Current wait times for Family Petitions (I-130)
Published by Nueva Era Multi-Services | September 2026
One of the most frequent questions we receive in our Lake Worth office is: "How long will it take to approve the petition to bring my spouse or child to the United States?". The answer depends heavily on Form I-130 and the Visa Bulletin.
What is Form I-130?
Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, is the first step in helping an eligible relative immigrate to the United States and get a Permanent Resident Card (Green Card). Filing this form establishes the family relationship.
USCIS Processing Times
Currently, processing times vary drastically depending on your status (U.S. Citizen vs. Lawful Permanent Resident) and the USCIS service center processing your case. For spouses of U.S. citizens, the current average processing ranges between 11 and 15 months.
The Visa Bulletin
If you are a Permanent Resident or you are petitioning for a sibling/adult child, the Department of State limits how many visas are issued per year. You must check the "Visa Bulletin" monthly to see if your "Priority Date" is current.
Avoid delays in your case
An I-130 form with errors can add months or years of waiting. At Nueva Era Multi-Services we offer professional and bilingual preparation of immigration forms. Schedule your appointment today.