When starting any immigration journey—whether for work, family, or citizenship—timing is often one of your biggest concerns. Each type of case has its own process, requirements, and estimated waiting periods, which can vary based on your specific situation and changes in immigration policy. Knowing what to expect helps you stay prepared and make informed decisions. Whether you’re applying for a work visa, sponsoring a relative, or seeking to become a U.S. citizen, it’s crucial to understand how long each step may take and what factors could impact your timeline.

If you’re applying for a work visa, the timeline depends on the type of visa and the involvement of your employer. For example, the H-1B visa process begins with a petition from your employer, which includes steps such as labor certification, petition filing, and potentially a lottery system. The standard processing time can range from 3 to 6 months; however, premium processing may reduce it to 15 days. However, delays are still possible even with faster processing due to government backlogs or additional documentation requests. Other employment-based visas, such as EB-2 or EB-3 immigrant visas (which lead to green cards), can take significantly longer, sometimes several years, depending on your country of origin and the visa bulletin’s availability. 

When sponsoring a family member for permanent residency, the timeline depends on the type of relationship and whether the person is considered an “immediate relative” under U.S. immigration law. Immediate relatives of U.S. citizens—such as spouses, parents, and unmarried children under 21—typically experience faster processing since this category has no annual visa limits. You can expect approval within 12 to 18 months. However, other family preference categories, such as siblings or adult children, are subject to long wait times, especially for applicants from highly competitive countries. These cases can take several years or even over a decade to resolve. The initial petition, Form I-130, can take several months before your relative can apply for a visa or adjust status.

If you’re applying for a green card, how long it takes often depends on where you’re applying from. If you’re already in the U.S., you may be eligible for adjustment of status. This process typically takes 8 to 14 months but can vary by location and case complexity. The timeline may be similar if you’re applying from outside the U.S. through consular processing. Still, you’ll also need to schedule interviews at the U.S. embassy or consulate in your home country, which may cause additional delays. The type of green card also plays a role—whether it’s based on family, employment, or asylum status—and each category has different steps and wait times. Background checks, requests for more information, or even minor errors in documentation can extend the process.

When you’re ready to apply for naturalization, you must first meet eligibility requirements, such as holding a green card for at least 3 or 5 years (depending on your situation). Once you file Form N-400, the average timeline from application to oath ceremony is usually 8 to 12 months. This process includes biometric screening, an interview, and a civics and English test. Timing can vary depending on the field office’s workload and whether there are any complications with your application. Even after your interview, it may take weeks or months to receive a decision or be scheduled for your oath ceremony. Keeping your paperwork organized and responding quickly to requests helps avoid unnecessary delays.

Because each immigration process has its timeline and potential delays, planning carefully and being as accurate and thorough as possible in your applications is crucial. Missing a document or submitting an incomplete form can easily set your case back by months. You don’t have to manage this on your own. At Victor Hernandez Law, we offer personalized guidance tailored to your unique situation, ensuring that all documentation is accurately completed and submitted on time. Our commitment extends beyond simply submitting forms; we advocate for you at every step, providing effective representation if any issues arise. We understand that the path to citizenship can be complex, and we are here to help you move through it with clarity and confidence. Contact us today to arrange a consultation!