What Are USCIS Processing Times?
USCIS processing times in 2025 vary by form type, application category, and the office handling your case. Whether you’re applying for a green card, U.S. citizenship, or a work permit, understanding current timelines helps you plan better and avoid unnecessary delays. This guide explains how to check your USCIS case status, what affects wait times, and tips to keep your application on track.
Checking Your Processing Time and Case Status
How to Check Your USCIS Processing Time
Knowing your USCIS case status helps you track where your individual application stands—whether it’s been received, reviewed, or needs additional information. On the other hand, processing times tell you how long USCIS typically takes to handle similar cases at your assigned service center. Both tools are essential: status updates help you monitor progress, while processing time estimates help you plan ahead with realistic expectations.
To get an estimate of how long your immigration application might take, you can use USCIS’s official processing time tool. Here’s how to do it step-by-step:
- Identify the Processing Office:
First, determine which USCIS service center or field office is handling your case. You can usually find this in your receipt notice. For family-based forms, this may be a field office based on your zip code; for employment-based cases, it’s typically a service center. - Use the USCIS Processing Time Tool:
Visit the USCIS Processing Time page and select:- Your form type (e.g., I-485, N-400, I-130)
- The form category (e.g., family-based, employment-based)
- The office or service center listed on your receipt
- Understand the Time Range Provided:
USCIS displays two numbers:- The first is the median processing time—how long it took to complete 50% of cases.The second represents the time it took to complete 93% of cases. Most applications fall within this window.
- Check for Premium Processing (If Applicable):
Certain employment-based petitions (like some Form I-140 or Form I-129 cases) may qualify for premium processing, which guarantees a decision within 15 calendar days for an additional fee. - If You Filed a PERM Case:
Labor Certification applications (Form ETA-9089) are handled by the U.S. Department of Labor, not USCIS. You’ll need to check DOL’s processing times separately.
How to Check Your USCIS Case Status
Tracking your case status lets you see real-time updates from USCIS about your application or petition. Here’s how to check it online:
- Locate Your Receipt Number
Find the 13-character receipt number on your USCIS Form I-797 Notice of Action. It begins with three letters (such as EAC, WAC, LIN, or SRC) followed by 10 numbers. - Go to the USCIS Case Status Tool
Visit the USCIS Case Status Online page. - Enter Your Receipt Number
Type your number in the search box without spaces. - Complete the CAPTCHA
Confirm you’re not a robot by entering the security code displayed. - Click “Check Status”
You’ll see your current case status—such as “Case Was Received”, “RFE Issued”, or “Approved”.
Want detailed guidance with examples? Visit our full step-by-step USCIS case status guide.
Current 2025 Processing Times at a Glance (Median Time)
For a quick overview, the table below shows median processing times for key USCIS immigration forms as of 2025. These figures reflect the typical time it took USCIS to process 50% of applications within a specific category.
For detailed processing time breakdowns, visit our specific guides:
| Form | Purpose | Current Processing Time |
| Form N-400 | Application for Naturalization | 5.5 Months |
| Form I-90 | Green Card Renewal/Replacement | 4.3 Months |
| I-485 (Family-based) | Green Card via Adjustment of Status | 9.2 Months |
| I-485 (Employment-based) | Green Card via Employment | 6.9 Months |
| I-130 (U.S. citizen sponsor) | Petition for Alien Relative | 14.8 Months |
| I-130 (Green card holder sponsor) | Petition for Alien Relative | 35 Months |
| I-129F | Petition for Alien Fiancé(e) | 8-11 Months |
| I-129 (Regular processing) | Petition for Nonimmigrant Worker | 3.7 Months |
| I-129 (Premium processing) | Petition for Nonimmigrant Worker | 12 Days |
| I-140 (Regular processing) | Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker | 7.7 Months |
| I-140 (Premium processing) | Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker | 21 Days |
| I-751 | Petition to Remove the Conditions on Residence | 21.6 Months |
| I-765 | Application for Employment Authorization | 1.9 Months |
| I-131 | Application for Travel Document (Advance Parole) | 6.1 Months |
| ETA-9089 | PERM Labor Certification (DOL) | 500 (Analyst Review) |
Understanding how long each form takes can help you plan your next steps confidently. At ImmigrationDirect, we make it easy to stay informed, prepare your application correctly, and move forward without delays. Get started with your preferred USCIS forms.
Want specific details about green card wait times? See our full guide on Green Card Processing Time in 2025.
What Affects USCIS Processing Times?
Several key factors influence how long your case may take:
- Form type: I-485, N-400, I-130, I-129F, etc., each has different processing standards.
- Service center or field office: Some locations handle higher volumes than others.
- Case category: Employment-based, family-based, or humanitarian applications have different timelines.
- Premium processing: Available for certain I-129 and I-140 forms, it guarantees faster decisions—usually within 15 days.
- Backlogs and staffing: Case surges, policy changes, or budget shifts can cause delays.
- Accuracy of your filing: Mistakes or missing documents often lead to Requests for Evidence (RFEs), adding weeks or months.
USCIS updates its official Case Processing Times tool weekly to help applicants track current timelines by form, category, and location. As well Department of Labor’s website for PERM processing times.
Is Your Case Taking Too Long? Here’s How to Check and Follow Up
Delays are common in the immigration process—but how do you know if your case is truly outside the normal timeframe? Here’s how to find out and what steps you can take:
Step 1: Review USCIS Processing Times
Use the official USCIS Processing Time tool to check the expected timeline for your form.
- Select your form type, case category, and service center.
- Look for the “Receipt date for a case inquiry”—this tells you if your application is taking longer than usual.
Step 2: Monitor Your Case Status
You can track the status of your individual application through the USCIS Case Status tool using your receipt number.
Updates like “Case Received” or “Request for Evidence Sent” help you know what’s happening behind the scenes.
Step 3: Submit a Case Inquiry (If You Qualify)
If your case was filed before the listed inquiry date and you haven’t received a decision, you can ask USCIS to follow up.
- Go to the Case Inquiry tool
- Fill in your receipt number, form type, and other required details
USCIS will usually respond within a few weeks.
Note: If your application is still within the standard processing window, it’s best to wait. Submitting a premature inquiry may result in a general reply that doesn’t speed up your case.
USCIS Backlog Reduction: What Cycle Times Mean for You
To speed up case decisions and reduce backlogs, USCIS introduced internal cycle time goals in 2022. While public processing times show how long it took to complete 80% of cases, cycle times track how many months’ worth of cases are still waiting behind the scenes.
As USCIS improves staffing, technology, and capacity, these cycle times are expected to shrink—leading to faster processing times for green cards, citizenship, work permits, and more.
| Forms | Duration |
|---|---|
| I-129 Premium, I-140 Premium | 2 Weeks |
| I-129 Non-Premium | 2 Months |
| I-765, I-131 Advance Parole, I-539, I-824 | 3 Months |
| N-400, N-600, N-600K, I-485, I-140 Non-Premium, I-130 Immediate Relative, I-129F Fiancé(e), I-290B, I-360, I-102, I-526, I-600, I-600A, I-730, I-800, I-800A, I-90, I-821D Renewals | 6 Months |
Other Processing Time Scenarios
AAO Processing Times: Appeals After Denial
If your immigration application is denied, you may be able to file an appeal with the Administrative Appeals Office (AAO)—a specialized branch of USCIS that reviews certain denied cases.
Here’s how the AAO appeal process works:
- Initial Review (Field Office):
The office that denied your application has 45 days to re-examine the case and possibly reverse its decision. - AAO Appellate Review:
If the denial stands, the appeal is forwarded to AAO, which typically issues a decision within 180 days. Complex appeals may take longer.
Not all applications are eligible for appeal to the AAO. Check your denial notice for instructions.
Tip: If your case is denied, consult with an immigration attorney before filing an appeal to ensure it’s the best course of action.
FAQs About USCIS Processing Times
How often does USCIS update processing times?
USCIS updates its processing times weekly on its official website. These updates reflect how long it took to complete 80% of cases over the past six months.
What is the difference between USCIS processing time and case status?
Processing time is the average time it takes USCIS to complete applications like yours. Case status tells you exactly where your application is in the process (e.g., received, under review, approved).
How do I know if my case is outside normal processing time?
Use the USCIS Processing Time Tool and look for the “receipt date for a case inquiry.” If your filing date is before that, you may be able to request a case follow-up.
Can I speed up my USCIS case?
Some employment-based petitions (like Form I-129 or I-140) may qualify for premium processing. Other requests can be expedited under specific humanitarian or emergency conditions.
What should I do if my case is delayed?
First, check if your case falls outside normal processing time. If it does, you can submit an online case inquiry to USCIS. If not, continue monitoring your case status and be prepared to respond to any USCIS requests.
Can I expedite my USCIS application if I have an emergency?
Yes, in limited circumstances, USCIS may approve an expedited request for urgent humanitarian reasons, severe financial loss, or government interests. You’ll need to provide strong documentation and submit a request through the USCIS Contact Center or by calling your local field office.
Why is someone else’s case moving faster than mine?
USCIS processing times can vary by service center, case type, application volume, and individual case complexity. Even if two people file the same form, their cases may be assigned to different offices or require additional review.
How can I avoid delays in my USCIS application?
You can reduce delays by filing complete and accurate forms, including all supporting documents, using the latest form edition, paying the correct fee, and promptly responding to any USCIS requests for evidence (RFEs).
Final Thoughts: Stay Informed, Stay Prepared
USCIS processing times can be unpredictable, but staying informed puts the power back in your hands. Whether you’re applying for a green card, citizenship, or a work permit, understanding your form’s timeline—and what to do if it’s delayed—helps you take control of your immigration journey.
By regularly checking your case status, tracking official processing updates, and avoiding common mistakes, you can reduce unnecessary delays and stress.
Need help preparing your application the right way from the start? ImmigrationDirect offers guided form support and filing tools to help you stay on track and submit with confidence.
