Immigrant Visas

How long is the processing time for an Immigrant Visa?

Processing time for petitions filed in the U.S.

The period of time it will take to process the application will vary with each individual's circumstances. Processing times vary with each U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) Service Center and can extend to several months. Further information is available from USCIS at the time the petition is filed.

If you filed a petition for a spouse or child in the U.S. and wish to apply for a K3/K4 Non-Immigrant-Visa please follow this link. The admission on a K3/K4 visa allows the spouse or child to complete processing for permanent residence while in the United States. It also allows those admitted in the new category to have permission for employment while they await processing of their case to permanent resident status. This only applies for I-130 petitions filed in the U.S.!

Approximately five months should be allowed for the administrative processing of the immigrant visa application by the National Visa Center on receipt of the approved I-130 (pdf), or the Immigrant Visa Unit for those whose I-130 (pdf) is filed with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, USCIS in Frankfurt.

Processing time for petitions filed in Frankfurt

The general processing time for Immigrant Visas in Frankfurt from the day the petition was filed is app. 5-6 months.

The given time frames should be used as a general guideline as processing depends on individual circumstances. It is important that you follow the instructions sent to you and take immediate action. In order to avoid delays, Failure to respond or take action in a timely manner may result in the termination of your application.

We kindly advise every visa applicant not to make any fix travel arrangements, give up employment, dispose any property until he/she is issued a visa! 

What is the next step? What documents do I need for my Immigrant Visa?

Back to what is the next step once the petition is approved?