The I-130 Petition for Alien Relative is first and most crucial step in helping your loved ones immigrate to the United States. Filed by a U.S. citizens or a lawful permanent resident, this form establishes a qualifying family relationship between the petitioner and the relative hoping to come to the U.S.
Unfortunately, many families find themselves wondering: Why is this process taking so long? Processing times for I-130 petitions can vary and delays are common and can occur for a variety of reasons. However, with the right information and a well-planned approach, you can reduce the risk of setbacks and take proactive steps to keep your petition on track. In this article, we will explain who can file an I-130, what causes delays, and how long the process typically takes in 2025. As always, it is always recommended to first consult with an experienced immigration attorney in Dallas to navigate the immigration process confidently.
Who Can File 1-130 in Dallas?
Can you File an I-130 Petition in Dallas? Before filing, it’s important to know whether your family-relationship qualifies. U.S. immigration law recognizes two broad categories for family-based petitions:
Immediate Relatives of U.S. Citizens
- Spouses of U.S. citizens
- Unmarried children under the age of 21
- Parents of U.S. citizens (if the petitioner is at least 21 years old)
Family Preference Categories
They are prioritized in the following order:
- F1: Unmarried sons and daughters (age 21 and older) of U.S. citizens
- F2:
- F2A: Spouses and minor children of lawful permanent residents
- F2B: Unmarried adult children (age 21 and older) of lawful permanent residents
- F3: Married sons and daughters of U.S. citizens, including their spouses and minor children
- F4: Brothers and sisters of U.S. citizens, along with their spouses and minor children
Current I-130 Processing Times in 2025
As of mid-2025, USCIS I-130 processing times for the I-130 petition in Dallas varies depending on the family relationship category and other case factors. For immediate relatives, such as spouses, children under 21, and parents of U.S. citizens, the average processing time is usually between 10 to 14 months. For family preference categories (F1 through F4), processing times range from 18 months to several years.
These timeframes can depend greatly on the incoming volume of applications, and the complexity of your specific case. To get the most accurate estimate, you can check current wait time for your case directly at uscis.gov.
Reasons For I-130 Delays
There are many reasons why an I-130 petition might be met with delays in processing. At Aspire Immigration, the most common delays we have seen recently have included:
- Visa Backlogs: Preference categories are subject to annual limits, which creates backlogs, especially for petitioners originating from popular immigrating countries like Mexico, India, and the Philippines. Checking the visa bulletin from the U.S. Department of State can help you track how long your category may be expected to wait.
- Clerical Errors: Common errors, such as missing signatures, outdated forms, incorrect fees, or missing supporting documents (such as marriage or birth certificates) can lead to processing delays.
- Security Screenings: USCIS performs background and security checks on both petitioner and beneficiary. If there is any history of immigration violations, criminal records, or discrepancies in prior applications, it can trigger additional reviews, which will indeed take additional time and consideration.
Promptly contact an immigration attorney if you are concerned about the time your application is taking.
Need Help with the I-130 Process in Dallas?
Whether you are preparing to file an I-130 petition or facing frustrating delays in an existing case, you don’t have to navigate the process alone. At Aspire Immigration, we assist families at every stage, from submitting a strong, completed 1-130 petition from to resolving complications and long-standing delays.
Our experienced legal team provides clear guidance, strategic solutions, and compassionate support to help move your case forward as efficiently as possible. Delays may be common, but with the right legal partner, they don’t have to derail your family’s immigration journey.Contact Aspire Immigration in Dallas today to schedule a consultation.
