What Happens Next After USCIS Actively Reviews Your I-130 Case

Key Takeaways

• I-130 petitions marked ‘actively reviewed’ are under detailed USCIS document and eligibility checks.
• Median processing times are 14.8 months for U.S. citizens and 35 months for green card holders.
• Post-approval steps differ: consular processing outside U.S. or Form I-485 adjustment inside U.S.

When your Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, shows the status “Case Is Being Actively Reviewed by USCIS,” it’s natural to wonder what happens next, how long you’ll wait, and what steps you and your family should prepare for. The journey from this point to final approval or denial involves several important stages, each with its own requirements, estimated timeframes, and possible challenges. Here’s a comprehensive, step-by-step guide to what you can expect after your I-130 petition reaches the “actively reviewed” stage, including practical tips and the latest processing times as of 2025.

Understanding the “Actively Reviewed” Status

When United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) marks your I-130 petition as “actively reviewed,” it means your case has moved from the initial intake phase to a deeper review by an immigration officer. This is a positive sign—your petition is no longer just waiting in line, but it doesn’t mean a decision is coming right away. The officer will now look closely at your documents, check eligibility, and decide if more information is needed.

Current Processing Times for I-130 Petitions

• For U.S. citizens sponsoring relatives: The median processing time is about 14.8 months.
• For green card holders (permanent residents) sponsoring relatives: The median processing time is about 35 months.

These times are averages, so your case could move faster or slower depending on many factors, including the type of relationship, the service center handling your case, and the current workload at USCIS. According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, processing times for immediate relatives (spouses, parents, and children under 21 of U.S. citizens) are a bit shorter and have become more stable in 2025, thanks to efforts by USCIS to reduce backlogs.

Step-by-Step Breakdown: What Happens After “Actively Reviewed”

Let’s walk through each stage after your I-130 petition is marked as “actively reviewed,” what you need to do, and what you can expect from USCIS.

1. Substantive Review by USCIS

What Happens:
– Document Check: An immigration officer reviews all the documents you submitted with your I-130 petition. They look for missing forms, unclear copies, or incomplete answers.
– Relationship Verification: USCIS checks if the relationship between the petitioner (the U.S. citizen or green card holder) and the beneficiary (the relative seeking to immigrate) is real and meets the requirements. For example, they may look for marriage certificates, birth certificates, or proof of shared life for spouses.
– Eligibility Review: The officer checks if there are any reasons the beneficiary might not qualify, such as past immigration violations or criminal history.

Possible Outcomes:
– Request for Evidence (RFE): If something is missing or unclear, USCIS will send you a Request for Evidence. This letter will list exactly what they need. It’s very important to respond quickly and provide all requested documents. Delays in responding can slow down your case or even lead to denial.
– No RFE: If everything is complete and clear, your case moves forward to the next step.

Estimated Timeframe: This review can take several months, depending on the service center and the complexity of your case. It is included in the overall median processing time.

What You Should Do:
– Check your mail and email regularly for any communication from USCIS.
– Respond to RFEs quickly and completely if you receive one.
– Keep copies of all documents you send to USCIS.

2. Approval or Denial of the I-130 Petition

What Happens:
– Approval: If USCIS is satisfied with your petition, you’ll receive an approval notice called Form I-797, Notice of Action. This means USCIS recognizes the family relationship and you can move to the next stage.
– Denial: If USCIS finds problems that can’t be fixed, they’ll send a denial notice explaining why. You may have options to appeal or refile, depending on the reason for denial.

Estimated Timeframe: Approval or denial usually comes after the substantive review is complete. For most cases, this is within the overall median processing time (14.8 months for U.S. citizens, 35 months for green card holders).

What You Should Do:
– Read the approval or denial notice carefully.
– If approved: Prepare for the next steps (either consular processing or adjustment of status).
– If denied: Consider speaking with an immigration attorney to understand your options.

3. Next Steps After Approval

The next steps depend on whether your relative is inside or outside the United States 🇺🇸.

A. Consular Processing (Beneficiary Outside the United States 🇺🇸)

What Happens:
– Case Sent to National Visa Center (NVC): After approval, USCIS sends your case to the National Visa Center. The NVC collects more documents, fees, and forms needed for the visa application.
– Visa Bulletin and Priority Date: For most family preference categories (like siblings or adult children), there’s a waiting list. You must wait until your “priority date” (the date USCIS received your I-130) is current, as shown in the Visa Bulletin. Immediate relatives (spouses, parents, and children under 21 of U.S. citizens) don’t have to wait for a visa number and can move forward right away.
– Interview Scheduling: Once all documents are in and the priority date is current, the NVC schedules an interview at the U.S. embassy or consulate in your relative’s home country.

Estimated Timeframe:
– NVC Processing: Usually takes a few months after I-130 approval, but can be longer if documents are missing or the priority date isn’t current.
– Interview Wait: Depends on the embassy or consulate’s schedule and local conditions.

What You Should Do:
– Pay all required fees to the NVC promptly.
– Submit all requested documents (like police certificates, birth certificates, and financial support forms).
– Check the Visa Bulletin monthly if you’re in a family preference category.
– Prepare for the interview by gathering originals of all documents and reviewing possible questions.

B. Adjustment of Status (Beneficiary Inside the United States 🇺🇸)

What Happens:
– File Form I-485: If your relative is already in the United States 🇺🇸 and eligible, they can file Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status. Sometimes, this can be filed at the same time as the I-130 (concurrent filing).
– Biometrics Appointment: USCIS will schedule a fingerprinting appointment to check background and identity.
– Interview: Most applicants will be called for an interview at a local USCIS office. The officer will ask about the relationship and eligibility.

Estimated Timeframe: The median processing time for family-based adjustment of status is about 9.2 months in 2025.

What You Should Do:
– File Form I-485 as soon as you’re eligible.
– Attend all appointments and bring requested documents.
– Prepare for the interview by reviewing your application and bringing proof of your relationship.

4. Final Steps: Visa or Green Card Issuance

What Happens:
– Consular Processing: If the interview at the embassy or consulate goes well, your relative will receive an immigrant visa in their passport. They can then travel to the United States 🇺🇸. After entry, the green card is mailed to their U.S. address.
– Adjustment of Status: If the interview at USCIS is successful, your relative will receive their green card in the mail.

Estimated Timeframe: This final step can take a few weeks to a few months after the interview, depending on background checks and mail delivery.

What You Should Do:
– Pay the USCIS Immigrant Fee (if required) before traveling to the United States 🇺🇸.
– Keep all original documents safe for future use.
– Check your mail regularly for the green card.

Recent Developments and What They Mean for You

• Processing Times: In 2025, processing times for I-130 petitions have stayed steady, with some improvement for immediate relatives. This is due to more staff and better systems at USCIS.
• Policy Changes: No major changes have been made to I-130 processing rules in 2025. However, USCIS is working to reduce backlogs and make the process smoother.
• Transparency: USCIS now shares more information about how many cases are pending, approved, or denied, and how long cases are taking.

Practical Tips for Applicants

• Be Patient: Even after your case is “actively reviewed,” you may wait several more months for a decision. This is normal and does not mean there is a problem.
• Stay Organized: Keep copies of all forms, notices, and supporting documents.
• Check Your Case Status: Use the USCIS Case Status Online tool with your receipt number to see updates.
• Watch the Visa Bulletin: If you’re in a family preference category, check the Visa Bulletin every month to see if your priority date is current.
• Respond Quickly: If you get a Request for Evidence, answer as soon as possible with all requested documents.
• Seek Help if Needed: If you’re unsure about any step, consider speaking with an immigration attorney or a trusted legal aid organization.

Multiple Perspectives: What Experts and Applicants Say

• USCIS: Reminds applicants that processing times are only estimates and can change. They encourage using online tools for the latest updates.
• Immigration Lawyers: Suggest preparing a complete and well-organized I-130 package to avoid delays. They also recommend getting ready for the next steps as soon as you receive approval.
• Applicants: Many people feel frustrated by long waits, but recent improvements in processing times for immediate relatives offer some hope.

Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Family Immigration?

• Backlog Reduction: USCIS is expected to keep working on reducing the number of pending cases, especially for family-based petitions.
• Possible Changes: While no big changes are expected soon, lawmakers sometimes discuss new rules for family immigration. It’s important to stay informed about any updates.

Summary Table: Key Steps After “Actively Reviewed” Status

Official Resources for More Information

• USCIS Processing Times: Check the latest estimated times for your I-130 petition and other forms.
• USCIS Case Status Online: Track your case with your receipt number.
• National Visa Center: Learn about the next steps after I-130 approval for relatives outside the United States 🇺🇸.
• Visa Bulletin: See when your priority date is current if you’re in a family preference category.
• Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status: For relatives adjusting status inside the United States 🇺🇸.

Key Takeaways and Next Steps

• After your I-130 petition is marked as “actively reviewed” by USCIS, the process continues with a detailed review, possible requests for more evidence, and a decision.
• If approved, the next steps depend on whether your relative is inside or outside the United States 🇺🇸. This could mean consular processing through the NVC or filing Form I-485 for adjustment of status.
• Median processing times are about 14.8 months for U.S. citizens and 35 months for green card holders, but these can vary.
• Stay organized, respond quickly to any requests, and use official tools to track your case.
• For more details, visit the USCIS Processing Times page.

By understanding each stage and preparing for what’s next, you can help your family’s immigration process go as smoothly as possible. Remember, while waiting can be hard, staying informed and ready for each step will put you in the best position for success.

Learn Today

Form I-130 → Petition filed by U.S. citizens or green card holders to sponsor relatives for immigration.
USCIS → United States Citizenship and Immigration Services, responsible for processing immigration petitions.
Request for Evidence (RFE) → USCIS request for additional documents or information to support an immigration petition.
National Visa Center (NVC) → Agency that processes immigrant visa applications after USCIS approval.
Adjustment of Status → Process allowing eligible relatives in the U.S. to apply for legal permanent residence.

This Article in a Nutshell

When your I-130 petition status shows ‘actively reviewed,’ USCIS is thoroughly checking documents and eligibility. Expect about 14.8 months processing for U.S. citizens. Next steps vary if your relative is inside or outside the U.S., involving consular processing or adjustment of status. Stay patient and organized.
— By VisaVerge.com