Many families are asking the same question in 2026:
“Why has my I-130 family petition been pending for so long?”
Some cases have been waiting for over a year, while others appear stuck with little visible progress. Although these delays are frustrating, they are usually the result of multiple factors working together—not a single problem with the case.
Understanding what affects I-130 processing can help families set realistic expectations and avoid unnecessary stress.
1. Family Category Plays a Major Role
Not all I-130 petitions move at the same pace. Processing times vary significantly depending on the family relationship category, including:
- Immediate relatives of U.S. citizens (spouses, parents, unmarried children under 21)
- Family preference categories (adult children, siblings, spouses of permanent residents)
Immediate relative cases are not subject to annual visa limits and often move faster overall. Preference category cases may face long waits even after I-130 approval due to visa backlogs.
2. Adjustment of Status vs. Consular Processing
Where the sponsored family member completes the green card process also affects timing.
- Adjustment of status (inside the U.S.) may move faster in some situations, especially when filed with related applications.
- Consular processing (outside the U.S.) involves additional steps after I-130 approval, including National Visa Center processing and a consular interview.
Selecting the correct process at the beginning is important, as changes later can add months to the timeline.
3. USCIS Service Center Backlogs and Case Transfers
USCIS assigns I-130 petitions to different service centers based on workload and case type. Some centers handle higher volumes of family-based cases and experience longer backlogs.
It is also common for cases to be transferred between service centers. Transfers do not usually signal a problem, but they can slow processing while files are reassigned.
4. Requests for Evidence Can Significantly Delay a Case
A Request for Evidence (RFE) pauses I-130 processing until USCIS reviews the response. Even after a response is submitted, additional review time is often required.
RFEs are commonly issued for:
- Missing civil documents
- Incomplete financial information
- Unclear relationship evidence
- Missing translations
Many RFEs—and the delays they cause—can be avoided with a complete and well-organized filing from the start.
5. Visa Availability and Priority Dates
For family preference categories, I-130 approval does not mean a visa is immediately available. Applicants must wait until their priority date becomes current under the Visa Bulletin.
In some categories and countries, this wait can last many years. Understanding this distinction helps explain why an approved I-130 may not lead to immediate next steps.
6. Background and Security Review
Additional background and security checks continue to affect immigration processing. Some cases undergo extended review based on factors such as prior immigration history or country of origin.
These reviews may occur at the USCIS stage or later during consular processing and can add to overall wait times.
7. Errors and Inconsistencies Add Time
Even small mistakes can cause significant delays, including:
- Missing signatures
- Incorrect or outdated forms
- Inconsistent names or dates
- Missing translations
- Failure to update address changes
Correcting errors later often adds several months to processing.
Typical I-130 Timeline: What the Process Often Looks Like in 2026
| Stage | What Happens | Typical Timing (Approximate) |
| I-130 Filing | Petition filed with USCIS | Day 0 |
| Receipt Notice | USCIS issues receipt | 2–6 weeks |
| USCIS Review | Case pending at service center | 8–24+ months (varies by category) |
| Request for Evidence (if issued) | Processing pauses until reviewed | Adds 4–7+ months |
| I-130 Approval | Petition approved | Timing varies |
| Next Step | Adjustment of status or NVC processing | Case-specific |
| Visa Availability | Priority date must be current (if applicable) | Months to years |
| Interview & Final Decision | USCIS or consular interview | Final stage |
Important:
I-130 approval is often only the first major step, not the end of the process.
Frequently Asked Questions: I-130 Processing Delays
Why is my I-130 still pending after more than a year?
Long processing times are common in 2026 due to backlogs, category limits, and increased review. A long wait does not automatically mean something is wrong.
Do immediate relatives of U.S. citizens move faster?
Generally, yes. These cases are not subject to visa quotas, which can shorten overall timelines.
Does filing inside the U.S. make the I-130 faster?
Sometimes, but timing still depends on service center workload and case complexity.
What happens if I receive a Request for Evidence?
Processing pauses until USCIS reviews the response, and even then, additional months are often added.
If my I-130 is approved, can my spouse immigrate right away?
Not always. Many cases must wait for visa availability or complete additional processing steps.
Does country of birth affect timing?
For preference categories, yes. Country-specific limits can significantly impact wait times.
Can background checks delay a case even if everything was filed correctly?
Yes. Additional review can extend processing in some cases.
Is there anything I can do to speed things up?
There is no guaranteed way to accelerate processing, but filing correctly, avoiding RFEs, and choosing the right process early can prevent unnecessary delays.
How NPZ Law Group Can Help
NPZ Law Group assists families with:
- Reviewing pending I-130 cases
- Identifying potential causes of delay
- Preparing strong filings to reduce RFEs
- Advising on adjustment of status or consular processing
- Planning next steps after approval
Each case is reviewed based on category, location, and timing.
Final Takeaway
I-130 delays in 2026 are usually the result of multiple factors, including category backlogs, processing location, service center workload, RFEs, visa availability, and additional review requirements. While waiting can be difficult, understanding the process helps families plan realistically and avoid common mistakes.
Careful preparation at the beginning remains one of the most effective ways to reduce overall wait time.
Contact Information
If you or your family members have any questions about how immigration and nationality laws in the United States may affect you, or if you want to access additional information about immigration and nationality laws in the United States or Canada, please do not hesitate to contact the immigration and nationality lawyers at NPZ Law Group. You can reach us by emailing info@visaserve.com or by calling us at 201-670-0006 extension 104. We also invite you to visit our website at www.visaserve.com for more information.