Key Facts About Family-Based Green Cards
Key Points to Know
- Immediate relative (IR) immigrants benefit from faster processing than family preference applicants.
- Average processing time for immediate relatives (spouses, unmarried children under 21, and parents of U.S. citizens) filing from within the U.S. is about 9.5 months.
- The Visa Bulletin provides timelines for family preference categories, which may involve years of waiting due to visa backlogs.
- The first step in the process is filing Form I-130 (Petition for Alien Relative), followed by either Form I-485 (Adjustment of Status) if applying within the U.S. or DS-260 (Immigrant Visa Application) if applying abroad.
- Family-based green cards are among the most common pathways to permanent residency, accounting for roughly two-thirds of over one million green cards issued each year.
Because the process is lengthy and complex, working with an experienced immigration attorney at Green Card Link ensures accuracy and helps prevent delays or denials.
What Is a Family-Based Green Card?
A family-based green card allows certain relatives of U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents (LPRs) to become permanent residents of the United States. These visas fall into two categories:
- Immediate Relative (IR) Visas – Unlimited in number, with faster processing.
- Family Preference Visas – Subject to strict annual caps, often with multi-year wait times.
The relationship between the petitioner (U.S. citizen or LPR) and the beneficiary (the family member abroad or in the U.S.) determines the process, timeline, and eligibility.
Immediate Relative Immigrant (IR) Visas
Immediate relative visas are reserved for close family members of U.S. citizens. Because they are not numerically capped, they are prioritized with faster processing. Subcategories include:
- IR-1: Spouse of a U.S. citizen
- IR-2: Unmarried child under 21 of a U.S. citizen
- IR-3: Orphan adopted abroad by a U.S. citizen
- IR-4: Orphan adopted in the U.S. by a U.S. citizen
- IR-5: Parent of a U.S. citizen (petitioner must be at least 21)
Family Preference Immigrant Visas
Family preference visas cover more distant relatives and are subject to annual quotas. Once the cap is reached, applicants must wait until a new visa number becomes available, which can take years.
The four preference categories include:
- F1 (Family First Preference): Unmarried sons and daughters of U.S. citizens (23,400 visas annually).
- F2 (Family Second Preference): Spouses, children under 21, and unmarried adult children of green card holders (114,200 visas annually; majority allocated to spouses and children).
- F3 (Family Third Preference): Married sons and daughters of U.S. citizens and their families (23,400 visas annually).
- F4 (Family Fourth Preference): Brothers and sisters of U.S. citizens, along with spouses and children, if the petitioner is at least 21 years old (65,000 visas annually).
Because of these caps, applicants often face long waiting periods, sometimes stretching 5–10 years or more.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Family-Based Green Card?
Processing times depend on:
- The applicant’s visa category (IR vs. preference).
- Whether the application is filed inside or outside the U.S.
- The workload of the USCIS service center or consular post.
Typical processing times (2025):
- Immediate relatives (inside U.S.): ~9.5 months
- Immediate relatives (outside U.S.): ~20.6 months (including consular processing)
- Spouse of a green card holder (inside U.S.): ~39 months
- Spouse of a green card holder (outside U.S.): ~45 months
Application Process: Step by Step
Step One: File Form I-130 (Petition for Alien Relative)
The U.S. citizen or green card holder files Form I-130 to establish the qualifying family relationship. Once approved, the case moves forward depending on the beneficiary’s location.
Step Two: Adjustment of Status (Inside the U.S.)
If the family member is already in the U.S., they may apply for adjustment of status by filing Form I-485. Immediate relatives may file the I-130 and I-485 concurrently, reducing wait time.
Step Two: Consular Processing (Outside the U.S.)
If the family member is abroad, the approved I-130 is sent to the National Visa Center (NVC) and then the U.S. embassy or consulate in their country. Applicants must:
- File DS-260 (Immigrant Visa Application)
- Complete a medical exam and vaccinations
- Attend a visa interview at the U.S. consulate
- Receive an immigrant visa packet for entry into the U.S.
After entering the U.S., Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers inspect the applicant, and if admitted, USCIS mails the green card within about 45 days.
Requirements for Sponsorship
To sponsor a family member, a petitioner must:
- Be a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident.
- Prove a qualifying family relationship (immediate relative or family preference).
- Maintain a principal residence in the U.S.
- Demonstrate the financial ability to support the family member by filing Form I-864 (Affidavit of Support), showing income of at least 125% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines.
How Green Card Link Can Help
The family-based immigration process is complex, time-consuming, and prone to errors if handled without professional guidance. At Green Card Link, its immigration attorneys assist with every stage of the application—preparing petitions, gathering documentation, avoiding mistakes, and representing you in interviews.
By working with an immigration attorney at Green Card Link, you can:
- Avoid unnecessary delays and denials.
- Ensure your petitions are complete and accurate.
- Receive personalized guidance based on your category and timeline.
Start your family green card application today and bring your loved ones closer to a permanent future in the United States.