If you want to file form I-130, you need to know the processing time of it so that you are able to estimate when you will start it and when you will be estimated to be approved. Processing it is not a simple thing and there are a number of aspects that affect the processing time of it such as the relationship between the petitioner and the beneficiary, where you apply from, your ability to file the petition, and also the USCIS case load.
So, because of those reasons, the time of processing form I-130 varies. For immediate relatives, after form I-130 is filed, Petition for Alien Relative, the process can take around 5 to 12 months, but for family preference categories, several years are needed.
After form I-130 is filed, around 2 to 3 weeks later, you will get a notification from USCIS that your petition has been received. However, it will happen if you file it properly. After that, the USCIS will review your petition for around 2 to 4 weeks after the form is filed.
Earlier, it has been explained that for immediate relatives, the process can be around 5 to 12 months. However, for family preference, it can be around 6 months to more than 20 years.
If you want, you are able to check the processing time for any form including for Form I-130 by accessing the USCIS website at uscis.gov. There, you have to choose the form type as I-130 and then the form category that applies to you and after that choose the field office or service center where your case is processed.
Here are some examples of time processing of form I-130 when I tried to check it on the website where the form category that I chose is US citizen filing for a spouse, parent or child under 21.
- Vermont Service Center
It is around 16 months. - California Service Center
It is around 10.5 months. - Nebraska Service Center
It is around 10.5 months. - Potomac Service Center
It is around 12 months. - Texas Service Center
It is around 11.5 months.
And here is the estimation of time processing of form I-130 by category according to the Citizen Path.
- For IR (Immediate Relative) where it includes spouse, unmarried children who are under 21 years old and parents of US citizens, the estimated wait time is around 6 to 12 months.
- For F1 (Family Preference) where it includes unmarried sons and daughters who are 21 years old or older of US citizens, the estimated wait time is around 7 years.
- For F2 (Family Preference) where it includes spouses, daughters and sons of lawful permanent residents, it is divided into two groups as you can see below.
• For F2A namely spouse and minor children who are under 21 years old, the estimated wait time is 6 to 12 months.
• For F2B namely unmarried daughters and sons who are 21 years old or older, the estimated wait time is 5 to 6 years. - For F3 (Family Preference) including married sons and daughters of US citizens, the estimated wait time is 12 to 13 years.
- For F4 (Family Preference) where it includes sisters and brothers of US citizens, the estimated wait time is 13 to 14 years.
However, it is just an estimation because there may be a number of factors that affect the time processing of form I-130. Nevertheless, by knowing this estimation, you can also estimate how long the form will be processed and when you are estimated to get approved.
A bookworm and researcher especially related to law and citizenship education. I spend time every day in front of the internet and the campus library.
