👨👩👧👦 Family ReunificationActive🇺🇸 United States
Family-Based Immigrant Visa
The lawful family route to a green card through a petition and then consular processing or adjustment where applicable.
Processing time
12-36 months
Approximate cost
$1,150
Snapshot
Apr 10, 2026
Last verified
Apr 10, 2026
Eligibility
- Have a qualifying family relationship in the relevant statutory category.
- Win approval of the underlying petition and complete the consular or in-country stage.
- Have an available visa number where the category is quota-controlled.
In the April 2026 snapshot, the route may remain legally in place but consular visa issuance is paused for specified nationalities under a State Department notice.
Nationality-Specific Rules
DZpaused
Immigrant visa issuance is paused for this nationality under a State Department notice.
Effective: Jan 21, 2026
EGpaused
Immigrant visa issuance is paused for this nationality under a State Department notice.
Effective: Jan 21, 2026
IQpaused
Immigrant visa issuance is paused for this nationality under a State Department notice.
Effective: Jan 21, 2026
JOpaused
Immigrant visa issuance is paused for this nationality under a State Department notice.
Effective: Jan 21, 2026
KWpaused
Immigrant visa issuance is paused for this nationality under a State Department notice.
Effective: Jan 21, 2026
LBpaused
Immigrant visa issuance is paused for this nationality under a State Department notice.
Effective: Jan 21, 2026
LYpaused
Immigrant visa issuance is paused for this nationality under a State Department notice.
Effective: Jan 21, 2026
MApaused
Immigrant visa issuance is paused for this nationality under a State Department notice.
Effective: Jan 21, 2026
SDpaused
Immigrant visa issuance is paused for this nationality under a State Department notice.
Effective: Jan 21, 2026
SYpaused
Immigrant visa issuance is paused for this nationality under a State Department notice.
Effective: Jan 21, 2026
TNpaused
Immigrant visa issuance is paused for this nationality under a State Department notice.
Effective: Jan 21, 2026
YEpaused
Immigrant visa issuance is paused for this nationality under a State Department notice.
Effective: Jan 21, 2026
DUALexception
There is an exception for dual nationals applying with a valid passport of a non-listed country.
Effective: Jan 21, 2026
Application Steps
1
Underlying petition
Start with the family petition before the consular stage.
Estimated duration: 8 weeks
2
NVC processing
Pay fees and upload affidavits, civil records, and the DS-260.
Estimated duration: 4 weeks
3
Consular interview
Attend the consular interview after documentary completion and visa-number availability where needed.
Estimated duration: 4 weeks
4
Issuance or pause outcome
In 2026, check nationality-specific pause notices before expecting issuance.
Estimated duration: 2 weeks
Required Documents
- Valid passport
- Official application form
- Photos or biometrics as required
- Identity and civil status documents
- Relationship documents
- Civil status records
- DS-260 or equivalent filing
- Financial support documents
Application Channels
USCIS / DOS
USCIS and U.S. Department of State
U.S. consulate
U.S. Department of State
Timing Notes
Waiting times depend on the family category, visa-number availability in the Visa Bulletin, and any operational consular limits.
Relevant effective date: Jan 21, 2026
Risk Controls
- Use official portals only and avoid paying unverified intermediaries.
- Separate fixed government fees from proof-of-funds or income requirements.
- Prepare civil and police documents with translation and legalisation where needed before filing.
- Check both the Visa Bulletin and the consular pause notice before making timing assumptions.
Official Sources
Green card eligibility categories
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
guidance
Immigrant visa process
U.S. Department of State
guidance
Visa Bulletin
U.S. Department of State
tool
Immigrant visa processing updates
U.S. Department of State
notice
USCIS processing times tool
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
tool