Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, is the first step in sponsoring a family member for a U.S. green card. Processing times vary significantly based on the relationship category and whether you're filing for an immediate relative or a preference category beneficiary.

Current Processing Times (2026)

Immediate relatives (spouse, parent, unmarried child under 21 of U.S. citizen): 7–14 months. Family preference categories: 15–36+ months for petition approval, plus additional Visa Bulletin wait times.

What Is Form I-130?

Form I-130 (Petition for Alien Relative) is the first step in the family-based immigration process. A U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident (green card holder) files I-130 to establish a qualifying family relationship with a foreign national. It is required for spouses, parents, children, and siblings seeking family-sponsored green cards.

I-130 Processing Times in 2026

Processing times vary significantly by relationship category and service center:

Note: I-130 processing time is only the first step. For preference categories (F1-F4), you must also wait for your priority date to become current on the Visa Bulletin before filing for the green card. Immediate relative categories (IR-1, IR-2, IR-5) have no Visa Bulletin wait.

Filing Fee

The I-130 filing fee is $535 (online) or $625 (paper). Online filing through your USCIS account is recommended for faster processing and easier tracking. There is no biometrics fee for I-130.

I-130 Online Filing

USCIS strongly encourages online filing at my.uscis.gov. Benefits include faster receipt notice delivery, real-time case status tracking, ability to upload supporting documents electronically, faster overall processing compared to paper filings, and secure communication with USCIS through your account. To file online, create a USCIS online account, select "File a form," choose I-130, complete the form, upload evidence, and pay the fee.

Required Evidence

For spousal petitions: marriage certificate, proof of any prior marriages ended (divorce decrees, death certificates), evidence of bona fide marriage (photos, joint finances, cohabitation proof), and petitioner's proof of citizenship or LPR status. For parent/child petitions: birth certificate showing parent-child relationship, and petitioner's proof of status. For sibling petitions: birth certificates of both siblings showing at least one common parent.

After I-130 Approval: Next Steps

Once I-130 is approved, the next step depends on the beneficiary's location and category. If the beneficiary is in the U.S. and eligible (immediate relative with lawful entry), file I-485 adjustment of status. If the beneficiary is abroad, the case transfers to the National Visa Center (NVC) for consular processing. For preference categories (F1-F4), you may need to wait years for the priority date to become current before proceeding.

Concurrent Filing (I-130 + I-485)

Immediate relatives (spouses, parents, and unmarried children under 21 of U.S. citizens) can file I-130 and I-485 simultaneously. This speeds up the process because USCIS adjudicates both forms together. Concurrent filing also allows you to file I-765 (EAD) and I-131 (Advance Parole) at the same time, giving the beneficiary work authorization and travel permission while waiting for the green card.

What If I-130 Is Denied?

Common denial reasons include insufficient evidence of the family relationship, failure to establish a bona fide marriage (for spousal petitions), the petitioner not meeting income requirements for the I-864 Affidavit of Support, and criminal history or immigration fraud by the petitioner. If denied, you can file a motion to reopen or reconsider, or appeal to the Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA).

How to Check I-130 Status

Check your case status online at egov.uscis.gov/casestatus using your receipt number (the 13-character code starting with IOE, MSC, SRC, etc. on your I-797C receipt notice). You can also check through your USCIS online account if you filed electronically, or call the USCIS Contact Center at 1-800-375-5283.

Processing tip: If your I-130 has been pending longer than published processing times, file a case inquiry through your USCIS online account. You can also request an expedite in cases of severe financial loss, medical emergencies, or USCIS error. Congressional inquiries can also help move stalled cases.

📚 Related Guides

→ Adjustment of Status (I-485) → Consular Processing → Marriage Green Card Timeline

Last verified: April 2026 · Reviewed by USImmigrationLaw.Today editorial team.

This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.