USCIS processing times affect every immigration applicant in the country. Whether you are waiting for a green card, work permit, or citizenship, understanding current processing trends helps you plan and identify when a delay has become unreasonable. Here is our analysis of the latest USCIS data.
Overall Trends
After significant pandemic-era backlogs, USCIS has made progress in reducing processing times for some case types while others have worsened:
- Improving: N-400 (naturalization), I-765 (EAD when filed with I-485), I-131 (advance parole)
- Stable: I-130 (family petitions), I-140 (employment petitions)
- Worsening: I-485 (adjustment of status), I-751 (conditions removal), I-526E (EB-5)
Current Processing Times by Form
- I-130 (Spouse of citizen): 8-14 months (improving slightly)
- I-485 (Family-based AOS): 12-24 months (varies dramatically by field office)
- I-485 (Employment-based AOS): 12-30 months
- I-751 (Remove Conditions): 18-30 months (worsening)
- N-400 (Naturalization): 6-12 months (improving)
- I-129 (H-1B, regular): 2-6 months
- I-140 (Employment petition): 6-12 months
- I-765 (Standalone EAD): 3-8 months
Field Office Variation
Processing times at USCIS field offices (which handle interviews for I-485, N-400, and I-751) vary enormously. Some offices process cases in half the time of others. Unfortunately, you cannot choose your field office — it is assigned based on your residential address.
When Is a Delay Unreasonable?
USCIS publishes processing time ranges for each form type and service center. If your case has been pending beyond the published range:
- Submit a case inquiry through the USCIS Contact Center
- Request a congressional inquiry through your representative’s office
- File an ombudsman request with the USCIS Ombudsman
- As a last resort, consider a mandamus lawsuit (federal court action compelling USCIS to adjudicate)
Experiencing delays? Request a free case evaluation.