Immigrating to another country is a big decision. For many people, the process of getting an immigrant visa can feel long and confusing. You may wonder how long it will take and what steps are involved. The truth is, the time it takes to get an immigrant visa depends on many things. These include your relationship to the person sponsoring you, the type of visa you apply for, and how fast the embassy or immigration office can handle your case.
How Long Does the Immigrant Visa Process Take?
In this article, we’ll walk through the entire process. We’ll explain what happens at each step, how long each part might take, and what can delay things. By the end, you’ll have a clear idea of what to expect and how to prepare.
What Is an Immigrant Visa?
An immigrant visa allows you to live and work permanently in a new country. In most cases, this visa is the first step toward getting a green card or permanent residency.
There are different types of immigrant visas. Some are based on family relationships. Others are based on employment, refugee or asylum status, or special programs.
Common types include:
Family-sponsored visas
Employment-based visas
Diversity visas (also called the green card lottery)
Refugee or humanitarian visas
Each type has its own process and waiting time.
Basic Steps of the Immigrant Visa Process
The immigrant visa process usually follows these steps:
Petition filing
Approval of the petition
Visa number availability
Visa application and interview
Medical exam and background checks
Visa approval and travel
Let’s break down each part and see how long it usually takes.
Step 1: Filing the Petition
This step begins when your sponsor submits a petition. This sponsor could be a family member or an employer. For family-based cases, the form is usually Form I-130. For work-based cases, it’s often Form I-140.
The sponsor sends the form to the immigration office, like USCIS in the U.S.
How long does this step take?
For family petitions:
Immediate relatives (like a spouse, parent, or child under 21): 8 to 12 months
Other family members (like siblings or married children): 12 months to several years, depending on the category
For employment petitions:
Usually 6 to 12 months, but it can vary depending on the job and case load
Step 2: Petition Approval
After the petition is filed, the immigration office reviews it. If they need more information, they’ll ask for it. If all is in order, they’ll approve the petition.
Time estimate:
2 to 15 months, depending on the type of petition and service center
Once approved, the case is sent to the National Visa Center (NVC). The NVC holds the case until a visa number is available.
Step 3: Waiting for a Visa Number
This step can be the longest part of the process. Some people don’t need to wait, but others may wait years.
If you are an immediate relative of a U.S. citizen (like a spouse or parent), there’s no wait for a visa number. But if you’re in a family or employment preference category, you have to wait for your priority date to become current.
The U.S. Department of State publishes a Visa Bulletin every month. It shows which dates are being processed. You can check it to see when your turn comes.
Time estimate:
Immediate relatives: No wait
Family preference categories: 1 to 20+ years
Employment-based categories: Several months to 10+ years, depending on the country and category
Step 4: Applying for a Visa and Interview
Once your visa number is available, the NVC will ask for more documents and fees. You’ll submit a visa application (usually Form DS-260), civil documents like birth and marriage certificates, and pay processing fees.
When all documents are accepted, the NVC schedules an interview at the embassy or consulate in your home country.
Time estimate:
2 to 4 months after your priority date becomes current
The interview is one of the most important steps. A consular officer will ask questions about your case. If everything is fine, they’ll approve your visa.
Step 5: Medical Exam and Background Checks
Before your interview, you’ll need to get a medical exam from a doctor approved by the embassy. This step checks for certain diseases and vaccinations.
You’ll also go through background checks and security screenings. These help the government make sure you’re not a risk.
Time estimate:
Medical exam: A few days to a week
Background checks: Can vary, but often completed within a month unless there are issues
Step 6: Getting the Visa and Traveling
If your visa is approved, you’ll receive it in your passport. You usually get it within a few weeks after the interview.
You can then make plans to move. Your visa has an expiration date, so you must enter the country before it expires (usually within 6 months of the medical exam).
When you arrive, immigration officers will inspect your documents. After that, you become a lawful permanent resident.
How Long Does the Entire Process Take?
This depends on your visa category and country of origin.
For immediate relatives of U.S. citizens:
8 to 14 months total
For family preference categories:
1 to 25+ years, depending on your relationship and home country
For employment-based immigrants:
1 to 6 years, but longer for some countries
For diversity visa (green card lottery) winners:
1 to 2 years
For refugees or asylum-based immigrants:
Timeline depends on the program, but often takes 2 to 4 years
What Can Delay the Process?
Many things can slow down your case. These include:
Missing or incorrect documents
Requests for more information (RFE)
Slow processing at your service center
Security or background check issues
High demand for visas from your country
Changes in immigration policies
To avoid delays:
Double-check your forms and documents
Respond quickly to any requests
Keep your contact information up to date
Stay informed about your visa category
Tips to Make the Process Smoother
Organize your documents early. Keep copies of everything.
Check processing times online. USCIS and NVC websites show updates.
Watch the Visa Bulletin. This helps you track your wait time.
Follow instructions carefully. Even small mistakes can delay your case.
Ask for help if needed. A lawyer or visa expert can guide you.
Conclusion
Getting an immigrant visa takes time and patience. For some, it can be a fairly quick process. For others, it’s a long wait. Understanding the steps and timelines can help you stay prepared and less stressed.
Remember, each case is different. Even if someone you know got their visa fast, your case may be slower or faster for different reasons.
Keep track of your application, follow the rules, and stay patient. In the end, the reward is worth it—a new life in a new country with permanent residency.
If you’re unsure about your case, it’s always a good idea to talk to an immigration lawyer or trusted advisor. They can help you understand your options and avoid mistakes.
Related topics:
- How Long Does the Permanent Resident Process Take?
- How Can You Apply for Irish Citizenship? A Complete Guide
- After I-130 Approval: What Happens Next in the Immigration Process?
