The question is far more complex than many realize. First, everyone must wait for USCIS to process the petition. USCIS posts its current processing times on their website. But in addition to that normal processing time, some people must wait years after filing their I-130 petition before they can actually ask for residency. Others, who are considered “immediate relatives,” do not have to wait in a long line and their process typically moves much faster. “Immediate relatives” are spouses of U.S. citizens, unmarried children (who are under 21) of U.S. citizens, and parents of U.S. citizens age 21 or older. Many immediate relatives already in the U.S. choose to file the I-130 petition and the residency application at the same time.
A qualified immigration attorney can help you predict how long the entire process could take and can advise you as to whether your immigrant family member can ask for residency immediately or whether they must wait until their date becomes current in the visa bulletin. Another factor which affects the processing time is whether the immigrant will have their interview at a consulate outside the U.S. or whether they will be interviewed locally inside the U.S. Only certain immigrants are eligible to use an approved I-130 petition to seek adjustment of status in the U.S.