After I-130 is Approved: What Happens Next?
When U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) approves Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, it’s an important milestone. Approval means USCIS has officially recognized your qualifying family relationship. But approval alone does not grant immigration benefits.
What happens after I-130 is approved depends on the beneficiary’s location and their visa category. This guide will explain what comes next, and it includes links to more detailed resources so you know exactly how to move forward.
If you’re not sure which category applies, keep reading for the full explanation.
Immediate Relative Inside the United States
What does an immediate relative do after Form I-130 approval?
If you are already in the U.S. and are considered an immediate relative (spouse, parent, or unmarried child under 21 of a U.S. citizen), the green card process can often proceed without ever leaving the country. This is called adjustment of status.
In fact, immediate relatives can generally file an adjustment of status at the same time as the I-130 petition. They don't have to wait until after the I-130 is approved. Key factors that determine if someone can adjust status require that the applicant:
- Be physically present in the United States;
- Have an immigrant visa immediately available (immediate relatives always have a visa available); and
- Have entered the U.S. lawfully (valid admission or parole).
If you did not enter the U.S. legally, you may able to get a I-601A waiver. However, proceed cautiously with the guidance of an experienced immigration attorney.
What to File
To apply for family-based adjustment of status, you will need to submit the following forms to USCIS:
- I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status
- I-864, Affidavit of Support
- I-693, Report of Medical Examination and Vaccination Record
- I-765, Application for Employment Authorization (optional)
- I-131, Application for Travel Document (optional)
For a detailed look at the entire process, purpose of each form, and costs, visit our Adjustment of Status Guide →
Supporting Documents
You’ll need to submit evidence that supports your application and other forms. This includes civil documents, passport, proof of lawful entry, and other paperwork depending on your situation. Refer to USCIS instructions, or use a service like CitizenPath to help guide you through the process. In addition to ready-to-sign forms, you'll get a customized checklist of supporting documents for your situation. Learn more about the Adjustment of Status Package →
What Happens After Filing
- You’ll receive a receipt notice.
- You’ll be scheduled for a biometrics appointment.
- Then, often, an interview at a USCIS field office.
- After everything is approved, your green card is mailed to you.
Get a detailed breakdown of what happens after filing Form I-485 and the entire green card processing time line →
Immediate Relative Outside the United States
What does an immediate relative do after Form I-130 approval?
If you are living abroad, the next step after I-130 approval is consular processing. This process takes place through the National Visa Center (NVC) and the U.S. embassy or consulate in your home country.
Consular Processing: What Happens Next
Case Transfer to NVC
USCIS forwards the approved petition to the NVC, a transition that may take 4-6 weeks. The NVC assigns a case number and provides instructions to the beneficiary. You’ll also have the option to designate an agent — someone who can receive updates and correspondence about your case. You may act as your own agent, or you can choose a family member or another trusted person.
Submit Fees and DS-260
The NVC will require payment of fees (Immigrant Visa Application Processing fee and Affidavit of Support fee) at this time. Afterwards, you'll be able to submit the online immigrant visa application (DS-260) through the U.S. Department of State website.
Submit Affidavit of Support
The petitioning sponsor provides Form I-864, Affidavit of Support, along with supporting financial evidence. This required form shows that the beneficiary has financial support (if needed) and will not rely on the government for subsistence.
To explore income qualifications for sponsoring a green card applicant, use our free Visa Sponsor Income Calculator for a quick analysis and get help preparing Form I-864 correctly with CitizenPath's Affidavit of Support Package →
Provide Civil Documents
You and/or your agent will submit civil documents. Items include birth and marriage certificates, divorce decrees (if applicable), police clearance certificates, and a valid passport.
Interview and Medical Exam
Once the NVC deems the case “documentarily complete,” the U.S. embassy or consulate will schedule you for a medical exam and an interview.
Immigrant Visa Issued
If the interview is successful, your relative will receive an immigrant visa in their passport. Upon entering the U.S., they will automatically become a permanent resident. The green card will arrive by mail.
For a detailed look at the entire process, costs, and interview process, visit our Consular Processing Guide →
Family Preference Outside the United States
What does a preference category relative do after Form I-130 is approved?
For family preference categories, the process after I-130 is approved is usually slower. That’s because Congress sets annual limits on the number of visas available in each of the preference categories. Demand is often greater than the supply of visas, which creates long wait times.
What Happens Next
Case Transfer to NVC, and Case Held
After USCIS approves the I-130, the petition is sent to the National Visa Center (NVC). However, the NVC cannot begin full processing until a visa number is available.
Priority Date Becomes Key
Your place in line is based on the “priority date” — the date the I-130 was originally filed. The Department of State publishes the Visa Bulletin each month to show which cases are eligible to move forward. If you are in a family preference category, trying using our Green Card Wait Time Estimator →
When Current, Case Moves Ahead
Once the priority date is “current,” the NVC will contact you to submit fees, complete the DS-260 immigrant visa application, and provide supporting documents. After that, the case continues with the consular interview process. For more detail, jump back up to consular processing →
What happens after I-130 is approved depends on your category and location. Immediate relatives move forward quickly since there are unlimited visas available each year. Family preference categories usually wait months or years for a visa number. From there, the immigrant either applies for adjustment of status in the U.S. or completes consular processing abroad.
Need help with the next step after your I-130 approval? CitizenPath’s affordable, step-by-step services and friendly customer support make it easy to file correctly and avoid delays. Contact us today to get started.