Updated May 2026

Form I-130 Processing Time 2026

Petition for Alien Relative

The I-130 is filed by a US citizen or green card holder to establish a qualifying family relationship with a foreign national relative.

Current processing range
5–36months

After I-130 approval, additional processing occurs at the National Visa Center (NVC) and consulate (for overseas applicants) or USCIS (for I-485 adjustment).

Processing time by service center
Service CenterReceipt PrefixTypical Range
CSCWAC6–24 monthsDetails →
VSCEAC5–18 monthsDetails →
NSCLIN5–20 monthsDetails →
TSCSRC6–28 monthsDetails →
NBCMSC8–36 monthsDetails →
PSCIOE6–22 monthsDetails →

* Ranges are approximate. Exact times vary by case type, visa category, and current workload. Check egov.uscis.gov/processing-times for your specific case.

How to check your Form I-130 case status

  1. Find your receipt number on Form I-797C (Notice of Action). It starts with 3 letters (WAC, EAC, LIN, SRC, MSC, or IOE) followed by numbers.
  2. Visit my.uscis.gov and enter your receipt number in the case status tool.
  3. Got a confusing status message? Paste it into GreenLight's decoder for a plain-English explanation.
  4. Check the official processing times at egov.uscis.gov/processing-times to see if your case is outside normal time.

Frequently asked questions

How long does I-130 take in 2026?+
I-130 processing in 2026 ranges from 5-12 months for immediate relatives (spouses/minor children of US citizens) to 24-36+ months for preference categories. Immediate relative petitions have no visa number wait.
What happens after I-130 is approved?+
For immediate relatives: USCIS transfers to NVC, then consular processing or I-485 filing. For preference categories: NVC holds the case until a visa number becomes available (can take years).
Spouse of US citizen: how long for a green card?+
Total timeline for a spouse of US citizen: I-130 (5-12 months) + I-485 (8-24 months) if in the US, or NVC + consular processing (12-18 months total) if abroad. Expect 12-30 months total.
Can I check my I-130 status online?+
Yes at my.uscis.gov using your receipt number. GreenLight explains what status messages like 'Case Was Transferred' or 'Case Is Being Actively Reviewed' actually mean.
Does my I-130 expire?+
No. An approved I-130 does not expire. However, circumstances can change — divorces, the petitioner's death, or the beneficiary aging out can affect eligibility.

Related forms

Form I-485 Processing Time →

Got a USCIS status update on your Form I-130? Paste it in and we'll explain what it means in plain English.

Decode your status message →

GreenLight is an independent tool and is NOT affiliated with USCIS, DHS, or any US government agency. Nothing on this page constitutes legal advice. Always verify at my.uscis.gov.