Navigating Family-Based Immigration: Understanding Processing Times

As you embark on your journey to reunite with loved ones or seek new opportunities in the United States, the timelines involved in family-based immigration processing become very important. While I have previously provided information on the various preference categories of family-based immigration here, I’d like to shed light on the waiting periods you may encounter when proceeding through this web of preference category.

These times are subject to many factors and can vary wildly depending on several factors. For updated information, please refer directly to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) website. It is important to recognize also that, although 80% of cases are resolved within the posted time-frames, this is no guarantee, and expedites can be very difficult to obtain. https://egov.uscis.gov/processing-times/

Immediate Relatives: Immediate relatives of U.S. citizens, generally encompassing spouses, parents, and unmarried children under 21, often enjoy expedited processing. Currently, the wait time for this category is approximately 14 months. This relatively swift processing reflects the priority placed on preserving family unity.

Family Preference Categories: Beyond immediate relatives, family-based immigration is categorized into four preference categories, each with its own processing timelines and visa quotas.

First Preference (F1): Unmarried sons and daughters of U.S. citizens fall under this category. Due to the annual visa quota, the processing times for F1 applicants can extend to several years, particularly for individuals from countries with high demand. Currently, First Preference immigrant cases are resolved within 2 to 6 years, depending on the field office responsible for your case.

Second Preference (F2A & F2B): F2A encompasses spouses and unmarried children under 21 of lawful permanent residents, while F2B includes unmarried children over 21. Processing times for F2A applicants are generally shorter compared to F2B, with wait times ranging from 2.5 to 4 years. However, F2B applicants may face longer processing periods, often exceeding 5 years, again influenced by visa availability and country-specific demand.

Third Preference (F3): Married sons and daughters of U.S. citizens fall into this category. The processing times for F3 applicants can be notably protracted, spanning from 7 to 12 years or even longer in some cases, as the visa backlog persists.

Fourth Preference (F4): Siblings of adult U.S. citizens comprise the F4 category. With a limited number of visas allocated annually and substantial demand, the processing times for F4 applicants are among the lengthiest, commonly stretching well beyond a decade.

Navigating the Waiting Game: While these processing times offer a glimpse into the reality of family-based immigration, it's very important to stay informed and proactive throughout the application process. Changes in policy can be beneficial or detrimental to your case, and regular attention to updates from the USCIS and U.S. Department of State can provide valuable insights into evolving processing timelines and visa availability.

Furthermore, seeking guidance from an immigration attorneys can streamline the process, ensuring that applicants are equipped with the necessary knowledge and resources to tackling potential hurdles effectively. Having a passionate advocate on your side can ensure you are regularly updated to matters that involve your specific situation. Contact the Law Office of Henry Cabot today to explore your options and embark on your immigration journey with confidence.