Updated USCIS Processing Times for I-130s and I-129Fs

Summary

This article covers processing times for Forms I-130 (Petitions for Alien Relatives) on behalf of immediate relatives (i.e., spouses, parents, and children under age 21) and Forms I-129F (Petitions for Alien Fiancé(e)s) who will apply for their visas at U.S. Embassies and Consulates abroad.

Table 1 below, based on our firm’s monthly check of USCIS processing times, shows that average processing times for such cases remained at crisis levels during the Biden administration and at the beginning of the second Trump administration:

  • I-130s:
    • Mar. 2026: 17 mo.
    • Jan. 2025: 16 mo.
    • Jan. 2024: 14 mo.
    • Jan. 2023: 12 mo.
    • Jan. 2022: 13 – 17.5 mo.
    • Jan. 2021: 13.5-17.5 mo.
  • I-129Fs:
    • Mar. 2026: 10 mo.
    • Jan. 2025: 20 mo.
    • Jan. 2024: 12 mo.
    • Jan. 2023: 10.5 mo
    • Jan. 2022: 7 – 9.5 mo.
    • Jan. 2021: 14-18 mo.

Table 2 below shows that at service centers the number of I-130s for immediate relatives approved in 2024 was down compared to the prior two years, but the number of pending cases has continued to increase:

  • 2024:
    • Approved: 276,083
    • Pending: 567,863
  • 2023:
    • Approved: 428,395
    • Pending: 430,958
  • 2022
    • Approved: 506,854
    • Pending: 466,837
  • 2021
    • Approved: 221,296
    • Pending: 250,115
  • 2020:
    • Approved: 239,144
    • Pending: 176,172

In response to AILA and other advocates, the Biden administration promised to decrease cycle times to 6 months by Oct. 2023. See USCIS Announces New Cycle Time Goals (Mar. 29, 2022). The administration did not reach that goal. See USICS, Completing an Unprecedented 10 Million Immigration Cases in Fiscal Year 2023, USCIS Reduced Its Backlog for the First Time in Over a Decade (Feb. 9, 2024).

The Trump administration has set no processing time goals for I-130s and I-129Fs.

Table 1: Processing Times for standalone I-130s for immediate relatives and I-129Fs

Date Checked: 2026-03-31
FormUSCIS service centerEstimated time range (in months)Receipt date for a case inquiry
I-130Average172025-05-04
I-129FAverage102025-02-24
Date Checked: 2026-02-26
FormUSCIS service centerEstimated time range (in months)Receipt date for a case inquiry
I-130Average172024-04-12
I-129FAverage102025-01-19
Date Checked: 2026-01-23
FormUSCIS service centerEstimated time range (in months)Receipt date for a case inquiry
I-130Average172024-03-17
I-129FAverage102024-11-30
Date Checked: 2025-12-23
FormUSCIS service centerEstimated time range (in months)Receipt date for a case inquiry
I-130Average172024-02-29
I-129FAverage102024-10-06
Date Checked: 2025-11-25
FormUSCIS service centerEstimated time range (in months)Receipt date for a case inquiry
I-130Average172024-02-26
I-129FAverage102024-08-30
Date Checked: 2025-10-23
FormUSCIS service centerEstimated time range (in months)Receipt date for a case inquiry
I-130Average172024-01-22
I-129FAverage102024-07-28
Date Checked: 2025-09-22
FormUSCIS service centerEstimated time range (in months)Receipt date for a case inquiry
I-130Average172023-12-27
I-129FCalifornia92024-09-29
“Nebraska162024-02-28
“Potomac34.52022-08-15
“Texas72024-11-25
“Vermont15.52024-04-20
“Average16.5
Date Checked: 2025-08-25
FormUSCIS service centerEstimated time range (in months)Receipt date for a case inquiry
I-130Average172023-11-22
I-129FCalifornia92024-09-10
“Nebraska162024-01-31
“Potomac342022-07-21
“Texas82024-10-17
“Vermont15.52024-03-23
“Average16.5
Date Checked: 2025-07-22
FormUSCIS service centerEstimated time range (in months)Receipt date for a case inquiry
I-130Average172023-09-23
I-129FCalifornia92024-07-23
“Nebraska162023-12-16
“Potomac282023-09-28
“Texas82024-08-16
“Vermont15.52022-10-13
“Average15.5
Date Checked: 2025-06-25
FormUSCIS service centerEstimated time range (in months)Receipt date for a case inquiry
I-130Average172023-08-27
I-129FCalifornia92024-07-17
“Nebraska162023-11-19
“Potomac282023-09-01
“Texas82024-07-21
“Vermont15.52022-09-16
“Average15.5
Date Checked: 2025-05-23
FormUSCIS service centerEstimated time range (in months)Receipt date for a case inquiry
I-130Average172023-06-22
I-129FCalifornia92024-06-22
“Nebraska162023-07-30
“Potomac29.52022-09-08
“Texas82024-07-17
“Vermont152022-04-10
“Average15.5
Date Checked: 2025-04-22
FormUSCIS service centerEstimated time range (in months)Receipt date for a case inquiry
I-130Average172023-04-28
I-129FCalifornia8.52024-05-20
“Nebraska152023-10-13
“Potomac302022-08-14
“Texas8.52024-05-06
“Vermont30.52021-09-17
“Average18.5
Date Checked: 2025-03-26
FormUSCIS service centerEstimated time range (in months)Receipt date for a case inquiry
I-130Average172023-03-03
I-129FCalifornia82024-04-18
“Nebraska142023-10-04
“Potomac292022-08-28
“Texas92024-03-16
“Vermont37.52021-07-09
“Average19.5
Date Checked: 2025-02-24
FormUSCIS service centerEstimated time range (in months)Receipt date for a case inquiry
I-130Average16.52023-02-19
I-129FCalifornia8.52024-02-29
“Nebraska122023-10-23
“Potomac29.52022-07-24
“Texas9.52024-01-16
“Vermont36.52021-06-26
“Average19
Date Checked: 2025-01-22
FormUSCIS service centerEstimated time range (in months)Receipt date for a case inquiry
I-130Average162023-01-31
I-129FCalifornia82024-01-24
“Nebraska122023-11-21
“Potomac312022-06-12
“Texas10.52023-11-22
“Vermont34.52021-07-04
“Average20
Date Checked: 2024-12-24
FormUSCIS service centerEstimated time range (in months)Receipt date for a case inquiry
I-130Average162023-01-01
I-129FCalifornia82023-12-26
“Nebraska122023-10-23
“Potomac312022-05-14
“Texas10.52023-10-24
“Vermont34.52021-06-05
“Average20
Date Checked: 2024-11-22
FormUSCIS service centerEstimated time range (in months)Receipt date for a case inquiry
I-130Average15.52022-12-29
I-129FCalifornia92023-10-28
“Nebraska10.52023-11-01
“Potomac142023-09-24
“Texas13.52023-09-02
“Vermont26.52021-10-14
“Average15
Date Checked: 2024-10-28
FormUSCIS service centerEstimated time range (in months)Receipt date for a case inquiry
I-130Average15.52022-12-04
I-129FCalifornia92023-10-03
“Nebraska10.52023-10-07
“Potomac142023-08-30
“Texas142023-08-08
“Vermont26.52021-09-19
“Average15
Date Checked: 2024-09-24
FormUSCIS service centerEstimated time range (in months)Receipt date for a case inquiry
I-130Average15.52022-11-13
I-129FCalifornia102023-08-04
“Nebraska8.52023-09-27
“Potomac242022-05-21
“Texas152023-05-16
“Vermont13.52021-11-18
“Average14
Date Checked: 2024-08-28
FormUSCIS service centerEstimated time range (in months)Receipt date for a case inquiry
I-130Average15.52022-10-07
I-129FCalifornia102023-07-08
“Nebraska8.52023-08-31
“Potomac242022-04-24
“Texas152023-04-19
“Vermont13.52021-10-22
“Average14
Date Checked: 2024-07-30
FormUSCIS service centerEstimated time range (in months)Receipt date for a case inquiry
I-130Average14.52022-10-03
I-129FCalifornia11.52023-05-06
“Nebraska82023-07-03
“Potomac242022-03-26
“Texas162023-03-19
“Vermont12.52021-12-02
“Average14.5
Date Checked: 2024-06-24
FormUSCIS service centerEstimated time range (in months)Receipt date for a case inquiry
I-130Average14.52022-09-05
I-129FCalifornia12.52023-03-14
“Nebraska82023-06-20
“Potomac242022-02-18
“Texas162023-02-08
“Vermont142021-10-31
“Average15
Date Checked: 2024-05-27
FormUSCIS service centerEstimated time range (in months)Receipt date for a case inquiry
I-130Average14.52022-08-24
I-129FCalifornia132023-02-02
“Nebraska7.52023-05-23
“Potomac242022-01-21
“Texas16.52023-01-06
“Vermont172021-08-21
“Average16
Date Checked: 2024-04-22
FormUSCIS service centerEstimated time range (in months)Receipt date for a case inquiry
I-130Average142022-08-14
I-129FCalifornia13.52022-12-15
“Nebraska8.52023-03-21
“Potomac242021-12-11
“Texas162022-12-08
“Vermont172021-06-14
“Average16
Date Checked: 2024-03-22
FormUSCIS service centerEstimated time range (in months)Receipt date for a case inquiry
I-130Average142022-08-06
I-129FCalifornia142022-10-23
“Nebraska72023-04-21
“Potomac14.52022-08-07
“Texas152022-10-28
“Vermont112022-01-21
“Average12
Date Checked: 2024-02-22
FormUSCIS service centerEstimated time range (in months)Receipt date for a case inquiry
I-130Average142022-08-06
I-129FCalifornia152022-08-17
“Nebraska62023-05-19
“Potomac142022-12-12
“Texas132022-09-29
“Vermont102022-02-13
“Average12
Date Checked: 2024-01-22
FormUSCIS service centerEstimated time range (in months)Receipt date for a case inquiry
I-130Average142022-07-05
I-129FCalifornia152022-07-16
“Nebraska62023-04-17
“Potomac142022-11-10
“Texas132022-08-28
“Vermont102022-01-13
“Average12
Date Checked: 2023-12-13
FormUSCIS service centerEstimated time range (in months)Receipt date for a case inquiry
I-130Average142022-05-25
I-129FCalifornia15.52022-05-22
“Nebraska5.52023-03-26
“Potomac142022-10-06
“Texas12.52022-07-28
“Vermont82022-01-16
“Average11
Date Checked: 2023-10-25
FormUSCIS service centerEstimated time range (in months)Receipt date for a case inquiry
I-130California14.52022-04-05
“Nebraska13.52022-05-04
“Potomac142022-02-06
“Texas142022-05-30
“Vermont152022-03-12
“Average14
I-129FCalifornia162022-03-07
“Nebraska52023-03-07
“Potomac192021-09-14
“Texas12.52022-05-31
“Vermont7.52021-10-04
“Average12
Date Checked: 2023-09-22
FormUSCIS service centerEstimated time range (in months)Receipt date for a case inquiry
I-130California14.52022-03-09
“Nebraska14.52022-03-09
“Potomac14.52022-01-01
“Texas13.52022-04-23
“Vermont152022-01-31
“Average14.5
I-129FCalifornia16.52022-01-29
“Nebraska4.52023-02-13
“Potomac192021-08-11
“Texas16.52022-01-29
“Vermont15.52020-04-20
“Average14.5
Date Checked: 2023-08-22
FormUSCIS service centerEstimated time range (in months)Receipt date for a case inquiry
I-130California14.52022-02-07
“Nebraska15.52021-12-16
“Potomac15.52021-11-16
“Texas13.52022-03-11
“Vermont14.52021-12-07
“Average15
I-129FCalifornia16.52022-01-13
“Nebraska4.52023-08-22
“Potomac192019-10-07
“Texas16.52022-01-16
“Vermont10.52020-07-07
“Average13.5
Date Checked: 2023-07-22
FormUSCIS service centerEstimated time range (in months)Receipt date for a case inquiry
I-130California14.52022-01-10
“Nebraska15.52021-11-17
“Potomac15.52021-10-18
“Texas13.52022-02-10
“Vermont14.52021-12-09
“Average15
I-129FCalifornia16.52021-02-15
“Nebraska4.52023-01-04
“Potomac192019-09-08
“Texas16.52021-12-18
“Vermont10.52020-06-08
“Average13.5
Date Checked: 2023-06-22
FormUSCIS service centerEstimated time range (in months)Receipt date for a case inquiry
I-130California14.52021-09-18
“Nebraska15.52021-10-07
“Potomac162021-09-20
“Texas13.52021-12-23
“Vermont152021-09-18
“Average15
I-129FCalifornia16.52021-12-04
“Nebraska52022-12-14
“Potomac152021-05-14
“Texas16.52021-12-03
“Vermont9.52020-08-06
“Average12.5
Date Checked: 2023-05-22
FormUSCIS service centerEstimated time range (in months)Receipt date for a case inquiry
I-130California14.52021-10-11
“Nebraska14.52021-09-28
“Potomac162021-08-14
“Texas132021-11-15
“Vermont14.52021-06-29
“Average14.5
I-129FCalifornia16.52021-11-08
“Nebraska52022-11-08
“Potomac132020-04-29
“Texas16.52021-11-08
“Vermont82020-08-19
“Average12
Date Checked: 2023-04-22
FormUSCIS service centerEstimated time range (in months)Receipt date for a case inquiry
I-130California152021-08-09
“Nebraska142021-09-27
“Potomac162021-07-05
0″Texas12.52021-10-21
“Vermont142021-06-11
“Average14.5
I-129FCalifornia16.52021-10-29
“Nebraska52022-10-09
“Potomac8.52022-04-20
“Texas16.52021-10-29
“Vermont72020-12-02
“Average10.5
Date Checked: 2023-03-22
FormUSCIS service centerEstimated time range (in months)Receipt date for a case inquiry
I-130California10.52022-02-18
“Nebraska10.52022-02-06
“Potomac122021-12-20
0″Texas11.52021-12-27
“Vermont162021-06-29
“Average12
I-129FCalifornia15.52021-10-23
“Nebraska42022-09-14
“Potomac8.52022-05-31
“Texas15.52021-10-23
“Vermont82021-05-31
“Average10.5
Date Checked: 2023-02-22
FormUSCIS service centerEstimated time range (in months)Receipt date for a case inquiry
I-130California10.52022-01-21
“Nebraska10.52022-01-09
“Potomac122021-11-22
“Texas11.52021-11-29
“Vermont162021-06-01
“Average12
I-129FCalifornia15.52021-09-25
“Nebraska42022-08-17
“Potomac8.52022-05-03
“Texas15.52021-09-25
“Vermont82020-05-02
“Average10.5
Date Checked: 2023-02-06
FormUSCIS service centerEstimated time range (in months)Receipt date for a case inquiry
I-130California10.52022-01-04
“Nebraska10.52021-12-24
“Potomac122021-11-05
“Texas11.52021-11-12
“Vermont162021-05-16
“Average12
I-129FCalifornia15.52021-08-18
“Nebraska42022-08-02
“Potomac82022-04-16
“Texas15.52021-09-17
“Vermont92020-03-27
“Average10.5
Date Checked: 2022-12-22
FormUSCIS service centerEstimated time range (in months)Receipt date for a case inquiry
I-130California10.52021-11-20
“Nebraska10.52021-11-08
“Potomac122021-09-21
“Texas11.52021-09-28
“Vermont162021-03-31
“Average12
I-129FCalifornia15.52021-08-04
“Nebraska42022-06-18
“Potomac82022-03-02
“Texas15.52021-08-03
“Vermont92021-12-11
“Average10.5
Date Checked: 2022-11-22
FormUSCIS service centerEstimated time range (in months)Receipt date for a case inquiry
I-130California10.52021-10-21
“Nebraska10.52021-10-09
“Potomac122021-08-22
“Texas11.52021-08-29
“Vermont162021-03-01
“Average12
I-129FCalifornia152021-08-13
“Nebraska3.52022-06-07
“Potomac82021-11-12
“Texas152021-07-12
“Vermont222019-11-10
“Average13
Date Checked: 2022-10-22
FormUSCIS service centerEstimated time range (in months)Receipt date for a case inquiry
I-130California10.52021-09-22
“Nebraska10.52021-09-10
“Potomac122021-07-24
“Texas11.52021-07-31
“Vermont162021-01-31
“Average12
I-129FCalifornia142021-07-15
“Nebraska42022-05-13
“Potomac52022-02-26
“Texas142021-07-15
“Vermont202019-11-02
“Average11.5
Date Checked: 2022-09-22
FormUSCIS service centerEstimated time range (in months)Receipt date for a case inquiry
I-130California10.52021-08-24
“Nebraska10.52021-08-12
“Potomac122021-06-25
“Texas11.52021-07-02
“Vermont162021-01-02
“Average12
I-129FCalifornia13.52021-06-29
“Nebraska4.52022-04-04
“Potomac4.52022-02-27
“Texas132021-07-02
“Vermont5.52020-03-11
“Average8
Date Checked: 2022-08-22
FormUSCIS service centerEstimated time range (in months)Receipt date for a case inquiry
I-130California10.52021-07-22
“Nebraska10.52021-07-10
“Potomac122021-05-23
“Texas11.52021-05-30
“Vermont162020-11-30
“Average12
I-129FCalifornia13.52021-05-27
“Nebraska4.52022-03-02
“Potomac4.52022-01-25
“Texas132021-05-30
“Vermont5.52020-02-07
“Average8
Date Checked: 2022-07-22
FormUSCIS service centerEstimated time range (in months)Receipt date for a case inquiry
I-130California10.52021-06-24
“Nebraska10.52022-06-12
“Potomac122021-04-25
“Texas11.52021-05-02
“Vermont162020-11-02
“Average12
I-129FCalifornia13.52021-04-29
“Nebraska4.52022-02-02
“Potomac4.52021-12-28
“Texas132021-06-02
“Vermont5.52022-01-10
“Average8
Date Checked: 2022-06-22
FormUSCIS service centerEstimated time range (in months)Receipt date for a case inquiry
I-130California9.52021-07-01
“Nebraska62021-11-05
“Potomac122021-03-09
“Texas11.52021-03-31
“Vermont152020-11-09
“Average11
I-129FCalifornia132021-03-31
“Nebraska4.52021-12-31
“Potomac4.52021-11-21
“Texas12.52021-04-04
“Vermont52020-03-02
“Average8
Date Checked: 2022-05-22
FormUSCIS service centerEstimated time range (in months)Receipt date for a case inquiry
I-130California9.52021-06-07
“Nebraska62021-10-12
“Potomac122021-02-13
“Texas11.52021-03-07
“Vermont152020-10-16
“Average11
I-129FCalifornia132021-03-07
“Nebraska4.52021-12-07
“Potomac4.52021-10-28
“Texas12.52021-03-11
“Vermont52020-02-07
“Average8
Date Checked: 2022-04-22
FormUSCIS service centerEstimated time range (in months)Receipt date for a case inquiry
I-130California6.5 – 8.52021-08-20
“Nebraska5 – 72021-09-24
“Potomac10 – 132021-03-27
“Texas11 – 14.52021-02-18
“Vermont12 – 162021-01-03
“Average9 – 12
I-129FCalifornia10 – 132021-03-27
“Nebraskanone shownnone shown
“Potomacnone shownnone shown
“Texasnone shownnone shown
“Vermont none shown none shown
“Average10 – 13
Date Checked: 2022-03-22
FormUSCIS service centerEstimated time range (in months)Receipt date for a case inquiry
I-130California6.5 – 8.52021-07-20
“Nebraska5 – 72021-08-24
“Potomac10 – 132021-02-24
“Texas11 – 14.52021-01-18
“Vermont12 – 162020-12-03
“Average9 – 12
I-129FCalifornia10 – 132021-02-24
“Nebraskanone shownnone shown
“Potomacnone shownnone shown
“Texasnone shownnone shown
“Vermont none shown none shown
“Average10 – 13
Date Checked: 2022-02-22
FormUSCIS service centerEstimated time range (in months)Receipt date for a case inquiry
I-130California29.5 – 38.52018-12-20
“Nebraska4.5 – 72021-07-27
“Potomac12.5 – 162020-11-01
“Texas10.5 – 142021-01-04
“Vermont11.5 – 152020-12-05
“Average13.5 – 18
I-129FCalifornia9 – 122021-03-07
“Nebraskanone shownnone shown
“Potomacnone shownnone shown
“Texasnone shownnone shown
“Vermont none shown none shown
“Average9 – 12
Date Checked: 2022-01-22
FormUSCIS service centerEstimated time range (in months)Receipt date for a case inquiry
I-130California28.5 – 372019-01-03
“Nebraska4 – 72021-06-29
“Potomac12 – 162020-10-10
“Texas10.5 – 13.52020-12-15
“Vermont10.5 – 13.52020-12-17
“Average13 – 17.5
I-129FCalifornia7 – 9.52021-04-25
“Nebraskanone shownnone shown
“Potomacnone shownnone shown
“Texasnone shownnone shown
“Vermont none shown none shown
“Average7 – 9.5
Date Checked: 2021-12-22
FormUSCIS service centerEstimated time range (in months)Receipt date for a case inquiry
I-130California27.5 – 35.52019-01-10
“Nebraska3.5 – 72021-05-26
“Potomac12.5 – 162020-08-31
“Texas10.5 – 142020-11-04
“Vermont10 – 132020-12-05
“Average13 – 17
I-129FCalifornia6.5 – 8.52021-04-19
“Nebraskanone shownnone shown
“Potomacnone shownnone shown
“Texasnone shownnone shown
“Vermont none shown none shown
“Average6.5 – 8.5
Date Checked: 2021-11-24
FormUSCIS service centerEstimated time range (in months)Receipt date for a case inquiry
I-130California26.5 – 34.52019-01-21
“Nebraska3.5 – 72021-04-28
“Potomac12.5 – 16.52020-07-19
“Texas10.5 – 13.52020-10-18
“Vermont9.5 – 12.52020-11-19
“Average12.5 – 17
I-129FCalifornia6 – 82021-03-27
“Nebraskanone shownnone shown
“Potomacnone shownnone shown
“Texasnone shownnone shown
“Vermont none shown none shown
“Average6 – 8
Date Checked: 2021-10-22
FormUSCIS service centerEstimated time range (in months)Receipt date for a case inquiry
I-130California25.5 – 332019-01-28
“Nebraska3 – 72021-03-26
“Potomac13 – 16.52020-06-08
“Texas10 – 132020-10-05
“Vermont9.5 – 122020-10-30
“Average12 – 16.5
I-129FCalifornia6 – 82021-02-28
“Nebraskanone shownnone shown
“Potomacnone shownnone shown
“Texasnone shownnone shown
“Vermont none shown none shown
“Average6 – 8
Date Checked: 2021-09-22
FormUSCIS service centerEstimated time range (in months)Receipt date for a case inquiry
I-130California24.5 – 322019-02-07
“Nebraska2.5 – 72021-02-25
“Potomac13 – 16.52020-05-10
“Texas10 – 132020-09-06
“Vermont23.5 – 302019-03-28
“Average14.5 – 19.5
I-129FCalifornia6 – 82021-01-25
“Nebraskanone shownnone shown
“Potomacnone shownnone shown
“Texasnone shownnone shown
“Vermont9 – 11.52020-10-13
“Average7.5 – 10
Date Checked: 2021-08-22
FormUSCIS service centerEstimated time range (in months)Receipt date for a case inquiry
I-130California23.5 – 30.52019-2-19
“Nebraska1.5 – 72021-1-28
“Potomac13 – 172020-04-11
“Texas9 – 11.52020-09-23
“Vermont32 – 41.52018-03-24
“Average16 – 21.5
I-129FCalifornia6 – 82020-12-28
“Nebraskanone shownnone shown
“Potomacnone shownnone shown
“Texasnone shownnone shown
“Vermont8 – 10.52020-10-25
“Average7 – 9
Date Checked: 2021-07-22
FormUSCIS service centerEstimated time range (in months)Receipt date for a case inquiry
I-130California22.5 – 292019-2-23
“Nebraska1 – 72020-12-24
“Potomac13 – 172020-03-01
“Texas8.5 – 10.52020-09-07
“Vermont31 – 402018-03-28
“Average13 – 21
I-129FCalifornia5.5 – 7.52020-12-13
“Nebraskanone shownnone shown
“Potomacnone shownnone shown
“Texasnone shownnone shown
“Vermont7 – 92020-10-26
“Average6 – 8
Date Checked: 2021-05-27
FormUSCIS service centerEstimated time range (in months)Receipt date for a case inquiry
I-130California21.5 – 282019-02-09
“Nebraska2 – 72020-10-30
“Potomac13 – 172020-01-09
“Texas8.5 – 10.52020-07-13
“Vermont30 – 392018-03-13
“Average15 – 20.5
I-129FCalifornia6 – 82020-10-04
“Nebraskanone shownnone shown
“Potomacnone shownnone shown
“Texasnone shownnone shown
“Vermont6 – 82020-10-04
“Average6 – 8
Date Checked: 2021-04-27
FormUSCIS service centerEstimated time range (in months)Receipt date for a case inquiry
I-130California20.5 – 26.52019-02-17
“Nebraska2 – 72020-10-31
“Potomac13 – 16.52019-12-18
“Texas8 – 10.52020-06-23
“Vermont29 – 37.52018-03-22
“Average14.5 – 19.5
I-129FCalifornia5.5 – 7.52020-09-20
“Nebraskanone shownnone shown
“Potomacnone shownnone shown
“Texasnone shownnone shown
“Vermont5 – 72020-10-01
“Average5.5 – 7.5
Date Checked: 2021-03-27
FormUSCIS service centerEstimated time range (in months)Receipt date for a case inquiry
I-130California19.5 – 25.52019-02-27
“Nebraska2 – 72020-08-31
“Potomac12.5 – 16.52019-11-23
“Texas9 – 122020-04-02
“Vermont28 – 362018-03-31
“Average14 – 19.5
I-129FCalifornia5 – 72020-08-29
“Nebraskanone shownnone shown
“Potomacnone shownnone shown
“Texasnone shownnone shown
“Vermont23.5 – 302018-09-29
“Average14 – 18.5
Date Checked: 2021-02-27
FormUSCIS service centerEstimated time range (in months)Receipt date for a case inquiry
I-130California18.5 – 242019-03-11
“Nebraska5 – 72020-08-02
“Potomac12 – 162019-11-16
“Texas8.5 – 112020-04-03
“Vermont27 – 352018-04-12
“Average12.5 – 18.5
I-129FCalifornia5.5 – 7.52020-08-01
“Nebraskanone shownnone shown
“Potomacnone shownnone shown
“Texasnone shownnone shown
“Vermont22.5 – 292018-10-11
“Average14 – 18
Date Checked: 2021-01-27
FormUSCIS service centerEstimated time range (in months)Receipt date for a case inquiry
I-130California16 – 212019-05-08
“Nebraska6 – 82020-06-09
“Potomac11.5 – 152019-11-02
“Texas8.5 – 10.52020-03-17
“Vermont26 – 33.52018-04-18
“Average13.5 – 17.5
I-129FCalifornia6 – 82020-06-03
“Nebraskanone shownnone shown
“Potomacnone shownnone shown
“Texasnone shownnone shown
“Vermont21.5 – 27.52018-10-17
“Average14 – 18
Date Checked: 2020-12-27
FormUSCIS service centerEstimated time range (in months)Receipt date for a case inquiry
I-130California15 – 19.52019-05-17
“Nebraska7 – 92020-04-09
“Potomac11.5 – 14.52019-10-15
“Texas8 – 10.52020-02-23
“Vermont25 – 32.52018-04-27
“Average13.5 – 17
I-129FCalifornia7.5 – 9.52020-03-27
“Nebraskanone shownnone shown
“Potomacnone shownnone shown
“Texasnone shownnone shown
“Vermont20.5 – 26.52018-10-26
“Average14 – 18
Date Checked: 2020-11-27
FormUSCIS service centerEstimated time range (in months)Receipt date for a case inquiry
I-130California14 – 18.52019-05-25
“Nebraska7 – 9.52020-02-27
“Potomac11 – 14.52019-09-24
“Texas7.5 – 9.52020-02-13
“Vermont24 – 31.52018-04-26
“Average13 – 17
I-129FCalifornia6.5 – 82020-03-30
“Nebraskanone shownnone shown
“Potomacnone shownnone shown
“Texasnone shownnone shown
“Vermont18.5 – 242019-01-29
“Average12.5 – 16
Date Checked: 2020-10-27
FormUSCIS service centerEstimated time range (in months)Receipt date for a case inquiry
I-130California12 – 162019-07-14
“Nebraska6.5 – 8.52020-02-20
“Potomac10.5 – 13.52019-09-17
“Texas6.5 – 8.52021-02-21
“Vermont22 – 28.52018-06-15
“Average11.5 – 15
I-129FCalifornia5 – 72020-03-30
“Nebraskanone shownnone shown
“Potomacnone shownnone shown
“Texasnone shownnone shown
“Vermont16.5 – 21.52019-01-29
“Average11 – 14
Date Checked: 2020-09-27
FormUSCIS service centerEstimated time range (in months)Receipt date for a case inquiry
I-130California11 – 14.52019-07-24
“Nebraska6.5 – 8.52017-01-17
“Potomac9 – 11.52019-10-15
“Texas6 – 7.52020-01-13
“Vermont21 – 27.52018-06-25
“Average11 – 14
I-129FCalifornia5 – 72020-02-29
“Nebraskanone shownnone shown
“Potomacnone shownnone shown
“Texasnone shownnone shown
“Vermont15.5 – 202019–01-29
“Average10 – 13.5
Date Checked: 2020-08-27
FormUSCIS service centerEstimated time range (in months)Receipt date for a case inquiry
I-130California11 – 14.52019-06-23
“Nebraska6.5 – 8.52019-12-17
“Potomac9 – 11.52019-07-14
“Texas6 – 7.52020-01-13
“Vermont21 – 27.52018-05-25
“Average11 – 14
I-129FCalifornia5 – 72020-01-29
“Nebraskanone shownnone shown
“Potomacnone shownnone shown
“Texasnone shownnone shown
“Vermont15.5 – 202018-12-29
“Average10 – 13.5
Date Checked: 2020-07-28
FormUSCIS service centerEstimated time range (in months)Receipt date for a case inquiry
I-130California5 – 72019-12-29
“Nebraska7 – 9.52019-10-27
“Potomac10 – 12.52019-07-17
“Texas4.5 – 72019-12-31
“Vermont20.5 – 26.52018-05-25
“Average9.4 – 12.5
I-129FCalifornia5 – 72019-12-28
“Nebraskanone shownnone shown
“Potomacnone shownnone shown
“Texasnone shownnone shown
“Vermont14.5 – 192019-01-07
“Average10 – 13
Date Checked: 2020-06-28
FormUSCIS service centerEstimated time range (in months)Receipt date for a case inquiry
I-130Californianone shownnone shown
“Nebraska10.5 – 13.52019-05-26
“Potomac7 – 92019-10-02
“Texas6 – 82019-11-07
“Vermont19.5 – 252018-06-03
“Average11 – 14
I-129FCalifornia5 – 72019-11-29
“Nebraskanone shownnone shown
“Potomacnone shownnone shown
“Texasnone shownnone shown
“Vermont13.5 – 17.52019-01-16
“Average9 – 12
Date Checked: 2020-05-22
FormUSCIS service centerEstimated time range (in months)Receipt date for a case inquiry
I-130Californianone shownnone shown
“Nebraska12.5 – 162019-01-30
“Potomac7 – 92019-08-27
“Texas5 – 72019-10-25
“Vermont17.5 – 22.52018-07-14
“Average10.5 – 13.5
I-129FCalifornia5 – 72019-10-23
“Nebraskanone shownnone shown
“Potomacnone shownnone shown
“Texasnone shownnone shown
“Vermont17 – 22.52018-07-23
“Average11 – 15
Date Checked: 2020-04-23
FormUSCIS service centerEstimated time range (in months)Receipt date for a case inquiry
I-130Californianone shownnone shown
“Nebraska12.5 – 162018-12-31
“Potomac9 – 122019-05-07
“Texas7.5 – 9.52019-07-21
“Vermont16.5 – 212018-07-25
“Average11.5 – 14.5
I-129FCalifornia5 – 72019-09-30
“Nebraskanone shownnone shown
“Potomacnone shownnone shown
“Texasnone shownnone shown
“Vermont16 – 212018-08-09
“Average10.5 – 14

Table 2: Numbers of immediate relative I-130s received, approved, denied, and pending at each service center

PeriodService CenterPetitions ReceivedApprovedDeniedPending
Jul. – Sept. 2025California19,88627,5831,676106,991
Jul. – Sept. 2025Nebrasa19,59415,4153,02797,873
Jul. – Sept. 2025Texas19,59219,6742,229105,536
Jul. – Sept. 2025Vermont19,75520,547985106,119
Jul. – Sept. 2025Potomac19,69926,6781,555108,460
Jul. – Sept. 2025Total98,546109,8979,472524,979
Apr. – Jun. 2025California22,22226,0341,721112,938
Apr. – Jun. 2025Nebrasa21,84717,5593,063109,243
Apr. – Jun. 2025Texas21,85316,2242,128112,238
Apr. – Jun. 2025Vermont22,01417,438843114,672
Apr. – Jun. 2025Potomac21,94330,3611424114,996
Apr. – Jun. 2025Total109,879107,6169,179564,087
Jan. – Mar. 2025California24,73119,7751,982117,519
Jan. – Mar. 2025Nebrasa24,50518,3882,057116,232
Jan. – Mar. 2025Texas24,54516,7411,729115,911
Jan. – Mar. 2025Vermont24,62817,069893120,098
Jan. – Mar. 2025Potomac24,59714,525779114,721
Jan. – Mar. 2025Total123,00686,4987,440584,481
2024 Total—469,469276,08332,808—
Oct. – Dec. 2024California24,00114,5571,224113,696
Oct. – Dec. 2024Nebraska23,81713,4821,672113,560
Oct. – Dec. 2024Texas23,90915,1701,651113,493
Oct. – Dec. 2024Vermont24,02913,762811118,738
Oct. – Dec. 2024Potomac23,9221,422459108,196
Oct. – Dec. 2024Total119,67858,3935,817567,683
Jul. – Sept. 2024California21,96618,5931,202104,517
Jul. – Sept. 2024Nebraska21,71015,5652,416103,332
Jul. – Sept. 2024Texas21,67018,8142,546102,755
Jul. – Sept. 2024Vermont21,79713,867854109,510
Jul. – Sept. 2024Potomac21,7201,79584299,183
Jul. – Sept. 2024Total108,86368,6347,860519,297
Apr. – Jun. 2024California22,27111,0431,65597,809
Apr. – Jun. 2024Nebraska22,55419,7043,770100,346
Apr. – Jun. 2024Texas21,91119,2063,74997,638
Apr. – Jun. 2024Vermont22,23817,286922104,410
Apr. – Jun. 2024Potomac21,9941,6531,27493,460
Apr. – Jun. 2024Total110,96868,892
11,370
493,663
Jan. – Mar. 2024California 26,2459,1551,059
92,001
Jan. – Mar. 2024Nebraska25,87922,7242,06195,309
Jan. – Mar. 2024Texas25,88317,1922,298
91,874
Jan. – Mar. 2024Vermont26,01320,961
1,00797,536
Jan. – Mar. 2024Potomac25,94010,1321,33687,935
Jan. – Mar. 2024Total 129,960
80,164
7,761464,655
2023 Total—451,233428,39530,716—
Oct. – Dec. 2023California21,9749,2151,82585,079
Oct. – Dec. 2023Nebraska21,77420,3913,93084,782
Oct. – Dec. 2023Texas21,71519,3984,33387,569
Oct. – Dec. 2023Vermont21,88121,1291,31090,663
Oct. – Dec. 2023Potomac21,77116,5222,26382,865
Oct. – Dec. 2023Total109,11586,65513,661430,958
Jul. – Sept. 2023California22,39423,5231,57584,639
Jul. – Sept. 2023Nebraska22,37617,55172879,264
Jul. – Sept. 2023Texas22,05125,4452,47085,625
Jul. – Sept. 2023Vermont22,21526,6891,03090,782
Jul. – Sept. 2023Potomac22,09224,9232,06684,105
Jul. – Sept. 2023Total111,128118,1317,869424,415
Apr. – Jun. 2023California23,25925,5861,12390,325
Apr. – Jun. 2023Nebraska22,89811,33659483,332
Apr. – Jun. 2023Texas22,87932,56687190,366
Apr. – Jun. 2023Vermont23,22919,87564696,496
Apr. – Jun. 2023Potomac22,96734,8881,62689,751
Apr. – Jun. 2023Total115,232124,2514,860450,270
Jan. – Mar. 2023California233532260396996749
Jan. – Mar. 2023Nebraska23137534560795978
Jan. – Mar. 2023Texas230202417390882702
Jan. – Mar. 2023Vermont2315717680631106226
Jan. – Mar. 2023Potomac2309129557121195412
Jan. – Mar. 2023Total115758993584326477067
2022 Total—877432506854104650—
Oct. – Dec. 2022California219741259094397742
Oct. – Dec. 2022Nebraska22560584864386911
Oct. – Dec. 2022Texas216851698651478555
Oct. – Dec. 2022Vermont2198812481705101210
Oct. – Dec. 2022Potomac2200315257535102419
Oct. – Dec. 2022Total110210631623340466837
Jul. – Sept. 2022California232327988116389919
Jul. – Sept. 2022Nebraska228379490519572223
Jul. – Sept. 2022Texas2283212376332774037
Jul. – Sept. 2022Vermont229941065354993087
Jul. – Sept. 2022Potomac228949800252298922
Jul. – Sept. 2022Total1147895030712486428188
Apr. – Jun. 2022California2328310282557108123
Apr. – Jun. 2022Nebraska2344114221301273530
Apr. – Jun. 2022Texas2341814857329692430
Apr. – Jun. 2022Vermont2394014168523102055
Apr. – Jun. 2022Potomac23409126701264105679
Apr. – Jun. 2022Total117491661988652481817
Jan. – Mar. 2022California2090311244107767048
Jan. – Mar. 2022Nebraska21012193441934437134
Jan. – Mar. 2022Texas2103115670268278237
Jan. – Mar. 2022Vermont211971474549872397
Jan. – Mar. 2022Potomac2108312757141279836
Jan. – Mar. 2022Total872267376030411334652
2021 Total—31088722129619229—
Oct. – Dec. 2021California20418897677258660
Oct. – Dec. 2021Nebraska195021259879134230
Oct. – Dec. 2021Texas195361160188674887
Oct. – Dec. 2021Vermont21437864039265918
Oct. – Dec. 2021Potomac1969012459474675080
Oct. – Dec. 2021Total80165452986815250115
Jul. – Sept. 2021California19964947362648006
Oct. – Dec. 2021Nebraska201011408695726814
Oct. – Dec. 2021Texas2010515698113769088
Oct. – Dec. 2021Vermont20262956049054883
Oct. – Dec. 2021Potomac2016715633106169981
Oct. – Dec. 2021Total80635549773645220766
Apr. -Jun. 2021California21877498967538231
Apr. -Jun. 2021Nebraska2196420605126320137
Apr. -Jun. 2021Texas2188812810116866601
Apr. -Jun. 2021Vermont22310804547544270
Apr. -Jun. 2021Potomac2203513216121567387
Apr. -Jun. 2021Total88197546764121198395
Jan. -Mar. 2021California10915759596521180
Jan. -Mar. 2021Nebraska1804521142173619812
Jan. -Mar. 2021Texas1873719943111258116
Jan. -Mar. 2021Vermont110781041388128708
Jan. -Mar. 2021Potomac140201484791960096
Jan. -Mar. 2021Total61880663454648166732
2020 Total—23678723914423956—
Oct.-Dec. 2020California4924626881816427
Oct.-Dec. 2020Nebraska1247520311180924370
Oct.-Dec. 2020Texas1965316546107763422
Oct.-Dec. 2020Vermont4580657140025803
Oct.-Dec. 2020Potomac1408311400104162577
Oct.-Dec. 2020Total50791548284327176172
Jul.-Sept. 2020California573276031.19616832
Jul.-Sept. 2020Nebraska1615921816301931720
Jul.-Sept. 2020Texas260901682899960008
Jul.-Sept. 2020Vermont5705665118827453
Jul.-Sept. 2020Potomac1448213151157559317
Jul.-Sept. 2020Total62436584465781178498
Apr.-June 2020California398116004297217373
Apr.-June 2020Nebraska1283223723472939942
Apr.-June 2020Texas170782598170752814
Apr.-June 2020Vermont4175728915527149
Apr.-June 2020Potomac1131714458120258296
Apr.-June 2020Total62436584465781178498
Jan.-Mar. 2020California7516299961327590
Jan.-Mar. 2020Nebraska2228521512422062060
Jan.-Mar. 2020Texas2862421954166968456
Jan.-Mar. 2020Vermont7910434611137540
Jan.-Mar. 2020Potomac193396607105569778
Jan.-Mar. 2020Total78158544197055237834
Oct.-Dec. 2019California(Data withheld)30055515088
Oct.-Dec. 2019Nebraska2792322215151194925
Oct.-Dec. 2019Texas4141135577199596169
Oct.-Dec. 2019Vermont2522871293366
Oct.-Dec. 2019Potomac19.0527678120553296
Oct.-Dec. 2019Total69605657574840247756

Methodology

Table 1 shows processing times at all Service Centers for:

  • Forms I-130, Petitions for Alien Relatives, filed by U.S. citizens for immediate relatives (i.e., spouses, parents, or children under 21). More specifically, these processing times are for standalone I-130s, meaning I-130s not filed together with Form I-485, Application to Adjust Status; and
  • Forms I-129F, Petitions for Alien Fiancé(e)s. Upon approval of such petitions, the beneficiaries apply for K-1 or K-2 visas at U.S. consular posts abroad.

Source: USCIS Case Processing Times. These I-130s and I-129Fs are filed with USCIS lockboxes and from there routed to different Service Centers according to workload.

Changes in reporting methodology:

  • In Dec. 2023, for I-130s, USCIS began reporting just the “average” processing times across all Service Centers, rather than reporting processing times at each Service Center.
  • Similarly, in Oct. 2025, for I-129Fs, USCIS began reporting just “average” processing times across all Service Center Operations (SCOPS).
  • For I-129Fs prior to Oct. 2025 and for I-130s prior to Dec. 2023 the “average” processing times listed in Table 1 are the median of the processing times listed for each Service Center. Those averages are not weighted by the number of petitions adjudicated at each center. Those averages may overstate processing times somewhat since presumably as USCIS lockboxes receive new I-130s they tend to route them for adjudication to Service Centers with the ability to adjudicate them quickest.

Table 2 shows numbers of immediate relative I-130s received, approved, denied, and pending at each service center. Source: “Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, by Category, Case Status, and USCIS Field Office or Service Center Location,” USCIS Performance Data.

30 responses to “Updated USCIS Processing Times for I-130s and I-129Fs”

  1. Dennis Walter Avatar
    Dennis Walter

    With the current COVID situation, what is the I-129f situation and are there any steps one can take to ensure a prompt processing?

    Reply
    1. Gary Chodorow Avatar
      Gary Chodorow

      See Consular Posts May Prioritize K-1 Visas.

      Reply
  2. Bukaz yasin Avatar
    Bukaz yasin

    How long will processing of my I-129F petition take? It was received by USCIS on June 11.

    Reply
    1. Gary Chodorow Avatar
      Gary Chodorow

      Bukaz: You raise an important question. The processing times shown here report current processing times. But you are asking for a prediction about future processing times, which may be impacted by various factors, such as: (a) how will COVID-19 impact the number of applications/petitions submitted and the number of officers assigned to adjudicate them? (b) how will USCIS’ budgetary woes (Update: USCIS Cancels Employee Furlough, But Processing Delays Loom) impact processing times? (c) what priority is USCIS giving to this type of case now under the Trump administration, and how might that change if there were a Biden administration? Unfortunately, I don’t have a crystal ball.

      Reply
  3. Rupi Avatar
    Rupi

    Hi
    My priority date is October 2019 for an I-130 in the F2A category (spouse or unmarried child of a permanent resident) filed at the California Service Center. The processing times posted by USCIS seem to increase every month.

    Thanks

    Reply
    1. Tina Avatar
      Tina

      I’m having this problem too

      Reply
  4. Alysha Avatar
    Alysha

    Hi
    I’m a US citizen. I filed an I-130 for my spouse. The Texas Service Center received it May 7, 2019, but no decision has been made yet. What should I do?

    Reply
    1. Gary Chodorow Avatar
      Gary Chodorow

      Alysha: USCIS suggests: “We have posted a ‘Receipt date for a case inquiry’ … to show when you can inquire about your case. If your receipt date is before the ‘Receipt date for a case inquiry,’ you can submit an ‘outside normal processing time’ service request online.” You may also want to scheduled a consultation to have our firm review your I-130 for any issues that could potentially cause delay.

      Reply
  5. King Avatar
    King

    My receipt date on Form I-129F for K3 (spouse of U.S. citizen) is December 2019. It is already outside the normal processing time per USCIS website. I completed the Form for Outside Normal Processing Time, waited 1 month, no response. Are they really processing I129Fs?

    Reply
    1. Gary Chodorow Avatar
      Gary Chodorow

      King: Thanks for checking in. This webpage tracks processing time for K-1s and K-2s but not K-3s or K-4s.

      Reply
  6. VCP Avatar
    VCP

    Hello!! I submitted I-130s for my parents in Nov. 2019. When do you think the I-130s will be adjudicated?

    Reply
    1. Gary Chodorow Avatar
      Gary Chodorow

      VCP: Which USCIS service center are the I-130s pending at?

      Reply
    2. PMC Avatar
      PMC

      Hello. USCIS sent a receipt notice of our I-129F K-1 Fiancé Visa on April 13, 2020.
      The last update on their website about our case is from April 15, 2020. (Current status: Case was receieved)
      Should we expect an update in the next 4 days as it will be 7months by that time?

      Reply
      1. Gary Chodorow Avatar
        Gary Chodorow

        PMC:

        Start by checking the status of your I-129F online. Find the receipt number on your receipt notice and then check the status here: https://egov.uscis.gov/casestatus/landing.do.

        Assuming the status shows your case is still pending, you next should look at your receipt notice to identify which USCIS service center is handling your case. Then, you can look at the above table to identify the estimated processing time. Finally, if the receipt date for your I-129F is earlier than the “receipt date for a case inquiry,” you should file an inquiry with USCIS to check the status of your case. The inquiry can be made by phone to the USCIS Contact Center or by using the “Case Outside Normal Processing Time” e-Request form at https://egov.uscis.gov/e-request/Intro.do.

        Reply
  7. PMC Avatar
    PMC

    Thank you sir. Our I-129F is at the California Service Center.

    Reply
    1. Gary Chodorow Avatar
      Gary Chodorow

      PMC: So, it’s still too early to file an inquiry per the “Receipt Date for Case Inquiry.” Hopefully you’ll receive your decision soon.

      Reply
  8. Lucky Avatar
    Lucky

    Hi, why is there no I-129F processing time listed for the USCIS Texas Service Center?

    Reply
    1. Gary Chodorow Avatar
      Gary Chodorow

      Lucky: USCIS has not assigned USCIS Texas, Potomac, or Nebraska Service Center to adjudicate I-129Fs. All I-129Fs are currently being adjudicated by the California and Vermont Service Centers.

      Reply
  9. Aida Garcia Avatar
    Aida Garcia

    Hola Abogado…

    Presenté dos formularios de I-130 para mis hijos menores de edad.En este caso mi petición es de primer órden??
    Que tiempo se podría demorar???
    Lo están procesando en en Centro de Servicios de Nebraska.
    Gracias…

    Reply
    1. Gary Chodorow Avatar
      Gary Chodorow

      Hola Aida: Si usted es ciudadana y sus hijos menores de eded son solteros, entonces estas peticiones deben ser clasificados “immediate relatives.”

      Reply
  10. Laura Avatar
    Laura

    Hello – Is there a way to determine whether the California or Vermont Service Center will process my I-129F? They both have drastically different processing times so I am just curious as to what factors will determine which service center processes the application. Thanks in advance!

    Reply
    1. Gary Chodorow Avatar
      Gary Chodorow

      Laura: USCIS says these I-130s and I-129Fs are filed with USCIS lockboxes and from there routed to different Service Centers according to “workload.” https://www.uscis.gov/forms/all-forms/service-center-forms-processing.

      Reply
  11. bh jones Avatar
    bh jones

    Just to get this right, it is now taking 3 years to process I-130s through the Vermont Service Center?!? Really?? The “Receipt date for a case inquiry” is the full 39 months earlier. A year earlier it was 16 to 18 months (less than 1/2 the time). Did the people at the VSC just take a year’s vacation during Covid?

    Is there any type of “National Association of Immigration Attorneys”? Can’t you guys talk to someone in charge to say “Hey, what’s the problem here?”.

    Reply
    1. Gary Chodorow Avatar
      Gary Chodorow

      BH Jones: The first thing to realize is that the Trump administration policy was to slow legal immigration, and many tactics were used to that end, including slowing down I-130 processing times.

      The American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) is advocating strongly that the Biden administration restore reasonable processing times. For example, see America as a Welcoming Nation: A Roadmap, https://www.aila.org/advo-media/tools/ailastandswithdreamers-week-of-action/american-as-a-welcoming-nation-a-roadmap. And for more details, see Policy Brief: How USCIS Can Dismantle the Invisible Wall Slowing Case Adjudication, https://www.aila.org/advo-media/aila-policy-briefs/policy-brief-recommendations-for-how-uscis.

      Hopefully the Biden administration will take steps to turn around the trend of increasing processing times. Here is one policy statement by the administration: FACT SHEET: President Biden Outlines Steps to Reform Our Immigration System by Keeping Families Together, Addressing the Root Causes of Irregular Migration, and Streamlining the Legal Immigration System, https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2021/02/02/fact-sheet-president-biden-outlines-steps-to-reform-our-immigration-system-by-keeping-families-together-addressing-the-root-causes-of-irregular-migration-and-streamlining-the-legal-immigration-syst/

      Reply
      1. bh jones Avatar
        bh jones

        Gary, thanks for the reply and the links.

        “The first thing to realize is that the Trump administration policy was to slow legal immigration, and many tactics were used to that end, including slowing down I-130 processing times.” Imagine your boss telling you to “work slower”.

        Reply
  12. Hossein Avatar
    Hossein

    Now that the I130 is taking so long at the california center, should I apply for K3 visa right after applying for I 130 ?

    Reply
    1. Gary Chodorow Avatar
      Gary Chodorow

      Probably not. See Choosing the Best Visa Strategy for a Fiancée or Spouse: K-1, K-3, or CR1/IR1 Immigrant Visa?.

      Reply
  13. Erik Avatar
    Erik

    Are I-129Fs still only being processed in California?

    Reply
    1. Gary Chodorow Avatar
      Gary Chodorow

      Erik: Our above table shows that I-129Fs are being processed at the California and Vermont Service Centers.

      Reply
  14. Emily Avatar
    Emily

    The biggest takeaway? The average wait time is now 17 months for cases submitted by U.S. citizens for their spouse, parent, or unmarried child under 21. That resonates even more when you consider that the USCIS used to aim for about five months—so the reality now feels almost unimaginable.

    Even more striking is the contrast for permanent resident sponsors. Their petitions now stretch from 55 to 89 months—that’s roughly 4.5 to 7.5 years!

    I found an especially relatable perspective in a personal story featured in The Cut, where a newlywed waiting on her I‑130 described the emotional rollercoaster of checking USCIS timelines—first expecting weeks, then facing month-after-month uncertainty.

    All this really brings home how critical timely processing is—not just for paperwork, but for relationships and lives on pause. Whether you’re awaiting a spouse, parent, or child, these updates underscore the value of preparation, understanding, and holding onto hope while the months roll—because every “waiting period” isn’t just procedural; it’s deeply personal.

    Reply

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