Green Card Processing Times – FY 2025

Green card processing times vary based on two main pathways: employment-based and family-based immigration. Each path has distinct requirements and timelines. Here’s a comprehensive breakdown of current processing times for both routes, whether applying from within or outside the U.S.

• Take me to Employment-Based Green Card Processing Times
• Take me to Family-Based Green Card Processing Times

{{note-1}}

Understanding Total Green Card Wait Times

When calculating how long it will take to get your green card, you need to consider two distinct waiting periods that may apply to your case. The first is the visa bulletin waiting period—think of this as waiting in line for your number to be called. The second is the USCIS processing time—the time it takes for USCIS to review and approve your actual green card application once you’re allowed to submit it. Some applicants, like immediate relatives of U.S. citizens, get to skip the first waiting period entirely, while others may face both wait times.

Not sure about your wait time? Boundless can help you understand your timeline and keep track of your progress. Learn about our green card services for families, self-sponsoring individuals, and businesses.

Current Processing Times FY 2025

Family-Based Green Card Wait Times

Feeling overwhelmed by the green card process?

Boundless will guide you through each step, ensuring you understand your timeline and options

For Family-Based Immigration Updates

‍For Employment-Based Immigration Updates

Employment-Based Green Card Wait Times

Almost every employment-based green card requires an approved I-140 petition (or I-360/I-526 for certain categories) before filing the actual green card application (Form I-485). Most EB-2 and EB-3 cases also require PERM labor certification before the I-140 can be filed. Here’s how the timing typically works:

1. PERM Labor Certification (if required):
   • Required for most EB-2 and EB-3 cases
   • Currently taking 483
   • Not required for EB-1, EB-4, EB-5, and certain EB-2 cases (like National Interest Waiver)
2. Form I-140 Petition Processing: 8.1 months
   • Premium processing (where available): 15 days
3. Visa Bulletin Waiting Period (after petition approval)
4. Form I-485 Processing: months once you’re eligible to file

Expedited Processing Options:

• EB-1 extraordinary ability cases, EB-2, and EB-3 visas qualify for premium processing of the I-140 (15-day processing)
• EB-1 multinational manager and EB-2 National Interest Waiver also qualify for premium processing but the wait time is 45 business days
• EB-5 cases may qualify for expedited processing under certain circumstances

What These Times Mean For You

Generally, getting a green card involves two main waiting periods:

1. Visa Bulletin Wait: This applies to most, but not all, green card applicants. The Visa Bulletin is a monthly publication that lists the “cut-off” dates for different green card categories. Your “priority date” (usually when you first filed your application) needs to be earlier than the cut-off date listed in the Visa Bulletin for your category. This wait time can vary greatly depending on factors like your country of birth and the type of green card you’re applying for.
2. USCIS Processing Time: Once your priority date is current, you can file your green card application with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). USCIS then takes time to process your application, which can also vary depending on factors like the type of green card and the workload at the USCIS service center handling your case.

Important Exceptions:

• Immediate Relatives of U.S. Citizens: If you’re an immediate relative of a U.S. citizen (spouse, unmarried child under 21, or parent of a U.S. citizen over 21), you are exempt from the Visa Bulletin wait. You can file your green card application immediately.
• Employment-Based Visas with PERM: For many employment-based green cards (especially EB-2 and EB-3 categories), the PERM Labor Certification process must be completed before the Visa Bulletin wait even begins. This process can take 18-24 months. Once PERM is certified, the employer files Form I-140, which establishes the priority date for the Visa Bulletin.
• Other Exemptions: There might be other specific exemptions depending on the type of green card you’re applying for. It’s always best to consult with your immigration team or check the USCIS website for the most accurate and up-to-date information.

In Summary:

For most people, the total wait time to get a green card is the Visa Bulletin waiting period plus the USCIS processing time. However, immediate relatives of U.S. citizens don’t have to wait for a visa to become available.

Want to know exactly where you stand?

Boundless can calculate your estimated timeline based on your specific situation.

For Family-Based Immigration Updates

‍For Employment-Based Immigration Updates

Country-Specific Wait Time Impact

Applicants from certain countries face significantly longer initial waiting periods:

• India: Particularly long waits for EB-2 and EB-3 categories
• China: Extended waits for all employment-based categories
• Mexico: Longer waits for most family preference categories
• Philippines: Extended waits for F4 (sibling) category

Monitoring Your Wait Time

The two key resources for tracking your wait time are:

1. The monthly visa bulletin: Shows which priority dates are currently being processed
2. USCIS processing times: Shows how long the agency is taking to process applications

Need help monitoring your progress?

Boundless can track your case and alert you to important movements in processing times.

For Family-Based Immigration Updates

‍For Employment-Based Immigration Updates

{{cta-component-center-aligned}}