# Green Card Processing Times 2026

Find out how long it takes to get a green card

## Understanding Total Green Card Wait Times

When calculating how long it will take to get your [green card](https://www.boundless.com/immigration-resources/the-green-card-explained), you need to consider two distinct waiting periods that may apply to your case. The first is the [visa bulletin](https://www.boundless.com/blog/visa-bulletin/) waiting period—think of this as waiting in line for your number to be called. The second is the [USCIS processing time](https://www.boundless.com/immigration-resources/uscis-processing-times)—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.

## Current Processing Times FY 2027

### Family-Based Green Card Wait Times

| Category                            | Initial Wait (Visa Bulletin) | USCIS Processing Time                 |
|--------------------------------------|-----------------------------|--------------------------------------|
| Immediate Relatives of U.S. Citizens | No wait required             | 8.2 months                            |
| Spouses (outside U.S.)              | No wait required             | 14.5 months                           |
| Parents                              | No wait required             | 14.5 months                           |
| Unmarried children under 21         | No wait required             | 14.5 months                           |
| **Family Preference Categories:**     |                             |                                      |
| Spouses/Children of Green Card Holders  | Currently processing October 2024 | 35 months                     |
| Adult Children of U.S. Citizens      | Currently processing Sept 2017 | 8.2 months                          |
| Adult Children of Green Card Holders  | Currently processing Jan 2017  | 35 months                          |
| Married Children of U.S. Citizens     | Currently processing July 2012  | 8.2 month                        |
| Siblings of U.S. Citizens            | Varies by country           | 8.2 month                            |

### Employment-Based Green Card Wait Times

| Category   | General Visa Bulletin Wait   | Country-Specific Backlogs          | I-140 Processing Time for EB Visa | Additional I-485 Processing Time   |
|------------|------------------------------|-----------------------------------|------------------------------------|-----------------------------------|
| EB-1      | Current (No Wait)           | China: Since Nov 2022             | 8.1 months                         | Months                            |
| EB-2      | Since June 2023             | China: Since Oct 2020, India: Since Jan 2013 | 8.1 months                  | Months                            |
| EB-3      | Since January 2023          | China: Since Nov 2020, India: Since April 2013 | 8.1 months                  | Months                            |
| EB-4      | Unauthorized                | Unauthorized                       | 8.1 months                         | Months                            |
| EB-5      | Current (No Wait)           | China: Since January 2014, India: Since November 2019 | 71.1 months               | Months                            |

## 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. 
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).

### Important Exceptions:

- **Immediate Relatives of U.S. Citizens:** Exempt from the Visa Bulletin wait.
- **Employment-Based Visas with PERM:** Many employment-based green cards require the PERM Labor Certification to be completed.

### Country-Specific Wait Time Impact

Applicants from certain countries face significantly longer initial waiting periods:

- India: Long waits for EB-2 and EB-3.
- China: Extended waits for all employment categories.
- Mexico: Longer waits for most family preference categories.
- Philippines: Extended waits for F4 category.

## Monitoring Your Wait Time

The two key resources for tracking your wait time are:
1. The monthly [visa bulletin](https://www.boundless.com/blog/visa-bulletin/)
2. [USCIS processing times](https://www.boundless.com/immigration-resources/uscis-processing-times)