One of the most common questions we hear at Hanlon Law Group is, “How long will it take to bring my family member to the U.S.?” If you're a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident hoping to reunite with a loved one, the process is absolutely possible, but the wait time depends on several factors, including your immigration status, the type of relationship, and where your relative is currently living.
Family-based immigration is one of the most powerful tools for keeping loved ones together. But it can also feel overwhelming. Our firm helps families throughout Los Angeles and across California understand what to expect from this process and how to move forward efficiently and correctly from the start.
U.S. immigration law separates family-based green card applicants into two broad categories: immediate relatives and those in a family preference category. The category your relative falls into will have a major impact on how long the process takes.
Immediate relatives of U.S. citizens include:
There’s no annual cap on green cards for immediate relatives. That means once the initial petition is approved, there is no additional waiting for a visa number. These cases typically move faster than all others. However, applicants still must go through USCIS processing and, in some cases, a consular interview abroad. These steps usually take 12 to 18 months from start to finish.
Family preference categories apply to more extended family members or to relatives of green card holders. These include:
These categories are subject to annual limits and country-specific quotas. That means processing times can stretch into years or even decades, especially for applicants from high-demand countries like Mexico, India, or the Philippines.
Below is a general estimate of how long it may take to bring your family member to the U.S., based on current USCIS and State Department data. Actual processing time may vary, but this provides a helpful overview:
For relatives in the preference categories, timing is based on visa availability, tracked through the Visa Bulletin published monthly by the U.S. Department of State. This bulletin tells you when it’s your relative’s turn to move forward in the process.
Even when you submit a strong application, delays can still happen. Some of the most common issues that slow down green card processing include:
It’s important to remember that a delay early in the process can lead to months of additional waiting later. Working with an experienced immigration attorney gives you the best chance of submitting a clean, complete application that avoids unnecessary setbacks. At Hanlon Law Group, we thoroughly review each case to reduce the risk of avoidable issues.
How your relative applies for the green card will also affect the timeline. There are two main pathways:
Adjustment of Status applies when your family member is already legally in the U.S. and is eligible to apply for permanent residency without leaving the country. This route avoids the need for a consular interview and may be faster, especially when paired with concurrent applications for work permits and travel documents.
Consular Processing is required when your family member is living abroad. After USCIS approves the I-130 petition, the case is transferred to the National Visa Center and eventually to the appropriate U.S. embassy or consulate for an in-person interview. This path often adds several months to the timeline and may involve coordination with foreign agencies and medical examiners.
Neither path is better in every situation. The right option depends on your loved one’s location, immigration history, and eligibility. We help clients choose the route that offers the most efficient and secure outcome based on their unique circumstances.
Trying to bring a family member to the U.S. can be stressful, time-consuming, and emotionally difficult. Many people underestimate how detailed and unforgiving the process can be. Simple mistakes can cost you years of waiting or result in a denial that could have been avoided with proper legal guidance.
At Hanlon Law Group, our attorneys have decades of experience helping families reunite through the immigration system. We don’t just fill out forms; we offer real advice, strategic planning, and ongoing support from start to finish. We work closely with families in Los Angeles and across California to ensure every case is handled with precision and care.
Every day matters when you're trying to bring a loved one to the United States. Whether you're sponsoring a spouse, child, parent, or sibling, our team is here to make the process as smooth and efficient as possible. You don’t have to take this on alone.
Contact Hanlon Law Group today to schedule a consultation. We'll answer your questions, assess your eligibility, and help you take the next step toward bringing your family together here in the U.S.
