I-130 processing time 2026: how long it takes
How long the I-130 family petition takes according to the official USCIS median: immediate relatives versus all other relatives, and what happens next.
Source: USCIS quarterly report — accessed Oct 19, 2026
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I-130 median processing time
| Period | Category | Median (months) |
|---|---|---|
| FY2026 Q3 | Immediate Relative | 13 |
| FY2026 Q3 | All Other Relative | 43.3 |
I-130 key facts
- Form I-130 is filed by a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident or U.S. national to establish the relationship with a relative who wishes to live permanently in the United States. (Source)
- Filing or approval of Form I-130 does not give your relative any immigration status or benefit. (Source)
- If your relative qualifies as an immediate relative, an immigrant visa is always available; certain other relatives must wait until a visa number is available. (Source)
- Form I-130 can be filed online or by mail; the current edition is 04/01/24. (Source)
- On Oct. 7, 2026, USCIS changed the paper filing location for Form I-130 and accepts forms postmarked on or before Nov. 9, 2026, that are sent to a prior filing location. (Source)
Two rows, two realities
The USCIS report lists the I-130 in two rows: immediate relatives of citizens and all other relatives. The split is not a detail. Immediate relatives always have a visa available, so once the petition is approved their case moves straight to the next step; everyone else, even after approval, still depends on a visa number being available in their category.
That changes how to read the wait. For a spouse, an unmarried child under twenty-one or the parent of an adult citizen, the petition median is a large part of the total wait. For a brother, a sister or a married son or daughter, the petition is only the first stretch, followed by the priority date and the Visa Bulletin.
When filling in the form, USCIS asks you to pick a single option: adjustment of status inside the country or consular processing abroad. Leaving it blank or ticking both complicates the case. If your relative is already here and eligible, they can file their own I-485 even if you sent the petition online.
Finally, double-check the mailing address if you file on paper, since it changed this fall, and keep the receipt notice: your relative will need a copy for their part of the process.
More about this form
Frequently asked questions
Who counts as an immediate relative?
For USCIS, immediate relatives of a U.S. citizen always have a visa available. The quarterly report keeps their petitions apart from those of all other relatives, who wait for a visa number.
Does an approved I-130 give me a green card?
No. Approval only recognizes the family relationship. Your relative then applies for the green card with Form I-485 if they are in the United States and eligible, or through consular processing abroad.
Can I switch between adjustment and consular processing?
While the I-130 is pending, USCIS says you can request the change through its contact center.
Official sources
- USCIS — Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative → — accessed Oct 19, 2026
- USCIS quarterly report (FY2026 Q3) → — accessed Oct 19, 2026
