⚠️ Not legal advice. Processing times change frequently. Always verify at USCIS.gov. Consult a licensed immigration attorney for your case.
Average Minimum
NaN mo
Across all service centers
Average Maximum
NaN mo
Across all service centers
Service Centers
2
With available data
I-130 Processing Times by Service Center
| Service Center | Category | Processing Range | Data Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| NBC | Immediate Relative - Child of USC (under 21) | 12.0–18.0 months | Jul 2026 |
| NBC | Immediate Relative - Parent of USC | 13.5–21.0 months | Jul 2026 |
| NBC | Immediate Relative - Spouse of USC | 14.0–22.5 months | Jul 2026 |
| TSC | Immediate Relative - Spouse of USC | 17.0–23.5 months | Jul 2026 |
Source: USCIS.gov. Data updated regularly.
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About I-130 — Petition for Alien Relatives
Form I-130 is used for: Family-Based Green Card. Processing times vary by USCIS service center and petition volume.
Premium processing (Form I-907) is available for many I-130 petitions — it guarantees a decision within 15 business days for an additional fee (currently $2,965).
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Frequently Asked Questions
How long does I-130 processing take in 2026?
As of April 2026, I-130 processing takes 12–48 months depending heavily on your preference category and where you file. Immediate relatives (spouse, parent, or child of a US citizen) typically see faster processing (12–24 months) because there is no annual visa limit. Preference category relatives (F1, F2A, F2B, F3, F4) face per-country limits that create backlogs regardless of processing speed. File early even if your relative is not ready to immigrate — the priority date, not the I-130 processing time, determines when a visa becomes available.
Which service center processes I-130 fastest?
I-130 processing speeds vary significantly by service center and petition type. As of 2026: The Texas Service Center (TSC) and Potomac Service Center (PSC) tend to handle family-based I-130s faster than the Nebraska Service Center (NSC), though processing times fluctuate monthly. Immediate relative petitions (no quota) generally process faster than preference category petitions. You cannot choose your service center — USCIS assigns based on the petitioner address. Check current center-specific times at usvisastack.ai/processing-times/i-130 or USCIS.gov.
Is premium processing available for I-130?
No. Premium processing (Form I-907) is not available for I-130 family-based petitions. There is no mechanism to pay for faster adjudication. The only way to potentially speed up processing is to: (1) file an expedite request at 1-800-375-5283 if you have urgent humanitarian grounds (imminent medical need, military service, etc.); (2) contact your congressional representative for a constituent services inquiry; (3) respond to any Request for Evidence immediately and completely.
What happens after I-130 is approved?
After I-130 approval: (1) For immediate relatives — USCIS immediately directs the case to the National Visa Center (NVC), which then schedules a consular interview. No waiting list. (2) For preference category relatives — NVC holds the case until a visa number is available based on your priority date and the Visa Bulletin. Check the monthly Visa Bulletin at travel.state.gov to see if your priority date is current for your category and chargeability area.
How do I track my I-130 case status?
Three ways to check I-130 status: (1) USVisaStack case status checker at usvisastack.ai/tools/case-status — enter your receipt number for instant status with AI explanation. (2) USCIS online case status at egov.uscis.gov/casestatus — enter your 13-character receipt number (e.g., EAC1234567890). (3) Create a myUSCIS account and link your case for email updates and document uploads. Your receipt number starts with three letters: EAC (California), SRC (Vermont), WAC (Texas), or MSC (Nebraska).