Family immigration cases move at different speeds depending on several factors. Understanding what affects your I-130 processing time helps you plan ahead and avoid unnecessary delays. This guide explains the key factors that influence how long USCIS takes to process your petition, including service center workload, requests for evidence, and whether your case falls into the immediate relative or family preference category.
Why Choose Law Office of William Jang, PLLC
Navigating the I-130 process requires more than just filing paperwork; it demands a thorough understanding of USCIS procedures, service center operations, and the specific requirements that prevent delays. At Law Office of William Jang, PLLC, we guide Austin families through every step of the family-based immigration process. Our team understands how USCIS service centers operate, what triggers requests for evidence, and how to structure your petition to move through the system efficiently. We’ve helped numerous Texas families reunite with their loved ones by ensuring their I-130 petitions are complete, accurate, and positioned for approval. When you work with us, you gain an advocate who knows the process inside and out. Contact us at (512) 323-2333 to discuss your family immigration case.
Current I-130 Processing Times by Category
As of December 2025, I-130 processing times vary significantly based on your relationship to the petitioner and your immigration category.
Immediate Relatives (spouses of U.S. citizens, parents of U.S. citizens, and unmarried children under 21) currently process in approximately 10 to 15 months, with an average of 14.8 months as of December 2025. Processing times vary significantly by service center and whether filing for consular processing or adjustment of status. These cases move faster because immediate relatives don’t require visa availability, USCIS prioritizes them in the processing queue. Spouses of U.S. citizens and parents of U.S. citizens benefit from this expedited timeline.
Family Preference Categories Unmarried adult children (F1): While USCIS may take roughly 4.5 years to approve the petition, the wait for a visa number often extends the total timeline to 8 to 10 years or longer.
- Spouses/Children of Green Card Holders (F2A): This category now faces backlogs, meaning approval does not guarantee an immediate visa.
- Siblings (F4): The wait is currently 15 to 22 years, depending on the country of origin.
The visa bulletin directly impacts family preference cases. When visa numbers become available, USCIS processes cases more quickly. When visa numbers are unavailable, cases remain in queue regardless of how long they’ve been pending.
How USCIS Service Centers Affect Your Timeline
USCIS operates multiple service centers (California, Nebraska, Potomac, Texas, Vermont, and National Benefits Center) that handle I-130 petitions. However, USCIS no longer maintains fixed, published state-by-state jurisdiction assignments. Instead, case routing is determined by:
- Form type and eligibility category
- Petitioner’s location and filing address
- Internal workload distribution among service centers
- USCIS operational efficiency needs
Most I-130 petitions are filed to lockbox addresses that are routed internally among service centers. The service center that initially receives your case may transfer it to another center for processing.
Workload varies significantly among these centers. Some service centers process cases faster than others due to staffing levels, case volume, and operational efficiency. Your case’s processing time depends partly on which service center receives your petition. USCIS determines the service center based on where the petitioner lives, not where the beneficiary lives.
You can determine which service center handles your case by checking your receipt notice (I-797). The receipt number indicates the service center. You can also use the USCIS Case Status Online tool to track your petition and see which service center is processing it. Understanding this helps you set realistic expectations for your timeline.
Requests for Evidence (RFEs) and Processing Delays
A Request for Evidence (RFE) occurs when USCIS needs additional documentation to make a decision on your I-130 petition. RFEs significantly extend processing times, typically adding 3 to 5 months to your case, though additional delays may occur with multiple RFEs or delayed responses.
Common reasons for RFEs include missing birth certificates, marriage certificates, or divorce decrees; insufficient proof of the relationship between petitioner and beneficiary; incomplete financial documentation (Form I-864, Affidavit of Support); missing police clearances or medical examinations; and unclear or inconsistent information on the petition.
Many RFEs result from incomplete initial filings. When applicants submit petitions without all required documents, USCIS must request them, which delays the entire process. Responding promptly to an RFE is critical. When you receive an RFE, USCIS provides a specific due date in the notice. Response times typically range from 30 to 87 days from the date of the notice. Submitting your response promptly, well before the deadline, is critical, as USCIS does not typically grant extensions.
Working with an immigration attorney helps you avoid RFEs by ensuring your petition includes every required document and clearly demonstrates your eligibility. This approach moves your case through USCIS more efficiently. An experienced family immigration lawyer can identify potential issues before USCIS does.
Marriage-Based vs. Family Preference I-130 Cases
Marriage-based I-130 petitions (when a U.S. citizen petitions for a spouse) process significantly faster than family preference cases because they fall into the immediate relative category.
Immediate relative cases don’t require visa availability. USCIS processes them based on the order received, without waiting for visa numbers to become available. This is why marriage-based cases typically complete in 10 to 15 months, with an average of 14.8 months.
Family preference cases, including petitions for unmarried adult children, married children, and siblings, require visa availability. The visa bulletin determines when visa numbers become available for each preference category. If visa numbers aren’t available for your category, your case remains pending even after USCIS approves your I-130 petition.
For example, a sibling petition (F4 category) might be approved within 18 months, but the beneficiary cannot proceed to the next step until a visa number becomes available, which could take many additional years. This distinction is crucial for understanding your timeline.
Note: If your spouse is already in the U.S. and filing for Adjustment of Status (Concurrent Filing), the processing timeline is often determined by your local USCIS Field Office (e.g., the San Antonio or Austin field office) rather than a remote Service Center. These cases generally move faster, often completing in 8 to 12 months.
Steps to Speed Up Your I-130 Processing
Several actions help move your I-130 petition through USCIS more efficiently. File a complete application with all required documents from the start. Missing documents trigger RFEs, which delay your case by months.
Use online filing when available. USCIS processes online applications faster than paper filings because they reduce data entry errors and administrative delays.
Respond immediately to any RFE. Don’t wait until the deadline approaches. The sooner you submit requested evidence, the sooner USCIS can make a decision.
Keep your contact information current with USCIS; if USCIS cannot reach you, your case stalls. Update your address if you move.
Consider working with an immigration attorney. An attorney ensures your petition is complete, accurate, and positioned for approval. This proactive approach prevents delays and RFEs. A family immigration lawyer can guide you through each step of the process.
Frequently Asked Questions About I-130 Processing Times
How long does an I-130 take to process in 2025?
Immediate relative I-130 petitions currently take 10 to 15 months, with an average of 14.8 months. Family preference cases vary from 4.5 years (F1) to 22+ years (F4), depending on visa availability and country of origin.
Why is my I-130 taking so long?
Several factors extend processing times: service center workload, requests for evidence, incomplete documentation, visa availability (for family preference cases), and administrative delays. Checking your case status online can help identify where your petition stands in the process.
Can I expedite my I-130 processing?
Standard premium processing is not available for I-130 petitions. However, USCIS may expedite cases in certain circumstances, such as humanitarian concerns or significant financial loss. Contact an immigration attorney to determine if your situation qualifies.
What’s the difference between immediate relatives and family preference?
Immediate relatives (spouses, parents, and children under 21 of U.S. citizens) don’t require visa availability and process faster. Family preference categories require visa availability, which can delay processing significantly.
How do I check my I-130 processing status?
Use USCIS Case Status Online at egov.uscis.gov. Enter your receipt number (found on your I-797 notice) to view your case status and estimated processing time.
What happens if I receive an RFE?
USCIS will provide a detailed letter explaining what evidence is needed. Gather the requested documents and submit them within the timeframe specified in the notice. Response times typically range from 30 to 87 days from the date of the notice. Submit your response as soon as possible to avoid further delays. An immigration attorney can help you prepare a strong response.
Let Law Office of William Jang, PLLC Guide Your Family Immigration Journey
Your family’s reunification matters. Understanding I-130 processing times helps you prepare for the journey ahead, but navigating the actual process requires expertise and attention to detail. Law Office of William Jang, PLLC has guided Austin families through family-based immigration for years. We know the USCIS service centers, we understand what triggers delays, and we know how to structure your petition for success.
Don’t let confusion or incomplete filings slow down your family’s future. Contact Law Office of William Jang, PLLC today at (512) 323-2333 to schedule a consultation. Let us review your situation and explain your options. Your family’s reunion is worth the right legal guidance.
