Updated June 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
98.3–120months

Current aggregate I-130 ranges are unusually broad. Immediate-relative cases can differ from preference-category cases, and approval is only one step before NVC, consular processing, or I-485 adjustment.

Processing time by service center

Service CenterReceipt PrefixTypical Range
CSCWAC98.3–120 monthsDetails →
VSCEAC98.3–120 monthsDetails →
NSCLIN98.3–120 monthsDetails →
TSCSRC98.3–120 monthsDetails →
NBCMSC98.3–120 monthsDetails →
PSCIOE98.3–120 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.
Community dataSee how real applicants' Form I-130 wait times compare to the published ranges.Form guideForm I-130 instructions, checklist, and filing tips.

Frequently asked questions

How long does I-130 take in 2026?+
The current aggregate I-130 range is about 98.3-120 months. Immediate relatives and preference-category petitions can move differently, so always compare your exact petition category on the USCIS processing-times page.
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?+
Spouse timelines vary sharply by filing path and USCIS category. Use the current I-130 range as a broad signal, then check the exact petition category and whether the case proceeds through I-485 adjustment or NVC consular processing.
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.