The time it takes to get a U.S. Green Card in 2025 depends on the type of application and your individual circumstances. Some applicants may wait just a few months, while others could wait years.
Let’s break down the average timelines for different Green Card categories.
👪 Family-Based Green Cards
✅ Immediate Relatives (spouse, children under 21, parents of U.S. citizens):
- Average Time: 8–14 months
- No annual limit, so typically faster
✅ Family Preference Categories (siblings, adult children, etc.):
- Average Time: 2–10 years
- Subject to annual caps and long waitlists
💼 Employment-Based Green Cards
✅ EB-1: Extraordinary ability or multinational executives
- Time: 8–18 months
✅ EB-2: Advanced degree professionals
- Time: 12–30 months (PERM process included)
✅ EB-3: Skilled workers
- Time: 1.5–3 years
⚠️ Note: Processing time also depends on your country of origin and visa bulletin availability.
🎟️ Green Card Lottery (Diversity Visa)
- DV-2025 Timeline:
- Results announced: May 2024
- Interviews begin: October 2024
- Final deadline: September 30, 2025
- Average Processing Time: 8–12 months after selection
⏳ Other Factors That Affect Timeline
- Backlogs due to COVID-era delays
- Missing or incorrect documents
- Requests for Evidence (RFEs)
- Country-specific visa caps (especially India, China, Mexico, Philippines)
📌 Final Thoughts
Patience is key when applying for a Green Card. Knowing your category and tracking the Visa Bulletin monthly will help you stay informed. It’s important to plan ahead, especially for family reunification or career changes.