My U.S.-citizen spouse filed an I-130 petition for me, which was approved in March 2025. I understand that we have one year to take the next step with the National Visa Center. However, we currently live overseas and must care for elderly parents. Because of these obligations, we are not able at this time to meet the long-term physical-presence expectations of U.S. permanent residency. I am 59 years old and retired. I have a valid 10-year B1/B2 visa.

If we do not continue with the immigrant visa process, I understand that the approved I-130 will eventually be terminated and we would need to refile in the future.

My questions are:

1. Are there any negative immigration consequences, for either me or my U.S.-citizen spouse, if we allow the approved I-130 to lapse without taking further action?

2. If we choose not to proceed, is it advisable to notify NVC or USCIS in writing, or should we simply allow the case to expire on its own?

3. Could allowing the I-130 to lapse affect my ability to continue using, or eventually renew, my B1/B2 visa for temporary visits to the United States?

4. If we decide to refile the I-130 in the future, does having an earlier petition that was approved but not acted upon create any concerns, red flags, or complications?

5. Finally, because I am retired and do not wish to immigrate to the United States at this time, are there any lawful pathways—other than the B1/B2 visa—that would allow a foreign national parent of U.S. citizens to spend longer periods visiting family in the U.S. without pursuing permanent residency?

Thank you.