If you’re applying for a green card, whether through a relative or an employer, understanding how long the process might take is essential. Green card wait times vary depending on your category, country of chargeability, and filing dates. In this post, we’ll guide you step-by-step through how to check your green card wait time using the Visa Bulletin and USCIS Processing Times.
Family-Based Green Card Wait Times
1. Know Your Category
If you’re applying through a U.S. citizen or permanent resident relative, your case falls into a family-based preference category such as:
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F1 – Unmarried sons/daughters of U.S. citizens
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F2A – Spouses and children of green card holders
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F2B – Unmarried adult children of green card holders
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F3 – Married children of U.S. citizens
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F4 – Siblings of U.S. citizens
2. Find Your Priority Date
This is your official place in line. It’s usually the date USCIS received your I-130. You’ll find it on your I-130 receipt notice.
3. Check the Visa Bulletin
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Go to travel.state.gov
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Click “Visa Bulletin”
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Open the latest monthly bulletin
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Match your category and country of chargeability
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Compare your priority date with the Final Action Dates or Dates for Filing
If your priority date is earlier than the date shown, your case is current and may move forward.
4. Check USCIS Processing Times
If you’ve filed Form I-485 (Adjustment of Status), visit uscis.gov:
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Click Check Case Processing Times
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Select Form I-485
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Choose your field office This tells you the average processing time for interviews or approval.
Note: Immediate relatives of U.S. citizens do not need to check the Visa Bulletin—their green cards are not subject to numerical limits.
5. Family-Based FAQs
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What if my spouse is a U.S. citizen?
You’re considered an immediate relative and are exempt from the Visa Bulletin wait times. -
What is retrogression?
Sometimes, the Visa Bulletin moves backward due to high demand. If this happens, your case must wait until your priority date becomes current again.
Employment-Based Green Card Wait Times
1. Know Your Category
If you’re being sponsored by an employer, you’ll fall under one of the employment-based categories, such as:
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EB-1 – Priority workers (e.g., executives, researchers)
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EB-2 – Advanced degrees or exceptional ability
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EB-3 – Skilled workers and professionals
Most employment-based applicants require a PERM Labor Certification, followed by Form I-140.
2. Find Your Priority Date
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For most: the date your PERM was filed
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If PERM is not required: the I-140 filing date
3. Check the Visa Bulletin
Visit the Visa Bulletin as described earlier. Match your employment-based category, country, and priority date to see if your case is current.
4. USCIS Processing Times
Once you’ve filed your I-485, check the processing time on uscis.gov by selecting your form and field office. You can also track biometrics, interviews, and case updates here.
5. Employment-Based FAQs
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Why are wait times longer for some countries?
Each country has an annual limit. Countries with high demand (like India and China) often face longer backlogs.
Conclusion
Checking your green card wait time isn’t always straightforward, but using the Visa Bulletin and USCIS tools can give you a much clearer picture of where you stand. Staying informed can help you prepare documents, anticipate interview timelines, and reduce stress during the process.
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You may have questions regarding a green card application. We invite you to contact our team at Richards and Jurusik for detailed guidance and assistance. We aim to provide the most accurate and up-to-date information to make your immigration process smoother and less stressful. The immigration lawyers at Richards and Jurusik have decades of experience helping people work and live in the United States. Read some of our hundreds of 5-star client reviews! Contact us today to assess your legal situation.
