Form I-130 Processing Time

What Is Form I-130 and Why Processing Time Matters

Form I-130, officially known as the Petition for Alien Relative, is the first step in helping a family member immigrate to the United States. Filed by a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident (green card holder), this petition establishes a qualifying family relationship with a foreign national relative. Once approved, it allows your loved one to begin the process of applying for a green card—either through adjustment of status (if inside the U.S.) or consular processing (if outside the U.S.).

But here’s the catch: processing times can vary widely, and they directly impact how soon your family can reunite. Some petitions are processed in months, while others may take years, depending on factors like the relationship type, USCIS service center workload, and visa category availability.

As of 2025, the I-130 processing time ranges from 10 months to over 10 years, depending on the family relationship, the petitioner’s immigration status, and whether the relative is applying from inside or outside the U.S. Immediate relatives of U.S. citizens typically wait 10–13 months, while preference category cases can take 5 to 10+ years.

If you’re starting your immigration journey or waiting on a pending I-130, understanding the timeline isn’t just helpful—it’s essential. Knowing what to expect helps you:

• Avoid unnecessary delays by submitting a complete and accurate application
• Make informed decisions about travel, living arrangements, and next steps
• Track your case effectively so you’re never left in the dark

Whether you’re filing for a spouse, child, parent, or sibling, staying updated on I-130 processing times will empower you to plan ahead and take action at the right moments. In the following sections, we’ll walk you through current wait times, factors that influence the process, and what you can do if your case is taking longer than expected.

Current I‑130 Processing Times (2025 Update)

Navigating the latest USCIS timelines can help you plan and avoid surprises. Below are the median wait times by petitioner type, based on April 2025 data:

Petitioner Type	Median I‑130 Processing Time
U.S. citizen for immediate relatives (spouse, parent, child < 21)	14.8 months
Green card holder for spouse or child < 21 (F2A)	35 months
Immediate relatives (consular processing)	~14 months tracked by independent tools
Petitions by citizens for unmarried adult children (F1)	typically 26–77 months
Petitions for married children (F3)	approximately 70–150 months
Petitions for siblings (F4)	around 56–121 months

What This Means for You

Understanding these timelines helps you plan your next move wisely:

• If you’re a U.S. citizen petitioning for a spouse, parent, or child under 21, you’re in the fastest category. Most of these cases are processed in about 12 to 15 months, giving you time to gather financial documents, schedule medical exams, and prepare for the next step—whether it’s adjustment of status or consular processing.
• If you’re a green card holder filing for a spouse or minor child, expect longer wait times—2 to 3 years on average. Since these petitions fall under the F2A preference category, you’ll need to watch the Visa Bulletin closely to track green card availability.
• For those petitioning for adult children or siblings, the process may take several years. Wait times can range from 5 to over 10 years, depending on the USCIS service center and your relative’s country of origin. Early planning is crucial to avoid missed opportunities and delays.

What You Should Do Next

To stay ahead in your I-130 journey:

1. Know Your Petition Category
   Identify whether you’re petitioning as a U.S. citizen or green card holder—and the relationship involved. This determines your priority level and timeline.
2. Track Your Service Center’s Processing Time
   Use the USCIS Case Processing Times tool to check estimates based on your specific service center (e.g., Potomac, Nebraska, Texas).
3. Sign Up for USCIS Case Updates
   Create a free USCIS online account to receive automatic status alerts and messages about your petition.
4. Follow the Visa Bulletin
   If your relative is in a family preference category, check the Department of State’s Visa Bulletin monthly to see when a visa number becomes available.
5. Prepare for Next Steps Early
   Don’t wait for approval to start gathering documents for adjustment of status (Form I-485) or consular processing (DS-260). Early preparation can prevent last-minute delays.

I-130 Processing Time by Relationship Category (2025)

Processing times for Form I-130 vary widely depending on your relationship to the beneficiary and your immigration status. Below is a breakdown of estimated timelines for each family category based on 2025 data.

Relationship Category	Petitioner Status	USCIS Category	Estimated Processing Time	Notes
Spouse	U.S. Citizen	Immediate Relative	12–15 months	Eligible for concurrent filing if in the U.S.
Spouse	Green Card Holder	F2A	30–38 months	Subject to annual visa limits
Child (Under 21)	U.S. Citizen	Immediate Relative	10–13 months	Fastest category—no visa wait
Child (Under 21)	Green Card Holder	F2A	28–36 months	Same category as spouse of green card holder
Unmarried Son/Daughter (21+)	U.S. Citizen	F1	60–80 months (5–6.5 years)	Long waiting period; monitor priority date
Unmarried Son/Daughter (21+)	Green Card Holder	F2B	65–90 months (5.5–7.5 years)	Visa availability causes delays
Married Son/Daughter (Any Age)	U.S. Citizen	F3	70–120 months (6–10 years)	Very limited annual visa availability
Brother/Sister	U.S. Citizen (Age 21+)	F4	100–135 months (8–11 years)	Longest wait time; additional delays for Mexico & Philippines

I-130 Processing Time by USCIS Service Center

In 2025, USCIS updated how it displays I-130 processing times. Instead of showing wait times by specific service centers like Texas, Nebraska, or Vermont, USCIS now groups processing under broader categories:

• National Benefits Center (NBC)
• Service Center Operations (SCOPS)
• All Field Offices

These changes reflect efforts to centralize case management and better balance caseloads across the agency.

New USCIS Categories (2025)	What It Means
National Benefits Center (NBC)	Centralized hub that processes family-based forms before field office assignment.
Service Center Operations (SCOPS)	Umbrella term for USCIS’s core service processing infrastructure.
All Field Offices	Final stage offices that may handle interviews or adjustments (if applicable).

Form I-130 Processing Time For Spouse

The processing timeline for a spousal I-130 petition varies based on the petitioner’s status (U.S. citizen or green card holder) and whether the spouse is applying from inside or outside the U.S. Timelines differ between adjustment of status and consular processing.

The table below shows how timelines differ based on both your immigration status and your spouse’s location.

Petitioner Type	Spouse Location	Process Type	Estimated Total Time	Notes
U.S. Citizen	Inside the U.S.	I-130 + I-485 (Adjustment of Status)	12 – 16 months	Eligible for concurrent filing; no visa limit
U.S. Citizen	Outside the U.S.	I-130 + Consular Processing	13 – 18 months	Processed through NVC and U.S. embassy abroad
Green Card Holder	Inside the U.S.	I-130 → I-485 (after visa is available)	30 – 38 months	Must wait for F2A visa number before filing I-485
Green Card Holder	Outside the U.S.	I-130 + Consular Processing	30 – 40 months	Dependent on visa availability + embassy timeline

If You Are a Permanent Residence…

If you’re a green card holder filing for your spouse, the process usually takes longer—especially if your spouse lives outside the U.S. Most cases take about 30 to 38 months from start to finish.

USCIS Service Center	Processing Time
National Benefits Center	54.5 Months
Service Center Operations (SCOPS)	Check Visa Bulletin
All Field Offices	96.5

If You Are a U.S. Citizen…

U.S. citizens filing for a spouse benefit from the immediate relative category, which isn’t subject to visa limits. These cases typically move faster, with processing times ranging from 13 to 16 months on average.

USCIS Service Center	Processing Time
National Benefits Center	52.5 Months
Service Center Operations (SCOPS)	17 Months
All field offices	67.5 Months

Form I-130 Processing Time For Parents

Only U.S. citizens can sponsor their parents for a green card using Form I-130—green card holders (permanent residents) are not eligible to file for their parents. The total processing time depends on whether the parent is in the U.S. or abroad.

If your parents are already present in the US, USCIS can process their Green Card application through concurrent filing along with Form I-130, which saves the waiting time. However, if your parents are residing outside the US, they file and get approved Form I-130 and then immigrate to the US before applying for an adjustment of status to become a permanent resident. Unfortunately, this can make the Green Card process by an additional 6-12 months.

The table below shows how timelines differ based on both your immigration status and your parents location.

Parent’s Location	Process Type	Estimated Total Time	Notes
Inside the U.S.	I-130 + I-485 (Adjustment of Status)	12 – 16 months	Parent may qualify for concurrent filing and no visa wait applies
Outside the U.S.	I-130 + Consular Processing	13 – 18 months	Additional time required for NVC and U.S. embassy/consulate scheduling. No concurrent filing.

If You Are a U.S. Citizen…

If you’re a U.S. citizen age 21 or older, you can file Form I-130 for your parent. Since parents are considered immediate relatives, there’s no visa wait—processing usually takes 12 to 18 months, depending on whether your parent is in the U.S. or applying from abroad.

USCIS Service Center	Processing Time
National Benefits Center	52.5 Months
Service Center Operations (SCOPS)	17 Months
All field offices	67.5 Months

Related Article: How to Obtain Green Card For Parents

Form I-130 Processing Time For a Brother or Sister (Siblings)

Bringing your siblings (brother or sister) to the U.S. falls under the family-based green card (F4) category. Since it is the F4 family preference category, which has annual visa limits and long backlogs, especially for countries like India, Mexico, and the Philippines.

It is a time-consuming process that demands significant amounts of time, energy, and patience, as well as careful attention to detail. After I-130 approval, the beneficiary must wait for their priority date to become current on the Visa Bulletin before moving forward.

If you are a U.S. Green Card holder, you cannot file an I-130 petition for your siblings. Once they become U.S. citizens, they can sponsor their brothers and sisters.

Petitioner	Sibling’s Location	Process Type	Estimated Total Time	Notes
U.S. Citizen (Age 21+)	Inside or Outside U.S.	I-130 + Consular or AOS (F4 Category)	100 – 135 months (8–11+ years)	This is a preference category, subject to visa caps and long backlogs

If You Are a U.S. Citizen…

U.S. citizens age 21 or older can file Form I-130 to sponsor a brother or sister for a green card. However, this category faces some of the longest wait times, often taking 8 to 11 years or more, depending on the beneficiary’s country of origin and annual visa limits.

USCIS Service Center	Processing Time
National Benefits Center	56 Months
Service Center Operations (SCOPS)	Check Visa Bulletin
All field offices	164 Months

Related Article: How to Obtain Green Card For Siblings

Form I-130 Processing Time For a Child Under 21

The time it takes to process Form I-130 for a child under 21 depends on whether the parent is a U.S. citizen or a green card holder. Children under 21 may qualify as immediate relatives or fall under the F2A category, which affects how long they have to wait.

Petitioner	Child’s Location	Category	Estimated Processing Time	Notes
U.S. Citizen	Inside or Outside U.S.	Immediate Relative	10 – 13 months	No visa limit; faster processing
Permanent Resident	Inside or Outside U.S.	F2A (Family Preference)	28 – 36 months	Subject to visa caps; must wait for visa availability

If You Are a Permanent Residence…

If you’re a green card holder filing Form I-130 for your child under 21, your case falls under the F2A family preference category. These cases typically take 28 to 36 months to process, depending on visa availability and whether the child is inside or outside the U.S. Unlike U.S. citizens, permanent residents must wait for a visa number to become available before the child can apply for a green card.

USCIS Service Center	Processing Time
National Benefits Center	54.5 Months
Service Center Operations (SCOPS)	Check Visa Bulletin
All field offices	96.5 Months

If You Are a U.S. Citizen…

If you’re a U.S. citizen filing Form I-130 for your child under 21, the process is generally faster because your child is classified as an immediate relative. There’s no wait for a visa number, and most cases are processed in about 10 to 13 months, whether your child is in the U.S. or applying from abroad.

USCIS Service Center	Processing Time
National Benefits Center	52.5 Months
Service Center Operations (SCOPS)	17 Months
All field offices	67.5 Months

Form I-130 Processing Time For Unmarried Son or Daughter 21 or Older

If you’re filing Form I-130 for your unmarried son or daughter who is 21 or older, the processing time depends on your immigration status. These cases fall under the F1 (U.S. citizen) or F2B (green card holder) family preference categories, both of which have long wait times due to annual visa limits.

These petitions are not immediate relatives, so they face long wait times before a visa becomes available. Wait times vary by country—applicants from Mexico and the Philippines often wait even longer. After I-130 approval, your child must wait for their priority date to become current on the Visa Bulletin.

Petitioner	Child’s Location	Category	Estimated Processing Time	Notes
U.S. Citizen	Inside or Outside U.S.	F1	60 – 80 months (5–6.5 years)	Long queue due to limited visa numbers
Permanent Resident	Inside or Outside U.S.	F2B	65 – 90 months (5.5–7.5 years)	Slower due to demand and annual visa limits

If You Are a Permanent Residence…

If you’re a green card holder filing for your unmarried son or daughter who is 21 or older, your petition falls under the F2B family preference category. These cases usually take around 65 to 90 months (about 5.5 to 7.5 years), depending on USCIS workload and visa availability. Since this category has annual limits, your child must wait for their priority date to become current before moving forward with a green card application.

USCIS Service Center	Processing Time
National Benefits Center	51.5 Months
Service Center Operations (SCOPS)	Check Visa Bulletin
All field offices	134.5 Months

If You Are a U.S. Citizen…

If you’re a U.S. citizen filing for your unmarried son or daughter who is 21 or older, your petition falls under the F1 family preference category. These cases usually take around 60 to 80 months (5 to 6.5 years) to process due to annual visa limits. After the I-130 is approved, your child must wait for a visa number to become available before they can apply for a green card.

USCIS Service Center	Processing Time
National Benefits Center	53.5 Months
Service Center Operations (SCOPS)	Check Visa Bulletin
All field offices	134.5 Months

Form I-130 Processing Time For a Married Son or Daughter

If you’re a U.S. citizen filing Form I-130 for a married son or daughter, your petition falls under the F3 family preference category. This group faces long wait times because of annual visa limits and high demand. Green card holders cannot file for married children.

Applicants from countries with high demand (like Mexico or the Philippines) may face even longer delays. After I-130 approval, your child must wait for their priority date to become current on the Visa Bulletin before applying for a green card.

Petitioner	Beneficiary Location	Category	Estimated Processing Time	Notes
U.S. Citizen (Age 21+)	Inside or Outside U.S.	F3	70 – 120 months (6–10 years)	Long visa backlog; wait depends on priority date and country of origin

If You Are a U.S. Citizen…

If you’re a U.S. citizen filing for your married son or daughter, your petition is placed in the F3 family preference category. These cases often take 6 to 10 years (or longer), depending on visa availability and your child’s country of residence. After USCIS approves the I-130, your child must wait for their priority date to become current before applying for a green card.

USCIS Service Center	Processing Time
National Benefits Center	54 Months
Service Center Operations (SCOPS)	Check Visa Bulletin
All field offices	152.5 Months

Step-by-Step I-130 Processing Timeline (2025)

The Form I-130 process involves several key steps, and the total time depends on your relationship to the person you’re sponsoring and where they live.

Step 1: File Form I-130
Your immigration process begins by filing Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, with USCIS. This form establishes your relationship with the family member you’re sponsoring. Filing can be done online or by mail.

This step usually takes 1–2 days to prepare and submit, depending on how quickly you gather supporting documents.

Step 2: Receive Your USCIS Receipt Notice
Once USCIS receives your petition, you’ll get Form I-797C, Notice of Action. This receipt confirms that your case has been accepted and includes your case number. You should receive this notice within 2 to 4 weeks of filing.

Step 3: USCIS Reviews Your Petition
USCIS will then review your I-130 petition. Processing time depends on your relationship category and USCIS service center.

• For immediate relatives (e.g., spouse, child under 21, or parent of a U.S. citizen), this stage typically takes 10 to 13 months.
• For family preference categories (e.g., siblings, adult children), it can take 30 to 120 months (2.5 to 10 years or more).
  USCIS may issue a Request for Evidence (RFE) if more documents are needed, which can add a few more weeks or months.

Step 4A: Adjustment of Status (If Your Relative is Inside the U.S.)
If your family member is already in the U.S. and eligible, they may file Form I-485 to apply for a green card. Immediate relatives of U.S. citizens can file Form I-130 and I-485 together (concurrent filing), saving time. After submission, biometrics and interviews follow.

This stage typically takes 12 to 16 months from filing to green card approval.

Step 4B: Consular Processing (If Your Relative is Outside the U.S.)
If your family member is abroad, the approved I-130 is sent to the National Visa Center (NVC). There, fees and additional documents (like Form DS-260) are submitted. Once complete, the case is forwarded to a U.S. embassy or consulate.

This stage—from I-130 approval to visa interview—typically takes 6 to 12 months, depending on the country and embassy workload.

Step 5: Attend the Interview
The beneficiary will attend an interview—either at a USCIS office (if in the U.S.) or at a U.S. consulate (if abroad). Interviews are scheduled anywhere from 1 to 3 months after document completion. During this interview, the officer reviews the case, verifies the relationship, and makes a final decision.

Step 6: Receive Green Card or Immigrant Visa
If the interview goes well, USCIS or the embassy will approve the case. If the applicant is in the U.S., the physical green card usually arrives within 2 to 4 weeks after approval.

For consular cases, the beneficiary receives an immigrant visa in their passport and can enter the U.S. as a permanent resident. The green card is then mailed after arrival, usually within 30 days.

Final Tip: Total time varies from 10 months to over 10 years, depending on the relationship, petitioner’s status, and where the relative lives. Start early, track your case online, and keep an eye on the Visa Bulletin if you’re in a preference category.

Key Factors That Affect I-130 Processing Time

1. Relationship Type (Immediate Relative vs. Preference Category)

• Immediate relatives of U.S. citizens (spouse, parent, unmarried child under 21) generally experience faster processing.
• Family preference categories (siblings, married children, adult unmarried children) are subject to visa caps and longer waits.

2. Petitioner’s Immigration Status

• U.S. citizens typically have shorter wait times when petitioning for family.
• Green card holders (permanent residents) may face delays due to limited visa availability in some categories.

3. USCIS Service Center or Field Office

• Processing times vary by the location handling the case. Some centers are faster than others based on caseload and staffing.

4. Beneficiary’s Location (Inside or Outside the U.S.)

• If the beneficiary is in the U.S., they may adjust status (Form I-485), which can be quicker.
• If outside the U.S., consular processing adds steps like NVC document review and embassy interviews.

5. Country of Origin (for Preference Categories)

• Applicants from countries with high demand—such as India, Mexico, or the Philippines—often wait longer due to backlogs in the family preference visa categories.

6. Case Completeness and Accuracy

• Missing or incorrect information, unsigned forms, or lack of supporting documents can trigger Requests for Evidence (RFEs), causing significant delays.

7. Background Checks and Security Clearances

• Delays can occur during security checks or if additional verification is required.

8. Changes in USCIS Policy or Backlogs

• Policy updates, surges in applications, or staffing issues at USCIS can slow processing across the board.

9. COVID-19 and Other External Events

• Public health emergencies, embassy closures, or international crises can delay interviews and visa issuance abroad.

How to Track Your I-130 Petition

Once you’ve filed Form I-130, keeping track of your case status is essential. Here’s how to monitor your petition from start to finish:

1. Use the USCIS Case Status Tool

• Go to the USCIS Case Status page.
• Enter your 13-character receipt number (from your Form I-797C notice).
• You’ll see the most recent update about your case, such as “Case Received,” “Actively Being Reviewed,” or “RFE Sent.”

2. Create a USCIS Online Account

• Visit my.uscis.gov and sign up for an account.
• Link your case using your receipt number.
• You’ll get automatic case status updates, email alerts, and the ability to upload documents if USCIS requests them.

3. Track Case Processing Time

• Go to the USCIS Processing Times tool.
• Select Form I-130, your petition type, and field office or service center.
• Compare your case receipt date to the “case inquiry date” to see if your case is outside normal processing time.

4. Check for Updates from the National Visa Center (NVC)

If your I-130 is approved and the beneficiary is outside the U.S., the case moves to the NVC.

• Look for an email or letter from NVC with a case number and invoice ID.
• Log in at https://ceac.state.gov to follow the next steps and submit required documents.

5. Contact USCIS If Needed

• If your case is taking longer than the posted time, you can submit an online case inquiry or call USCIS at 1-800-375-5283.
• Be ready with your receipt number and personal information to verify your identity.

What to Do If Your I-130 Is Delayed

If your I-130 petition is taking longer than expected, don’t panic—but do take action. Here’s how you can respond to delays and avoid further setbacks:

1. Compare Your Case to USCIS Processing Times

Visit the USCIS Processing Times tool and enter:

• Form I-130
• The relationship category (e.g., spouse, child, sibling)
• Your service center or field office

If your receipt date is earlier than the posted “inquiry date”, your case is considered delayed.

2. Submit a Case Inquiry

If your case is outside normal processing time, you can:

• Go to the USCIS Case Inquiry
• Fill out the online form to request an update
• You’ll receive a response within 15–30 days

3. Contact USCIS Directly

Call the USCIS Contact Center at 1-800-375-5283 and speak to a live agent. Have your:

• Receipt number
• Full name and address
• Date of birth and filing date ready

They may schedule a callback or escalate your case.

4. Reach Out to Your U.S. Senator or Congressperson

If the delay is serious and you’ve already submitted a case inquiry, you can ask your local congressional office to help. They can submit a congressional inquiry on your behalf and sometimes help get responses faster.

5. Check for Missing Documents or Notices

Make sure you didn’t miss a Request for Evidence (RFE), which can halt progress. Log in to your USCIS account and check your mail and email regularly for updates.

6. Consult an Immigration Attorney (If Needed)

If your case seems stuck or you’re unsure what’s causing the delay, it’s wise to consult our qualified immigration lawyers. They can:

• Investigate potential issues
• Communicate with USCIS on your behalf
• Help you avoid mistakes that could result in denial

I-130 Approval Doesn’t Mean Green Card Approval

It’s important to know that getting your Form I-130 approved is only the first step in bringing your family member to the U.S. or helping them get a green card. While I-130 approval confirms that your relationship is valid under immigration law, it does not grant a green card or permanent residency by itself.

Once the I-130 is approved, your family member must still complete separate steps to apply for a green card—either through Adjustment of Status (if they’re inside the U.S.) or Consular Processing (if they’re outside the U.S.). These steps involve:

• Waiting for a visa number (if not in the immediate relative category)
• Filing Form I-485 (inside the U.S.) or DS-260 (outside the U.S.)
• Attending a biometrics appointment and an interview
• Passing background and medical checks
• Receiving final approval for permanent residency

Even after I-130 approval, delays or complications can arise in these next steps, especially if visa categories are backlogged or additional documentation is required.

Tips to Avoid I-130 Processing Delays

Delays in your I-130 petition can be frustrating—but many are preventable. Follow these key tips to help your petition move through USCIS smoothly and avoid costly hold-ups:

1. Submit a Complete and Accurate Application

• Double-check that all questions on Form I-130 are answered completely and truthfully.
• Avoid leaving any blanks—write “N/A” if something doesn’t apply.
• Use black ink, correct form edition, and proper signatures if filing by paper.

2. Include Strong Supporting Documents

• Submit clear, legible proof of your qualifying relationship (e.g., marriage certificate, birth certificate, joint documents).
• If documents are in a foreign language, include certified English translations.
• Don’t forget required ID copies like passport biographic pages or green card copies.

3. Watch for USCIS Notices and Respond Quickly

• USCIS may send a Request for Evidence (RFE) if anything is missing or unclear.
• Respond to RFEs within the deadline with complete and organized documents.
• Sign up for a USCIS online account to receive alerts and upload documents faster.

4. Track Your Case and Service Center Timelines

• Use your receipt number to monitor your case at USCIS Case Status.
• Compare your receipt date to processing time updates for your assigned service center.

5. Avoid Submitting Duplicate Petitions

• Don’t file a second I-130 unless advised by USCIS or an attorney. Duplicate filings can slow down or confuse your case.

6. Organize Your Packet Clearly

• Label all documents and arrange them in a logical order.
• Use a cover letter or checklist to show what’s included in your submission.

7. Seek Legal Help if Your Case Is Complex

• If you have a prior visa denial, criminal record, or immigration violations, consult an immigration attorney.
• Legal guidance can help you avoid red flags and improve approval chances.

Important Note: Always keep copies of everything you submit—forms, supporting documents, cover letters, and USCIS notices. This protects you in case of lost mail or follow-up requests.

FAQs About I-130 Processing Times

Conclusion: Plan Ahead for Your Immigration Journey

Understanding the processing times for Form I-130 is essential to avoid surprises and make informed decisions for your family’s future. Whether you’re filing for a spouse, child, parent, or sibling, your immigration status—and where your relative lives—can greatly impact how long the process takes.

If you’re a U.S. citizen, you may benefit from faster processing for immediate relatives. If you’re a permanent resident, longer timelines for preference categories mean you should file as early as possible. And for family members in high-demand categories like siblings or married children, the wait can span many years—so planning ahead is critical.