There are several different visas that can lead to becoming a lawful permanent resident of the United States (a green card holder). While the exact time it takes for each process is uncertain and dependent on many variables, these are generally considered some of the quickest paths to permanent residency.
Entry Visas to the United States That Can Lead to a Green Card
(Note that most of these pathways are subject to per-year limits as well as country-of-origin considerations that can add years to the wait time.)
- Marriage to a U.S. citizen – No quota. Typical timeline: as fast as one year.
- Immediate familial relationship – Natural parent or minor child of a U.S. citizen. No quota. Typical timeline: over one year.
- EB-1A and EB-1B visas – Employment-based with country-of-origin quotas and conditions. Typical timeline: as fast as one year.
- EB-2 visa – Employment-based with National Interest Waiver. Case-by-case and showing substantial merit and national importance to the United States. Typical timeline: one to two years.
- EB-5 visa – Investment-based. Quotas and country conditions. Investment must create a minimum of 10 full-time U.S. jobs. Typical timeline: 18 months to four years, depending on country of origin and individual circumstances.
These are all immigrant visas (as distinct, for example, from the H-1B non-immigrant temporary work visa). As such, they can all lead to a green card, which in turn can lead to U.S. citizenship if pursued.
Of the options, the spousal and familial conditions are usually the quickest path, simply because every other condition can be subject to a limiting quota that can add one or more years to your wait. But if the quota is not a limit for your specific situation, the employment-based visas can be the faster way to permanent residence, as can the investment-based visas.
Possible Timelines for U.S. Visas
Of the employment-based visa applications, the EB-1A is generally the fastest for self-petitioners, as it requires no employer sponsorship and is reserved for individuals of extraordinary ability. The EB-1B, by contrast, does require employer sponsorship and is designated for outstanding professors and researchers. With fewer applicants overall, there is often no quota backlog for the EB-1 category (depending on country of origin), and expedited processing is available for a fee. Applicants in this category often receive a green card in about a year.
The EB-2 with a National Interest Waiver can move quickly at times, particularly for specialists in critical fields, though timelines vary and depend on individual circumstances. Immediate family (spouse and children) may accompany successful EB-1 and EB-2 applicants, and expedited processing may be available for a fee.
The EB-5 also accommodates immediate family and requires no employer sponsor –a significant advantage over employment-based options. See our latest Civitas FAQ on obtaining a green card through the EB-5 program to learn how processing times have gathered speed in recent years. Initial approvals (called an I-526E petition, also known as “Immigrant Petition by Regional Center Investor”) have been recorded well within a year, and the subsequent green card approvals have generally sped up since Congress passed the EB-5 Reform and Integrity Act of 2022 (RIA). This is largely because, under the RIA, specifically designated “rural” projects are mandated for priority processing by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), often resulting in approval in under 12 months.
For investors seeking a path to U.S. permanent residency, the EB-5 program offers a compelling combination of advantages that few other visa categories can match. It requires no employer sponsor and accommodates the entire immediate family under a single investment. With the structural improvements introduced by the RIA, including priority processing for qualified projects and enhanced program oversight, the EB-5 program has become more predictable and investor-friendly than at any point in its history. For those who qualify, it remains one of the most well-established and substantive routes to a U.S. green card available today.
To learn more about how Civitas Capital Group can guide you through the EB-5 process, contact us or visit our EB-5 Info Center.
This article is provided for informational purposes only and reflects conditions as of May 2026. It does not constitute legal advice. Immigration timelines and program details are subject to change. Please consult a qualified immigration attorney for advice specific to your circumstances.
