What Happens After the I-130 Is Approved?

Once your I-130 (Petition for Alien Relative) is approved by USCIS (U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services), the next steps depend on whether the immigrant beneficiary is:

If the beneficiary is already in the U.S. and is eligible to adjust status:

Step 1: Wait for a visa to become available (if in a preference category; immediate relatives don’t wait).
Step 2: File Form I-485 (Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status).
Step 3: Attend a biometrics appointment.
Step 4: Attend an interview (sometimes waived).
Step 5: Receive a decision on the green card.

If the beneficiary is outside the U.S., the case goes through the National Visa Center (NVC):

Step 1: NVC processes the case and sends a case number.
Step 2: Pay processing fees and submit civil documents and the DS-260 (immigrant visa application).
Step 3: Wait for NVC to review and approve the documents.
Step 4: Get scheduled for a consular interview at a U.S. embassy/consulate.
Step 5: Attend the interview and medical exam.
Step 6: If approved, receive an immigrant visa.
Step 7: Enter the U.S. and receive a green card in the mail.

Priority Date: For preference categories (e.g., siblings, adult children), the priority date must be current before moving forward.
Immediate Relatives: (Spouses, parents, unmarried children under 21 of U.S. citizens) move faster — no wait for a visa number.

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