Path to Permanence: How Families Secure U.S. Residency

As of the beginning of 2025, family-based green card processing times in the United States are on a roller coaster ride. The first step, namely the I-130 petition for family-based immigration, has an average of around 14.3 months for citizen sponsors and 35 months for resident sponsors. Adjustment of status application (I-485) for family-based beneficiaries averages 9.3 to 9.8 months. However, according to recent trends, green card applications are slowing down, with the marriage-based cases taking more than a year. The delays are partially caused by greater scrutiny and interviews for marriage-based applications. Applicants are encouraged to seek the advice of immigration professionals for individual updates since USCIS processing times vary greatly.

 

Source: Boundless Immigration, Darian Immigration Law, Lina Law