Fiancé(e) of a US citizen
K-1 visa, then a green card in the US.
USCIS decides the I-129F petition
Most likely 7–11 months after you file
Your US citizen fiancé(e) files Form I-129F with USCIS. See I-129F processing times.
How we worked this out
Based on USCIS’s median time of 9.0 months for the I-129F cases (Apr–Jun 2026 data), and on how far real waits landed from the median in past quarters: about half landed in the most likely range and 8 in 10 in the wider one.
NVC sends your case to the consulate
The National Visa Center sends K-1 cases on to the consulate, usually within a few weeks. See NVC wait times.
K-1 interview at your consulate
The consulate sends you instructions, and you book the interview and the medical exam. See consulate pages.
Entry and wedding
Enter the US while the visa is valid (up to 6 months) and marry within 90 days of entering.
USCIS decides the I-485
Most likely 6–12 months after you file
After the wedding, you file the I-485, usually with the I-765 and I-131. See I-485 processing times.
How we worked this out
Based on USCIS’s median time of 7.0 months for I-485 (Family) cases (Apr–Jun 2026 data), and on how far real waits landed from the median in past quarters: about half landed in the most likely range and 8 in 10 in the wider one.
Work permit (I-765)
Most likely 6–11 months after you file
You can work once it is approved. See I-765 processing times.
How we worked this out
Based on USCIS’s median time of 6.4 months for I-765 (Adjustment of Status) cases (Apr–Jun 2026 data), and on how far real waits landed from the median in past quarters: about half landed in the most likely range and 8 in 10 in the wider one.
Travel document (I-131)
Most likely 5–10 months after you file
Leaving the US before it is approved can cancel your I-485, unless you hold H or L status. See I-131 processing times.
How we worked this out
Based on USCIS’s median time of 5.8 months for I-131 (Advance Parole) cases (Apr–Jun 2026 data), and on how far real waits landed from the median in past quarters: about half landed in the most likely range and 8 in 10 in the wider one.
Newest numbers: USCIS: Apr–Jun 2026. Your case can take longer: a request for evidence or a background check can add months.