The timeline for obtaining a U.S. green card depends on the category under which you apply. Immediate relatives of U.S. citizens often experience faster processing, typically 12–18 months. Family preference and employment-based categories can take several years due to annual visa caps and country quotas, with some applicants waiting 5–10 years or longer. The Diversity Visa Lottery is time-sensitive, requiring winners to complete processing within the program year. Processing time also depends on U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) workload, background checks, and whether you apply inside or outside the USA.