How long does the Immediate Relative of US Citizen take?

End to end, the Immediate Relative of US Citizen typically takes 12 to 30 months. Preparing a complete application (5 stages) usually takes around 15 months; the rest is government processing, which varies with caseload and country of application.

What slows down IR Visa applications?

The most common delays are incomplete evidence triggering requests for more information, missing or expired documents (police certificates and medicals have validity windows), and backlogs at specific processing offices. Filing a decision-ready application is the single biggest controllable factor.

Can I speed up the IR Visa?

You cannot skip the queue in most cases, but you can avoid adding to it: submit complete evidence the first time, respond to requests immediately, and keep documents valid. Some categories offer premium or priority processing — check the official government page for current options.

🇺🇸 United States · IR Visa

Immediate Relative of US Citizen: Processing time

Typical end-to-end timeline: 12–30 months. Here is where that time actually goes, stage by stage.

Typical processing time

12–30 months

from first preparation to final decision

Government processing times move with caseload. Check the official processing-time page for the current published estimate — our platform tracks these automatically.

The 5 stages of a IR Visa application

1
US Citizen Files Form I-130
≈ 14 days
The US citizen petitioner files Form I-130 (Petition for Alien Relative) with USCIS to establish the qualifying family relationship. This can be filed concurrently with I-485 if the beneficiary is in the US.
Form: I-130
2
NVC Processing (Consular Track) or I-485 Filing (AOS Track)
≈ 180 days
For consular processing: NVC assigns a case number, collects fees, and gathers documents before scheduling an interview. For AOS: file I-485 (and I-131, I-765 concurrently if needed).
Form: I-485
3
Medical Examination
≈ 14 days
Complete Form I-693 medical examination by a USCIS-designated civil surgeon (AOS) or a panel physician approved by the US Embassy (consular). Includes required vaccinations.
Form: I-693
4
Biometrics Appointment
≈ 60 days
USCIS schedules a biometrics appointment for fingerprinting and identity verification. Attend in person at the designated Application Support Center (ASC).
5
Interview & Green Card Issuance
≈ 180 days
Attend interview at USCIS office (AOS) or US Embassy (consular). Upon approval, receive the Permanent Resident Card (or immigrant visa for consular track).

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The 5 stages of a IR Visa application

US Citizen Files Form I-130

≈ 14 days

The US citizen petitioner files Form I-130 (Petition for Alien Relative) with USCIS to establish the qualifying family relationship. This can be filed concurrently with I-485 if the beneficiary is in the US.

Form: I-130

NVC Processing (Consular Track) or I-485 Filing (AOS Track)

≈ 180 days

For consular processing: NVC assigns a case number, collects fees, and gathers documents before scheduling an interview. For AOS: file I-485 (and I-131, I-765 concurrently if needed).

Form: I-485

Medical Examination

≈ 14 days

Complete Form I-693 medical examination by a USCIS-designated civil surgeon (AOS) or a panel physician approved by the US Embassy (consular). Includes required vaccinations.

Form: I-693

Biometrics Appointment

≈ 60 days

USCIS schedules a biometrics appointment for fingerprinting and identity verification. Attend in person at the designated Application Support Center (ASC).

Interview & Green Card Issuance

≈ 180 days

Attend interview at USCIS office (AOS) or US Embassy (consular). Upon approval, receive the Permanent Resident Card (or immigrant visa for consular track).