USCIS I-130 Processing Delays in 2026: How Long Will Families Have to Wait?

New USCIS data raises concerns about delays in family-based immigration petitions, especially for relatives waiting abroad for their green card interviews.

Recent reports from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) show a significant increase in pending Form I-130 petitions at local field offices. Between March and June 2026, the number of pending immediate-relative petitions at these offices increased from approximately 255,000 to more than 711,000.

Although USCIS has not officially explained this shift, the figures raise concerns about possible delays for U.S. citizens petitioning for their spouses, parents, and unmarried children under 21.

How Do I-130 Delays Affect Families Waiting Outside the United States?

If your spouse, parent, or child lives abroad, USCIS must approve your I-130 petition before your case can move to the National Visa Center (NVC).

After completing NVC processing, your relative must wait for an immigrant visa interview at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate.

When USCIS takes longer to approve an I-130 petition, families must wait longer to begin NVC processing and move toward their consular interviews. Additional delays may occur while waiting for interview appointments abroad.

How Long Does USCIS Take to Approve an I-130? Will It Take Seven Years?

Not necessarily. Although some USCIS field office processing estimates have approached seven years, USCIS has clarified that it does not publish specific processing times for standalone I-130 petitions transferred to field offices.

This does not mean every family-based I-130 petition will take seven years to be approved. Processing times vary depending on the petition category and individual circumstances.

What Can You Do If Your I-130 Petition Is Delayed?

If your family-based immigration petition has been pending for an extended period, consider these steps:

• Check your USCIS case status: Enter your receipt number at USCIS Case Status Online.

• Review I-130 processing times: Visit USCIS Processing Times to determine whether your petition is eligible for a case inquiry.

• Contact your U.S. Representative or Senator: Request assistance with a delayed I-130 petition. Congressional offices can contact USCIS on your behalf to request information about your case.

Although congressional assistance does not guarantee faster processing or approval, it may help you obtain information about an unusually delayed petition.

For families in Hollywood, Broward County, Miami-Dade County, South Florida and throughout the United States waiting to reunite with loved ones, staying informed and following up on pending I-130 petitions is essential.

Official sources: USCIS Immigration and Citizenship Data, USCIS Processing Times, and USCIS Processing Times FAQs.