | Without a significant waiting time | Without a significant waiting time |
| Siblings of US citizens | 6 to 10 years | 12 to 20 years |
| Unmarried children of citizens | 1 to 3 years | 5 to 10 years |
| Skilled workers | 1 to 3 years | 7 to 12 years old |
Important: These are approximations and may vary depending on changes in laws and procedures.
How much does it cost to get a Green Card through marriage in 2025?
The cost of the process depends on whether the applicant is located inside or outside the United States.
In 2025, the total amount will be more than $3,000 for those residing in the country, while for applicants abroad it will be approximately $1,340.
These fees cover the forms and administrative costs required by USCIS, although additional costs may be added for legal services, translations, and required medical examinations.
What are the requirements for obtaining a Green Card through marriage?
For the application to be successful, it is necessary to meet certain requirements that prove both the legitimacy of the marriage and the eligibility of the applicant.
Among the most important are:
- Genuine marriage: It must be demonstrated that the relationship is authentic and was not entered into for immigration purposes.
- Minimum age: both spouses must be at least 18 years old.
- Criminal record: The applicant must not have any criminal record that would make him inadmissible.
- Complete documentation: Key forms such as the I-130 and I-485, among other requirements, must be submitted.
It’s worth noting that, starting in early 2025, USCIS no longer requires proof of COVID-19 vaccination, which could simplify the process in certain cases.
When can you apply for citizenship after obtaining a Green Card through marriage?
Obtaining a green card through marriage is just the first step. Once granted, the cardholder can begin the process of obtaining American citizenship.
If you are married to a US citizen, you can apply for citizenship after three years with a Green Card, but in other cases, the usual period is five years.
However, these times are indicative and may vary depending on the applicant’s individual circumstances.
How long does it take to get a Green Card after paying the USCIS immigrant fee?
The waiting time to receive a Green Card depends on when the fee was paid:
- If you paid before entering the US: It may take up to 90 days from the date of entry.
- If you paid after check-in: It may take up to 90 days from the date of payment.
- If you haven’t paid yet: You must do so online before USCIS can process and issue your Green Card.
How long does it take to receive a Green Card once it’s approved?
Once your application is approved, your Green Card typically arrives in the mail within approximately 1 to 3 weeks.
However, this time may vary slightly depending on USCIS internal processes and shipping times.
What should I consider when calculating my green card waiting time?
It is important to consider that the process may include two distinct waiting stages:
- Visa bulletin waiting period: Applies primarily to those who are not immediate relatives of US citizens. It’s like waiting in line until your category has a space available.
- USCIS processing time: Begins once you are able to file your application and corresponds to the time it takes USCIS to review and approve your application.
Some applicants must only wait for USCIS processing, while others must complete both stages.
You can view your case processing times online through the USCIS website.
Are there any exceptions to the Visa Bulletin waiting period?
Not all applicants must wait until their priority date is current. Therefore, these are the main exceptions:
- Immediate relatives of US citizens: They can apply for a Green Card without waiting for the visa bulletin.
- EB-2 and EB-3 visa applicants: Before the visa bulletin period begins, the PERM labor certification process must be completed . The employer may then file Form I-140.
- Other exceptions: Depending on the type of green card, special rules may apply. Therefore, it is always advisable to consult with an immigration attorney.
Contact us if you want to know your exact wait time for a Green Card.
The wait time for a green card can seem confusing, but understanding how priority dates, annual quotas, and categories affect it is key to planning clearly.
If you need guidance on your case or would like professional help to start or expedite your process, please do not hesitate to contact our office.
We are ready to advise you every step of the way.
