After I file, how long will it be before my relative can immigrate?

The law gives special standing to a U.S. citizen's husband or wife, unmarried children under 21, and parents.

There is no waiting list for immigration for these relatives.

The Department of State will invite them to apply for an immigrant visa as soon as we approve your petition. In somecases, the petition can be filed outside the U.S., directly at the U.S. Consulate.

If they entered legally and are currently in the U.S. (and meet certain other requirements), they may be able to file applications to adjust to permanent resident status.

For other relatives, the combination of high demand and the limits set by law on how many people can immigrate each year means your relative may have to wait several years while petitions that were filed before theirs are served. When your relative reaches the "front of the line", the Department of State contacts your relative and invites him or her to apply for an immigrant visa. If you are interested in current wait times for visa numbers, see "Visa Bulletins" on the State Department's website at www.travel.state.gov/visa.