How Long is the Waiting Time for I-130?
The I-130, or Petition for Alien Relative, is a crucial step in the immigration process for those seeking to bring their family members to the United States. However, one of the most common questions among applicants is: how long is the waiting time for I-130? The answer to this question can vary significantly depending on several factors, including the applicant’s relationship to the relative, the country of origin, and the current processing times at the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
Relationship-Based I-130 Petitions
The waiting time for an I-130 petition can be categorized into two main types: immediate relatives and family preference categories. Immediate relatives, such as spouses, unmarried children under 21, and parents of U.S. citizens, typically have shorter waiting times compared to family preference categories.
For immediate relatives, the I-130 petition is usually processed within a few months. However, it’s important to note that processing times can vary depending on the USCIS service center handling the petition. In some cases, it may take up to a year or more.
Family Preference Categories
Family preference categories are further divided into five subcategories, ranging from first preference (unmarried children over 21 of U.S. citizens) to fifth preference (brothers and sisters of U.S. citizens). The waiting time for these categories can be significantly longer than that for immediate relatives.
The waiting time for family preference categories is determined by the visa bulletin, which is published monthly by the Department of State. The visa bulletin lists the priority dates for each category and country of chargeability. A priority date is the date on which the applicant’s relative’s I-130 petition was filed. If the priority date is current, the applicant can proceed with the next step in the immigration process.
Factors Affecting Waiting Times
Several factors can affect the waiting time for an I-130 petition. Some of these factors include:
1. Country of origin:申请人所在国家的移民配额限制可能会影响等待时间。
2. USCIS service center:不同服务中心的处理速度可能不同。
3. Visa bulletin:签证公告中的优先日期会影响等待时间。
4. Application volume:申请量的增加可能会导致处理时间延长。
Conclusion
In conclusion, the waiting time for an I-130 petition can vary significantly depending on various factors. While immediate relatives may experience shorter waiting times, family preference categories can have waiting periods that span several years. It’s essential for applicants to stay informed about the latest processing times and visa bulletin updates to better understand the timeline for their immigration process.
