Unmarried Son or Daughter of U.S. Citizen – Over 21 Years

Immigrant visas are not immediately available for son/daughters of U.S. Citizens over the age of 21. The waiting line typically lasts for more than one year.  Mexico, India, China and the Philippines have much longer waiting periods.   If the son/daughter marries before becoming a Lawful Permanent Resident, the individual automatically is placed in the category for married children of U.S. citizens.   Petition approval by the USCIS for that category often takes several years (see married son/daughters of U.S. citizens for more information).