From Form I-130 to a green card: the full family-based process

01

Form I-130: establishing the family relationship

Form I-130 is used to establish a qualifying relationship between the petitioner and the foreign relative; it is the first step in family-based immigration. Filing or approval of Form I-130 by itself does not grant the relative any status or benefit. USCIS generally approves it once a qualifying relationship is established.

When completing the form, the petitioner must select, in Part 4, whether the beneficiary will adjust status within the United States or go through consular processing abroad — only one option, and it cannot be left blank. USCIS changed the mailing filing address on October 7, 2026 and provided a grace period for postmarks through November 9, 2026; check the current official address before filing.

02

Waiting for a visa number

For family categories the priority date is generally the date Form I-130 was filed. Immediate relatives are not subject to a numerical limit; relatives in a preference category must wait until a visa number becomes available before filing Form I-485 or applying for an immigrant visa at a consulate.

03

Completing the process inside or outside the United States

A relative who is in the United States and meets the conditions may file Form I-485 to adjust status; if the relative is in the United States but does not meet the conditions for filing Form I-485, they may instead need to apply for an immigrant visa through the State Department. A relative who is abroad obtains an immigrant visa through consular processing.