For many families, nothing matters more than being together. If you’re a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident, you may have the ability to sponsor your loved ones for a green card through family-based immigration. But one of the most common and stressful questions is: how long will the process take?

Diaz Shafer Immigration, our Tampa family-based immigration attorneys understand the urgency behind every petition. Immigration wait times vary depending on the relationship, the visa category, and even your family member’s country of origin. Here’s what you need to know.

Immediate Relatives: No Waiting Period

The fastest category in family-based immigration is for immediate relatives of U.S. citizens. This includes:

• Spouses of U.S. citizens
• Unmarried children under 21 of U.S. citizens
• Parents of U.S. citizens (if the U.S. citizen is 21 or older)

For these cases, visas are always available, so there is no annual cap and no long waiting list. The process still involves completing forms, submitting documentation, and waiting for government review, but there is no backlog like in other categories.

Preference Relatives: Longer Wait Times

Other family members fall into the “family preference” system, which is subject to yearly limits. These relatives may include:

• Unmarried adult children of U.S. citizens (21 or older)
• Spouses and unmarried children of lawful permanent residents (green card holders)
• Married children of U.S. citizens
• Siblings of U.S. citizens (if the U.S. citizen is at least 21 years old)

For these categories, the wait times can range from several years to over a decade, depending on the visa bulletin published by the U.S. Department of State. Countries with higher demand, such as Mexico, the Philippines, India, and China, often face the longest backlogs.

Fiancé(e) Visas: A Special Option

If you are engaged to a U.S. citizen, you may apply for a K-1 fiancé(e) visa. This allows your fiancé(e) to come to the U.S. for marriage, provided the wedding takes place within 90 days of arrival. After marriage, they can apply for permanent residency. This process is often faster than waiting through preference categories.

Why Working With an Attorney Matters

Even when visas are available, paperwork errors, missing documents, or delays in processing can slow things down. At Diaz Shafer Immigration, we:

• Determine the best visa strategy for your family.
• Help gather and submit accurate documentation.
• Track your case through the immigration system.
• Work to minimize avoidable delays.

Our mission is to help reunite families as quickly as possible, while ensuring your case is handled correctly from the start.

Take the Next Step With Diaz Shafer Immigration

Every family’s situation is unique, and immigration timelines can vary widely. The best way to get accurate guidance for your case is to work with an experienced attorney who understands the family-based immigration process.

📞 Call 813-303-0650 today to schedule a consultation with Diaz Shafer Immigration.