How many Immigration visas are issued each year to brothers or sisters of US Citizens?

Question

My husband and I are going to be immigrating to USA. His sister is sponsoring us. It is 4 - 5 years since we got our number that lets us check on line how things are going, and know it will probably be a few more years yet.

I have heard that there are only a set number of these visas issued every year, and was wondering if anyone here know the figures. Or how long it is taking. We did get an e-mail from them about the backlog, and that more staff are being taken on to help clear it.

Thank you.

Answer 1

un chingo

Answer 2

4

Answer 3

http://travel.state.gov/visa/frvi/bullet...

Answer 4

65,000, plus any numbers not required by first three preferences. Normally, the first three preferences fully use up their quotas.

Right now, beneficiaries of petitions submitted on 01OCT97 are receiving their visas. If your priority date is 4 to 5 years ago, you are almost half way through the waiting period.

Obviously, 65,000 visas a year is not a big number compared to the demand for immigrant visas by people in the fourth preference category.