What is the waiting period for immediate relatives of U.S. citizens to obtain visas?

Immediate relatives of U.S. citizens, which include spouses, unmarried children under 21, and parents, do not have a waiting period for visa availability. This is due to the special classification they receive, allowing them to bypass the numerical limits that apply to other family-sponsored immigration categories. The U.S. immigration system prioritizes immediate relatives of U.S. citizens to ensure that families can be reunited without unnecessary delays. When an immediate relative applies for a visa, the process can move forward without waiting for a visa number to become available, which is a significant advantage in ensuring prompt family reunification.