CASEALERTAUSCIS&COURTCASEALERTS
Still in process

“Case Was Reopened”on your I-130 · Petition for a family member

Your I-130 is active again after a decision or closure.
Check your case for free
No accountNo adsOfficial source: USCIS
WHICH STEP ARE YOU ON?
Receipt notice
Review by an officer · here
Request for evidence (if needed)
Decision
Case sent to the National Visa Center or consulate (if abroad)

What to do, in 3 steps

Read the reopening notice carefully.
Respond to any request it includes before the deadline.
Keep checking your status for the next step.
34months
25 to 34 monthsTypical time for a complete I-130. USCIS published times. Typical ranges, never an exact date.
In this statusThe new decision can take weeks to months; it varies.

What it means for your I-130

Your I-130 is active again after a decision or closure. This often follows a motion to reopen, or USCIS fixing its own error. If your relative already had a later step started, such as at the National Visa Center, that step may wait until the petition is decided again.

In general, on any form:

USCIS reopened your case after it had been closed or decided. This can happen after a motion, on USCIS's own initiative, or to fix an error. The case is active again and will get a new decision. Read any notice that explains why.

Avoid these mistakes

Assuming the earlier decision still stands.
Missing a request that came with the reopening notice.

Quick questions

What does "Case Was Reopened" mean on an I-130?

Your I-130 is active again after a decision or closure. This often follows a motion to reopen, or USCIS fixing its own error. If your relative already had a later step started, such as at the National Visa Center, that step may wait until the petition is decided again.

Why was my case reopened?

Common reasons are a motion you filed, a USCIS error, or new information. The notice should explain.

Is a reopened case good news?

It gives the case another review. The outcome is not decided yet.

Do I need to send anything?

Only if the notice asks for something.

How long does an I-130 take?

The typical range published by USCIS is 25 to 34 months. It depends on the office and your case; it is not an exact date.

Other statuses of your I-130

Every status of an I-130 →

This same status on other forms

AI-assisted explanation based on the official USCIS status, reviewed by CaseAlerta. Not legal advice. Times are typical ranges, never an exact date.