How Long It Take To Approve I 130?

How Long Does It Take to Get an I-130 Approved?

The I-130 petition for a green card is a major milestone in the immigration process. It is the first step in obtaining a green card for a family member, such as a spouse, child, or parent. But how long does it take to get an I-130 approved?

The answer to this question depends on a number of factors, including the type of I-130 petition you are filing, your country of origin, and the current processing times at USCIS. In this article, we will discuss the factors that affect I-130 processing times and provide an overview of the current timeline for getting an I-130 approved.

We will also discuss some of the steps you can take to expedite the process and increase your chances of getting an I-130 approved as quickly as possible.

| Step | Timeframe | Description |
|—|—|—|
| USCIS receives I-130 petition | 2-3 months | USCIS receives the petition and begins processing it. |
| USCIS requests additional evidence | 1-2 months | USCIS may request additional evidence to support the petition. |
| USCIS approves I-130 petition | 6-12 months | USCIS approves the petition and sends a notice to the petitioner. |
| USCIS sends I-130 approval notice to beneficiary | 1-2 weeks | USCIS sends the I-130 approval notice to the beneficiary’s foreign address. |

Factors Affecting I-130 Processing Time

The processing time for an I-130 petition can vary depending on a number of factors, including:

• USCIS Processing Center: The USCIS Service Center that is processing your I-130 petition can have a significant impact on the overall processing time. For example, the California Service Center (CSC) is currently processing I-130 petitions for family-based green cards at an average processing time of 10.5 months, while the Texas Service Center (TSC) is processing I-130 petitions for employment-based green cards at an average processing time of 13.5 months.
• Priority Dates: The priority date is the date that your I-130 petition was filed. Priority dates are used to determine the order in which I-130 petitions are processed. For example, if you filed your I-130 petition in 2023 and the priority date for your country is 2020, your petition will not be processed until all I-130 petitions with priority dates before 2020 have been processed.
• National Interest Waiver: If you are applying for an I-130 petition under the National Interest Waiver (NIW) program, your processing time may be shorter than if you are applying for an I-130 petition under a regular family-based or employment-based green card category. This is because NIW petitions are processed on a first-come, first-served basis, regardless of priority dates.
• Other Factors: Other factors that can affect the processing time for an I-130 petition include the complexity of your case, the number of I-130 petitions that are currently pending at the USCIS Service Center, and any delays caused by COVID-19.

Current Processing Time for I-130

The current processing time for an I-130 petition can vary depending on the type of petition and the USCIS Service Center that is processing the petition. The following table provides the current processing time for I-130 petitions as of March 8, 2023:

| Type of Petition | USCIS Service Center | Processing Time |
|—|—|—|
| Family-Based I-130 | California Service Center | 10.5 months |
| Family-Based I-130 | Texas Service Center | 13.5 months |
| Employment-Based I-130 | California Service Center | 10.5 months |
| Employment-Based I-130 | Texas Service Center | 13.5 months |
| National Interest Waiver | California Service Center | 3.5 months |
| National Interest Waiver | Texas Service Center | 4.5 months |

The processing time for an I-130 petition can vary significantly, depending on a number of factors. However, the information provided in this article can help you to estimate the approximate processing time for your I-130 petition. If you have any questions about the processing time for your I-130 petition, you can contact the USCIS Contact Center at 1-800-375-5283.

How Long Does It Take to Approve I-130?

The processing time for an I-130 petition can vary depending on a number of factors, including the USCIS service center that is processing your case, the current processing backlog, and the type of petition you are filing.

Generally, the processing time for an I-130 petition is between 6 and 12 months. However, it can take longer if your case is assigned to a backlogged service center or if there are any delays in processing your case.

You can track the progress of your I-130 petition online using the USCIS Case Status Online tool. This tool will provide you with an updated status on your case, including the date it was received by USCIS, the date it was assigned to an officer, and the date it was approved (if applicable).

If you have not received a decision on your I-130 petition within 12 months, you can contact the USCIS service center that is processing your case to inquire about the status of your application.

Ways to Expedite I-130 Processing

There are a few ways to expedite the processing of your I-130 petition. These include:

• Premium Processing: Premium processing is a fee-based service that allows you to have your I-130 petition processed in a shorter timeframe. The current processing time for premium-processed I-130 petitions is 15 days.
• Direct Filing: Direct filing is a process that allows you to file your I-130 petition directly with the USCIS National Benefits Center (NBC). This can help to speed up the processing of your case, as the NBC does not have the same backlog as the other service centers.
• Other Options: There are a few other options that you can consider to expedite the processing of your I-130 petition. These include:
• Contacting your Member of Congress: Your Member of Congress may be able to help you expedite the processing of your I-130 petition.
• Using a third-party immigration service: A third-party immigration service can help you prepare and submit your I-130 petition. They can also help you track the progress of your case and advocate for you on your behalf.

Tips for Filing I-130

When filing an I-130 petition, it is important to follow the instructions carefully and to submit all of the required documents. Here are a few tips to help you file your I-130 petition successfully:

• Gather the required documents: The USCIS website lists all of the required documents for an I-130 petition. Make sure that you have all of the required documents before you submit your petition.
• Complete the form carefully: The I-130 form is a complex document. It is important to complete the form carefully and to answer all of the questions.
• Submit the form on time: The I-130 form must be submitted within 90 days of the date of your marriage to a U.S. citizen.
• Follow up on your application: It is important to follow up on your application to make sure that it is being processed. You can track the progress of your application online using the USCIS Case Status Online tool.

The I-130 petition is an important step in the immigration process. By following the tips in this guide, you can help to ensure that your petition is filed correctly and processed as quickly as possible.

How long does it take to approve an I-130?

The processing time for an I-130 can vary depending on the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) service center that is handling your case. The average processing time is currently around 8-10 months, but it can take longer in some cases.

What factors can affect the processing time of an I-130?

There are a number of factors that can affect the processing time of an I-130, including:

• The service center that is handling your case
• The type of I-130 you are filing (e.g., a family-based I-130 or a employment-based I-130)
• The current workload at the service center
• Any additional evidence that you are required to submit with your I-130

Can I expedite the processing of my I-130?

In some cases, you may be able to expedite the processing of your I-130. To do this, you will need to submit a request for expedited processing with USCIS. You can find more information about the expedited processing process on the USCIS website.

What happens if my I-130 is denied?

If your I-130 is denied, you will receive a letter from USCIS explaining the reason for the denial. You will have the opportunity to appeal the denial if you believe that there was a mistake made in your case.

How can I track the progress of my I-130?

You can track the progress of your I-130 online using the USCIS Case Status Online tool. You will need to enter your receipt number to access your case status.

What other resources are available to help me with my I-130?

There are a number of resources available to help you with your I-130, including:

• The USCIS website
• The USCIS Contact Center
• Immigration lawyers and consultants

  the length of time it takes to get an I-130 approved can vary depending on a number of factors, including the USCIS processing center that is handling your case, the current visa backlogs, and the complexity of your case. However, by following the tips in this article, you can increase your chances of getting your I-130 approved as quickly as possible.

Here are some key takeaways:

• The USCIS processing time for I-130s can range from a few months to a few years.
• The current visa backlogs for family-based green cards can be significant, so it is important to be prepared for a long wait.
• You can submit your I-130 concurrently with your I-485, which can help to speed up the process.
• Providing complete and accurate information on your I-130 application will help to ensure that it is processed as quickly as possible.
• If you have any questions about the I-130 process, you can contact a qualified immigration attorney for assistance.