What is Form I-130? 2025 Update

Families in the United States are still waiting months, sometimes years, for their I-130 petitions to progress. For many, this delay means being separated for long periods from the spouses, children, and parents they long to reunite with. Processing times have far exceeded expectations, and frustration continues to grow as USCIS struggles to clear the large backlog of family-based cases.

Update!

October 2025 USCIS I-130 processing times for spouses, parents, children, and siblings. This month, we’ll take a closer look at how long approvals are taking, what USCIS’s latest backlog report reveals, and whether cases are finally moving faster in 2025. While some categories show slow improvement, others remain stuck in delays, and we cover all of this in detail for you. Let’s jump into the video.

USCIS I130 Processing Times October 2025 – Full Update

The I130 petition for foreign relatives remains one of the most important and emotional steps in the family reunification process. As of October 2025, USCIS released new data showing the progress made in clearing the backlog and the challenges encountered. While some service centers have begun to shorten processing times slightly, others are still working to make up for previous delays. Overall, progress is slow but positive.

Factors affecting I-130 processing times

Processing times vary depending on the applicant, but understanding why helps set realistic expectations.

USCIS processes applications in the order they are received. However, there are several factors that can affect the processing time of your case. Your relationship to the applicant is the first important factor. Family relationships fall into two main categories.

Immediate relatives of U.S. citizens, including spouses, unmarried children under 21, and parents, benefit from faster processing because visa numbers are always available. Other first-degree relatives, such as married children, adult sons and daughters, and siblings, must wait for visa availability under the family preference system, which often takes years.

Second, USCIS workload and staffing levels play a significant role. When the number of applications increases or staffing is limited, wait times inevitably lengthen. Some months see more applications than others, causing temporary backlogs. Another important factor is the accuracy of your application. A complete and well-prepared application prevents unnecessary requests for evidence (RFE) that can cause months of delay. Submitting incomplete documents or forms can cause your case to be put on hold.

The location of the beneficiaries is also important. The complexity of the file is another factor to consider. Applicants with prior immigration issues, criminal records, or complex documentation requirements are often subject to additional scrutiny, which extends processing times. Finally, visa availability most affects distant relatives. These applicants are largely dependent on the visa bulletin, which determines when immigrant visas become available. For many, the waiting period applies not only to USCIS approval but also to the opening of a visa number.

How can you check your I-130 processing time?

You can check the estimated time for your case directly from your USCIS online account. After logging in, go to your case summary and click on “processing times.” You will see an estimated time frame, for example, “2 months for a case decision.” However, not all applicants will see an estimated time. Immediate relatives of U.S. citizens may see a message stating that USCIS does not currently provide estimates for this category. This does not mean your case is not moving forward — it simply means that processing times vary so much that USCIS cannot publish an average.

Those without an online account can also check on the USCIS official website. Enter your form type (I-130) and the service center processing your file. Since USCIS frequently updates service center processing times, always read the notice at the top of the page. In 2025, many family-based petitions will be processed under a new Service Center Processing framework, a consolidated system that combines multiple centers to improve consistency and speed.

Those without an online account can also check on the USCIS official website. Enter your form type (I130) and the service center processing your file. Since USCIS frequently updates service center processing times, always read the notice at the top of the page. In 2025, many family-based petitions will be processed under a new Service Center Processing framework, a consolidated system that brings together multiple centers to increase consistency and speed.

For U.S. citizens applying for close relatives, the average processing time is currently approximately 14.8 months when applying from abroad and approximately 9.2 months when applying within the U.S. with Form I-485 for a change of status. According to USCIS’s latest second-quarter backlog report, the average processing time for green card holders applying for their spouses or children under 21 is currently between 30 and 35 months.

What does the USCIS backlog report reveal?

USCIS’s second quarter 2025 waiting list report provides important information about the agency’s workload. According to the data, more than 10.3 million cases are pending across all forms, with family-based petitions constituting a significant portion of these. Although the total backlog remains high, USCIS has made gradual progress in clearing older I-130 petitions. The agency has focused on streamlining digital processing, increasing staffing levels, and expanding remote adjudication for certain service centers. However, results are not uniform. While processing times have decreased at some centers, others continue to experience delays due to regional workload differences.

Family-based immigration processing times by category

CR1/IR1 (spouse of a U.S. citizen) processing times average 14.8 months for foreign applications and 9.2 months when combined with status adjustment within the U.S. While these figures remain higher than pre-pandemic levels, a noticeable improvement has been observed since the beginning of 2024.

F2A (Spouse or child of a permanent resident) – Processing in this category remains significantly backlogged, with wait times ranging from 30 to 35 months. Although USCIS prioritizes family reunification, F2A cases continue to be affected by limited visa numbers and regional variations.

Adjustment of status – family-based

For those filing I-130 and I-485 concurrently in the US, current processing times average 9 months, representing a moderate improvement over last year. Petitioners benefit when both petitions are filed concurrently and adjudicated together.

Employment-based petitions – comparison with family-based petitions

For context, employment-based petitions tend to move faster due to structured premium processing options. The normal processing time for I140 (employment-based green card) is an average of 7 to 8 months, but with premium processing, a decision can be made within 15 to 45 business days. I-129 (nonimmigrant worker) petitions are usually processed within 3 to 4 months, and premium processing is available with a resolution within 15 days. I-485 (employment-based adjustment) applications currently take approximately 7 months, depending on the field office.

While family-based applications do not have premium options, these comparisons highlight the efficiency gap USCIS faces between employment and family visa categories.

For now, the best thing you can do is stay informed, follow up on your case regularly, and ensure all documents you submit are complete and accurate. Family reunification can take time, but understanding the process and the reasons for delays brings you one step closer to your loved ones — andthat’s where things stand in October 2025.

The hardest part for families awaiting I-130 approvals is the wait. However, progress, even if slow, is still a step toward reuniting.