--- title: Why does it take so long to get a visa? description: Visas are distributed on a first-come, first-serve basis, with a cap on how many can be given out each year. Learn why you're waiting and how long it can take. image: https://www.bkrlaw.com/hubfs/Waiting%20on%20a%20Visa.jpg --- # Waiting for a Visa ##### U.S. citizens and legal permanent residents can petition for green cards for  their family members. Find out why it can sometimes take months or years for them to get their visas.   [Watch Video](https://www.bkrlaw.com/waiting-on-a-visa#Watch-video) ### **Immigrant Visas Aren't Always Immediate** **![BKR Line - Light 2](https://www.bkrlaw.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Website/Website%20Elements/BKR%20Line%20-%20Light%202.png?width=251&name=BKR%20Line%20-%20Light%202.png)** ###### **U.S. law establishes categories of visa types, some of which have annual limits. **   ![family](https://www.bkrlaw.com/hs-fs/hubfs/family.png?width=150&name=family.png) ###### **FAMILY-BASED PETITIONS** for spouses, parents, and children (if unmarried and under age 21) of U.S. citizens ![check mark](https://www.bkrlaw.com/hs-fs/hubfs/check%20mark.png?width=150&name=check%20mark.png) ###### **NO LIMIT** Visas are always available for people in this category.   ![computer](https://www.bkrlaw.com/hs-fs/hubfs/computer.png?width=150&name=computer.png) ###### **BASIC WAIT TIMES STILL APPLY** Click [here](https://egov.uscis.gov/cris/processTimesDisplay.do%20%20) for current USCIS application processing times.    --- ![building-1](https://www.bkrlaw.com/hs-fs/hubfs/building-1.png?width=150&name=building-1.png) ###### **OTHER FAMILY-BASED PETITIONS** for children (over age 21) and siblings of U.S. citizens; and spouses and children of legal permanent residents **AND EMPLOYMENT-BASED PETITIONS** ![stop sign](https://www.bkrlaw.com/hs-fs/hubfs/stop%20sign.png?width=150&name=stop%20sign.png) ###### **LIMIT** There are only a certain number of visas available each year.    ![calander](https://www.bkrlaw.com/hs-fs/hubfs/calander.png?width=150&name=calander.png) ###### **WAIT TIMES VARY** Check the State Department's [visa bulletin](https://travel.state.gov/content/visas/en/law-and-policy/bulletin.html) each month for updated priority dates   --- --- ### **How Long is the Wait?** ![BKR Line - Dark](https://www.bkrlaw.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Website/Website%20Elements/BKR%20Line%20-%20Dark.png?width=251&name=BKR%20Line%20-%20Dark.png) **It depends on what kind of visa you're applying for and what country you're from. Watch the video to learn more.**     ### **Understanding the Visa Bulletin** **![BKR Line - Light 2](https://www.bkrlaw.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Website/Website%20Elements/BKR%20Line%20-%20Light%202.png?width=251&name=BKR%20Line%20-%20Light%202.png)** ###### **New bulletins are released every month. Identifying your visa category and country of origin can help you get a better idea of how long your wait might be.** *Remember that the dates shown in the visa bulletin don't necessarily correspond to the number of months or years until your application becomes current. You can find the most recent visa bulletins on the Department of State's [website](https://travel.state.gov/content/visas/en/law-and-policy/bulletin.html).* ![Screen Shot 2022-03-15 at 1.23.21 PM](https://www.bkrlaw.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Website/Website%20Elements/Screen%20Shot%202022-03-15%20at%201.23.21%20PM.png?width=622&height=700&name=Screen%20Shot%202022-03-15%20at%201.23.21%20PM.png "Screen Shot 2022-03-15 at 1.23.21 PM") ![naturalize (4)](https://www.bkrlaw.com/hubfs/naturalize%20(4).jpg) #### **Speed up the Process** Legal permanent residents can only petition for immediate family members, and even then the number of available visas is limited. Citizens have much shorter wait times for most family members and can petition for siblings and parents. Naturalizing as soon as you're eligible can move your petition up in the waiting list.      ![color (1)](https://www.bkrlaw.com/hubfs/color%20(1).jpg) ### **"Is It Worth Applying Anyway?".....Yes!** **![BKR Line - Dark](https://www.bkrlaw.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Website/Website%20Elements/BKR%20Line%20-%20Dark.png?width=251&name=BKR%20Line%20-%20Dark.png)** Even though visa wait times can be long, filing an I-130 petition guarantees you a spot in line and may work to your benefit in the event that you are deported or the law changes. **Benefits include: ** **Protection against changes in the law** If certain visa categories are eliminated in order to decrease the governments backlog, those with petitions already filed for them would likely receive visas. People without petitions would no longer be eligible to apply. **Potential Deportation Defense** Filing an immigration petition shows the government that you tried to follow the legal system but were unable to receive a visa. **Faster access to immigration benefits** ​If new immigration legislation is passed or you suddenly become eligible for a visa, having an I-130 petition already filed for you can help you get a visa much faster.  ![I-130_edited](https://www.bkrlaw.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Wix%20Migration/I-130_edited.jpg?width=1141&height=610&name=I-130_edited.jpg) Questions? See our I-130 page for common answers to doubts about the application process. **[Get Started Now](https://www.bkrlaw.com/naturalization?hsLang=en)** ## Meet with BKR Law Tell us a bit about your situation and when you'd like to meet with the attorney. Someone will be in touch to schedule an appointment.