USCIS processing times vary by process type and service center, and they are slower now than before the pandemic

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) does not process all visa applications — consulates and embassies handle visa issuance — but USCIS does handle the petitions and forms that come before a visa interview. Those include I-140 employment-based petitions, I-485 adjustment of status forms, I-765 work permits, and I-131 travel documents. Processing times for these forms have grown significantly since 2020 and remain longer than historical averages.

The speed depends on which service center handles your case, what form you filed, and whether USCIS requests additional documents from you. A form that took six months to process in 2019 might take twelve to eighteen months now. USCIS publishes current processing times on its website broken down by form type and location, and those numbers are updated monthly.

Key Takeaways

  • USCIS processing times are published monthly on the USCIS website under "Processing Times" and show how long each form type takes at each service center.
  • Employment-based petitions (I-140) and adjustment of status forms (I-485) typically take between twelve and twenty-four months depending on the service center.
  • Work permits (I-765) and travel documents (I-131) usually process faster, often within two to six months, but can take longer if USCIS requests more information.
  • If USCIS sends you a Request for Evidence (RFE), the clock restarts and processing time extends by several months.
  • You can check the status of your specific case using your receipt number on the USCIS case status tool.

Where to find current USCIS processing times

USCIS maintains a public processing times page at uscis.gov/processing-times. The page lists every form type and every service center. You select your form number (I-140, I-485, I-765, I-131, and others) and your service center location, and the page shows the median processing time — the point where half of cases are decided faster and half take longer.

The times shown are updated monthly and reflect cases filed within the last year. If you filed your form more than a year ago and have not heard back, your case is taking longer than the published median. You can also check the status of your individual case by going to uscis.gov/case-status and entering your receipt number, which appears on the notice USCIS sent you when they received your form.

Why processing times have grown

USCIS experienced a sharp drop in revenue during the pandemic because fewer people filed forms, and the agency funds itself through filing fees rather than tax dollars. The agency reduced staff and processing capacity. Even as filing volume returned to normal, staffing did not recover at the same pace, creating a backlog that persists.

Additionally, USCIS has shifted resources toward security checks and background investigations, which take longer than they did previously. Cases that involve name checks, criminal history checks, or security clearances move more slowly. Employment-based cases, which make up a large share of USCIS's workload, are particularly affected.

Processing times by form type

Employment-based immigrant petitions (I-140) filed at the Nebraska Service Center currently take between fourteen and twenty-four months, depending on the preference category. The same form at the Texas Service Center takes between twelve and eighteen months. Adjustment of status forms (I-485) take between eighteen and thirty months at most service centers, though some cases are decided faster.

Work authorization documents (I-765) and advance parole documents (I-131) typically process within two to six months when filed together with an I-485. If you file them separately, they may take longer. Renewal forms (I-539 for extension of stay, I-765 for work permit renewal) usually process within four to eight months.

These times are medians, not guarantees. Some cases are decided in half the time shown; others take twice as long. Cases that require additional evidence or background checks will take longer than the published median.

What happens if USCIS requests more information

If USCIS needs more documents or clarification, they send a Request for Evidence (RFE). You typically have twelve to sixteen days to respond, though you can request an extension. Once you submit your response, USCIS restarts the processing clock. Your case will not be decided until after the RFE is resolved, which can add three to six months to the total time.

If you do not respond to an RFE within the important date, USCIS may deny your case. If you miss the important date but have a good reason, you can file a motion to reopen, but this adds more time and is not always successful.

How to check your case status

Go to uscis.gov/case-status and enter your receipt number. The receipt number starts with three letters (usually EAC, WAC, LIN, or SRC) followed by numbers and appears on the I-797 notice USCIS mailed to you. The case status tool shows whether your case is pending, approved, denied, or in a specific stage like background check or interview scheduling.

The case status tool updates regularly but not in real time. If your case shows "pending" and the published processing time has passed, you can contact USCIS through their online inquiry form or call the USCIS Contact Center at 1-800-375-5283. Have your receipt number ready. The Contact Center can tell you whether your case is delayed and sometimes can escalate it for review.

Service center differences and filing location

USCIS has four service centers: Nebraska (handles most I-140 petitions), Texas (handles some I-140 and I-485 cases), Vermont (handles some employment cases), and California (handles some employment cases and most family-based cases). Processing times vary by service center. If you have a choice of where to file, the Nebraska Service Center currently has shorter processing times for I-140 petitions than California.

Your filing location is determined by your address or your employer's address, depending on the form type. You cannot choose your service center, but you can learn which one will handle your case before you file by checking the form instructions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I call USCIS to ask why my case is taking so long?

Yes. Call the USCIS Contact Center at 1-800-375-5283 with your receipt number. They can tell you the current status and whether your case is delayed beyond the published processing time. If it is significantly delayed, they may escalate it for review, though this does not may provide faster processing.

What does "pending" mean on my case status?

Pending means USCIS has received your case and is still working on it. It does not tell you which stage your case is in — whether it is waiting for background checks, under review, or scheduled for an interview. The case status tool sometimes shows more detail, such as "background check in progress" or "interview scheduled."

If the published processing time has passed, does that mean my case will be denied?

No. The published time is a median, not a important date. Some cases take longer than the median without being denied. However, if your case is significantly overdue, you can contact USCIS to ask whether it is delayed and request escalation for review.

Do I need to file my visa petition and visa interview at the same time?

No. USCIS processes the petition first (I-140 or I-485). Once approved, you then go to a consulate or embassy for the visa interview. The visa interview cannot happen until the petition is approved, so the USCIS processing time comes first.

Will my case process faster if I pay extra fees?

USCIS does not offer expedited processing for most forms. Some forms like I-765 and I-131 can be filed with a request for expedited processing, but this is only granted in cases of severe financial hardship or other compelling circumstances. Premium processing is available for some employment-based forms but not for adjustment of status or family-based cases.