Typical labor certifications take differing periods of time, depending on where in the U.S. the job is located. It can take between one and three years to secure such certification. Therefore, labor certification as a basis for immigration is to be avoided, if possible. Immigrant status is only accorded after filing and approval of an immigrant petition. The length of time of a labor certification is added to the time it takes for the particular preference category to become current.
Unskilled jobs can take a total of eight years or more.
There is currently no backlog. Such a case could proceed in nine months to one year. The procedure to immigrate to the U.S. involves filing of a petition, usually at the Immigration and Naturalization Service located at the place of employment or residence of the family relative. Immigrant status is secured overseas via immigrant visa issued by the U.S. Consulate, or in the U.S. through adjustment of status given at regional or district INS offices. Please note that all time frames mentioned above change over time depending on applicant demand, and internal factors of processing at INS offices.