Green Card Processing Times
Current USCIS green card processing times across all pathways — family-based, employment-based, and special immigrant categories. Green card wait times and timelines are updated daily from USCIS data.
9 green card forms tracked across 3 pathways. Overall range: 11.0 mo to 111.8 mo. Data from Apr 21, 2026.
Family-Based Green Card Processing Times
Family-sponsored green cards include petitions for immediate relatives (spouses, parents, children of U.S. citizens) and family preference categories. The process typically involves an I-130 petition followed by I-485 adjustment of status.
| Form | Processing Time | Status |
|---|---|---|
| I-130 (Family Green Card Petition) | 98.7 mo – 111.8 mo | Slow |
| I-485 (Green Card (AOS)) | 13.0 mo – 26.3 mo | Normal |
| I-751 | 32.5 mo – 45.3 mo | Slow |
| I-129F (K-1 Fiancé Visa) | 11.0 mo – 14.5 mo | Normal |
Employment-Based Green Card Processing Times
Employment-based green cards cover EB-1 (extraordinary ability), EB-2 (advanced degree), EB-3 (skilled workers), and EB-5 (investors). Most require an approved I-140 petition, and many need PERM labor certification first.
| Form | Processing Time | Status |
|---|---|---|
| I-140 (EB-1 / EB-2 / EB-3) | 16.3 mo – 18.9 mo | Normal |
| I-485 (Green Card (AOS)) | 13.0 mo – 26.3 mo | Normal |
| I-526 | 32.0 mo – 35.5 mo | Fast |
| I-526E | 29.5 mo – 35.5 mo | Very Slow |
Other Green Card Pathways
Special immigrant categories (I-360) include religious workers, certain international organization employees, and VAWA self-petitioners. I-730 covers refugee/asylee relative petitions.
| Form | Processing Time | Status |
|---|---|---|
| I-360 (VAWA) | 21.0 mo – 29.8 mo | Normal |
Marriage Green Card Processing Times
A marriage-based green card typically requires two steps: an I-130 petition (98.7 mo – 111.8 mo) followed by I-485 adjustment of status (13.0 mo – 26.3 mo). Combined, the process currently takes approximately 111.6 mo – 138.2 mo.
Frequently Asked Questions
As of April 2026, green card processing times range from 11.0 mo to 111.8 mo depending on the pathway (family-based, employment-based, or special immigrant), form type, and service center. Processing times are updated daily based on USCIS data.
Green card processing times depend on the visa category (e.g., EB-2 vs. EB-3), the applicant's country of birth (some countries have longer backlogs), the USCIS service center handling the case, and current application volume. Visa Bulletin priority dates also affect when employment-based and family-preference applicants can file.
A marriage-based green card typically takes 111.6 mo to 138.2 mo when combining the I-130 petition (111.8 mo) and I-485 adjustment of status (26.3 mo). Times vary by service center.
Current green card wait times as of April 2026 range from 11.0 mo to 111.8 mo across all pathways. Family-based green cards (I-130 + I-485) and employment-based green cards (I-140 + I-485) have different timelines. See each pathway section above for current ranges.
Cite This Data
Citation
ImmigrationTimes.org. (2026). Green Card Processing Times (data as of Apr 21, 2026). Retrieved May 17, 2026, from https://immigrationtimes.org/green-card/
Related Resources
Source: USCIS. Data from Apr 21, 2026. Permanent link.