The short answer
There are two waits. First, the line for a visa number, if your category has one, shown in the Visa Bulletin. Second, the time USCIS or the embassy takes to process your case. Both vary a lot, and no one can promise a date.
What to know
- Immediate relatives of U.S. citizens have no line, but still wait for processing.
- Preference categories can wait years, and the wait depends on your country of birth.
- USCIS posts case processing times for each form and office.
- Check the Visa Bulletin each month to see how your category moved.
For the exact rules, forms and fees, see USCIS.
Visa Status is an unofficial site. This is general information in plain words, not legal advice. Rules, fees and forms change, so check the official website and your own papers. Written October 2026.