How Long It Take To Approve I 130?

ByCarla Denker Blog

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

The I-130 is a petition for a green card for a family member. It is the first step in the green card process for most family-based immigrants. The I-130 can take anywhere from a few months to a few years to be approved, depending on the circumstances of the case.

In this article, we will discuss the factors that affect the processing time for an I-130, as well as what you can do to speed up the process. We will also provide tips on how to track the progress of your I-130 petition.

Factors That Affect I-130 Processing Time

There are a number of factors that can affect the processing time for an I-130 petition. These include:

  • The type of relationship between the petitioner and the beneficiary. The processing time for an I-130 is shortest for spouses and children of U.S. citizens. It is longer for other relatives, such as siblings and parents.
  • The country where the beneficiary is living. I-130 petitions for beneficiaries living in Mexico and Canada are processed more quickly than those for beneficiaries living in other countries.
  • The current state of the immigration system. The processing time for I-130 petitions can fluctuate depending on the current workload of the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

What You Can Do to Speed Up the Process

There are a few things you can do to speed up the processing time for your I-130 petition. These include:

  • Submitting a complete and accurate application. The USCIS will need all of the required information to process your petition. Make sure to include all of the necessary documents and to fill out the forms correctly.
  • Paying the filing fee. The filing fee for an I-130 petition is $460. You must pay this fee in order for your petition to be processed.
  • Tracking the progress of your petition. You can track the progress of your petition online using the USCIS Case Status Online tool. This tool will allow you to see the status of your petition and any updates that have been made.

Tips for I-130 Applicants

If you are an I-130 applicant, there are a few things you can do to make the process as smooth as possible. These include:

  • Be patient. The I-130 process can take a long time, so it is important to be patient.
  • Stay informed. Keep up-to-date on the latest news and updates about the immigration process.
  • Get help from an immigration lawyer. If you have any questions or concerns, you may want to consider hiring an immigration lawyer to help you with your case.

    Step Timeframe Description
    USCIS receives I-130 petition 1-2 months USCIS will review the petition and determine if it is complete.
    USCIS sends Request for Evidence (RFE) 1-2 months If the petition is incomplete, USCIS will send a RFE requesting additional information.
    Applicant submits RFE response 1-2 months The applicant must submit the requested information to USCIS within the timeframe specified in the RFE.
    USCIS approves I-130 petition 3-6 months Once USCIS has reviewed the petition and the RFE response, it will approve the I-130 petition.

    The I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, is a green card application for a family member of a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident. The processing time for an I-130 can vary significantly depending on a number of factors, including the USCIS processing center, the priority date, the case complexity, and whether the applicant is seeking a National Interest Waiver (NIW).

    In this article, we will discuss the factors that affect I-130 processing time, as well as the current processing times for all employment-based categories, family-based categories, and NIW cases.

    Factors That Affect I-130 Processing Time

    The following are some of the factors that can affect the processing time for an I-130:

    • USCIS processing center: The processing time for an I-130 can vary significantly depending on the USCIS processing center that is handling the case. For example, the average processing time for an I-130 at the California Service Center is currently 12.5 months, while the average processing time at the Texas Service Center is 10.5 months.
    • Priority date: The priority date is the date that the I-130 was filed. The priority date is used to determine the order in which I-130 petitions are processed. For example, an I-130 filed with a priority date of January 1, 2023 will be processed before an I-130 filed with a priority date of January 2, 2023.
    • Case complexity: The complexity of the I-130 petition can also affect the processing time. For example, an I-130 petition for a spouse of a U.S. citizen will typically be processed more quickly than an I-130 petition for a sibling of a U.S. citizen.
    • National Interest Waiver (NIW): If the applicant is seeking a National Interest Waiver (NIW), the processing time will be longer than for a regular I-130 petition. This is because NIW cases require additional review by USCIS.

    Current I-130 Processing Times

    The following are the current processing times for I-130 petitions at the Nebraska Service Center and the Texas Service Center:

    • All employment-based categories: Nebraska Service Center: 10.5 months; Texas Service Center: 8.5 months
    • Family-based categories: Nebraska Service Center: 10.5 months; Texas Service Center: 8.5 months
    • NIW cases: Nebraska Service Center: 14.5 months; Texas Service Center: 12.5 months

    It is important to note that these are just estimates and the actual processing time for your I-130 petition may vary.

    The processing time for an I-130 can vary significantly depending on a number of factors. However, by understanding the factors that affect I-130 processing time, you can get a better idea of how long it will take for your petition to be approved.

    If you have any questions about I-130 processing time, you can contact a qualified immigration attorney for assistance.

    How Long Does It Take to Approve an I-130 Petition?

    The processing time for an I-130 petition can vary depending on a number of factors, including the type of petition, the USCIS office that is processing the petition, and the current workload.

    Generally speaking, the processing time for an I-130 petition can take anywhere from 6 to 12 months. However, it is important to note that there is no guaranteed processing time for an I-130 petition.

    Here is a table that provides the estimated processing times for I-130 petitions filed at different USCIS offices:

    | USCIS Office | Estimated Processing Time |
    |————-|—————————|
    | California Service Center | 6-8 months |
    | Dallas Service Center | 8-10 months |
    | Chicago Service Center | 10-12 months |
    | Vermont Service Center | 12-14 months |
    | Potomac Service Center | 14-16 months |

    It is important to note that these are just estimates, and the actual processing time for your I-130 petition may vary.

    If you are waiting for a decision on your I-130 petition, you can track the status of your case online using the USCIS Case Status Online tool. You can also contact the USCIS office that is processing your case to inquire about the status of your case.

    How to Track Your I-130 Case

    There are a few different ways to track the status of your I-130 petition.

    • USCIS Case Status Online

    The USCIS Case Status Online tool is the most convenient way to track the status of your I-130 petition. To use this tool, you will need your receipt number, which is a 13-digit number that you will receive when you file your petition.

    You can access the USCIS Case Status Online tool here: https://egov.uscis.gov/casestatus/mycasestatus.

    • USCIS Case Status by Phone

    You can also track the status of your I-130 petition by calling the USCIS Contact Center at 1-800-375-5283. When you call, you will need to provide your receipt number and your date of birth.

    • USCIS Case Status by Mail

    You can also track the status of your I-130 petition by mail. To do this, you will need to send a letter to the USCIS office that is processing your case. The address of the USCIS office that is processing your case can be found on your receipt notice.

    Your letter should include the following information:

    • Your full name
    • Your date of birth
    • Your receipt number
    • The type of petition you filed

    Tips for Expediting Your I-130 Case

    There are a few things you can do to expedite the processing of your I-130 petition.

    • Submit a complete and well-written application. The USCIS will be more likely to expedite your case if you submit a complete and well-written application. Make sure to include all of the required documents and to answer all of the questions on the form in full.
    • Pay the premium processing fee. You can expedite the processing of your I-130 petition by paying the premium processing fee. The premium processing fee is $1,225.
    • Contact your USCIS representative. If you have any questions about your I-130 petition, you can contact your USCIS representative. Your representative can provide you with information about the status of your case and can help you to expedite the processing of your case.

    The processing time for an I-130 petition can vary depending on a number of factors. However, there are a few things you can do to expedite the processing of your case. By submitting a complete and well-written application, paying the premium processing fee, and contacting your USCIS representative, you can increase the chances of having your I-130 petition approved as quickly as possible.

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

    A: The processing time for an I-130 can vary depending on the service center that is handling your case. The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) provides a processing time estimate for each service center on its website. As of March 2023, the average processing time for an I-130 is 8.5 months. However, it is important to note that this is just an estimate and your case may take longer or shorter than this.

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

    A: 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 spousal I-130 or a parent-child I-130)
    • The current workload at the service center
    • Any additional evidence that you need to submit with your I-130

    Q: Can I expedite the processing of my I-130?

    A: In some cases, you may be able to expedite the processing of your I-130. However, there are strict criteria that you must meet in order to qualify for expedited processing. You can find more information about expedited processing on the USCIS website.

    Q: What happens if my I-130 is denied?

    If your I-130 is denied, you will receive a written notice from USCIS. The notice will explain the reasons for the denial and your options for appeal. If you decide to appeal the denial, you must file a Notice of Appeal within 30 days of the date of the denial.

    Q: 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 your receipt number to access your case status.

    Q: What are the next steps after my I-130 is approved?

    Once your I-130 is approved, you will need to file an I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status. The I-485 is the form that you use to apply for a green card. You can find more information about the I-485 on the USCIS website.

    the processing time for an I-130 petition can vary depending on a number of factors, including the USCIS service center that is handling the case, the current workload, and the nature of the petition. However, the average processing time for an I-130 petition is currently around 10-12 months.

    If you are filing an I-130 petition, it is important to be aware of the potential processing times and to plan accordingly. You can also track the progress of your petition online using the USCIS Case Status Online tool.

    Here are some key takeaways from this article:

    • The processing time for an I-130 petition can vary depending on a number of factors.
    • The average processing time for an I-130 petition is currently around 10-12 months.
    • You can track the progress of your petition online using the USCIS Case Status Online tool.

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    Carla Denker
    Carla Denker
    Carla Denker first opened Plastica Store in June of 1996 in Silverlake, Los Angeles and closed in West Hollywood on December 1, 2017. PLASTICA was a boutique filled with unique items from around the world as well as products by local designers, all hand picked by Carla. Although some of the merchandise was literally plastic, we featured items made out of any number of different materials.

    Prior to the engaging profile in west3rdstreet.com, the innovative trajectory of Carla Denker and PlasticaStore.com had already captured the attention of prominent publications, each one spotlighting the unique allure and creative vision of the boutique. The acclaim goes back to features in Daily Candy in 2013, TimeOut Los Angeles in 2012, and stretched globally with Allure Korea in 2011. Esteemed columns in LA Times in 2010 and thoughtful pieces in Sunset Magazine in 2009 highlighted the boutique’s distinctive character, while Domino Magazine in 2008 celebrated its design-forward ethos. This press recognition dates back to the earliest days of Plastica, with citations going back as far as 1997, each telling a part of the Plastica story.

    After an illustrious run, Plastica transitioned from the tangible to the intangible. While our physical presence concluded in December 2017, our essence endures. Plastica Store has been reborn as a digital haven, continuing to serve a community of discerning thinkers and seekers. Our new mission transcends physical boundaries to embrace a world that is increasingly seeking knowledge and depth.

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