After the I-130 petition is approved, the next steps depend on several factors, including the type of petition and whether the beneficiary is inside or outside the United States. Here are some possible next steps:

• Immediate Relatives Inside the U.S.: If the beneficiary is in the United States after USCIS approves the I-130 petition, they can file an adjustment of status package. The adjustment package generally includes several mandatory USCIS forms and some optional forms. Most people with straightforward cases can prepare the application package without the assistance of an attorney.

• Immediate Relatives Outside the U.S.: After USCIS approves the I-130 petition, it will be sent to the National Visa Center (NVC) for processing. The NVC will collect fees, forms, and documents from the petitioner and beneficiary. Once the NVC receives all the necessary documents, it will schedule an interview at the U.S. embassy or consulate in the beneficiarys home country.

• Family Preference Outside the U.S.: After USCIS approves the I-130 petition, it will be sent to the National Visa Center (NVC) for processing. Individuals in the Family Preference category will generally wait many months, and often several years, before an immigrant visa number is available. Once an immigrant visa number is available, the NVC will schedule an interview at the U.S. embassy or consulate in the beneficiarys home country.

• Biometrics: USCIS may request biometrics information from any applicant, sponsor, or petitioner. After filing the I-130 petition, the petitioner will receive Form I-797C from USCIS, which will let them know if the petition has been approved, rejected, or if more information is needed. If the I-130 has been approved, this form will also include an appointment notice with a date, time, and location for an appointment to provide biometrics information at the closest application support center.

• Medical Exam: The beneficiary will need to undergo a medical exam by a USCIS-approved doctor before the interview at the U.S. embassy or consulate. The purpose of the exam is to verify the beneficiarys mental and physical health to determine if they are admissible to the United States. The exam must be completed as close as possible to the date the underlying I-485 application is filed, USCISs Request for Evidence, or the USCIS interview.

Overall, the next steps after I-130 approval can be complex and depend on several factors. It is important to carefully follow the instructions provided by USCIS and the NVC to ensure a smooth process.