USCIS Processing Times in 2025: What You Need to Know

USCIS processing times remain slow in 2025, with some cases taking months or years. Learn current wait times, what affects them, and how to avoid delays or speed up your case.

By:

Deanna deBara

Deanna deBara is a freelance writer with a decade of experience covering a variety of topics, including immigration law. When she's not writing, she enjoys baking, dancing, hiking the PNW, and spending time with her rescue pups.

Reviewer:

Henry Lindpere

Henry Lindpere is an experienced immigration lawyer serving primarily STEM professionals, entrepreneurs, and high-achieving individuals.

14 min read • Last Updated September 21, 2025

USCIS Processing Times in 2025: What You Need to Know

Key takeaways

Family and employment petitions face long waits, with I-130s for green card holders taking up to 35 months and PERM labor certifications adding over 16 months to green card timelines.

Delays affect major life plans, keeping families separated, stopping applicants from working if I-765s are delayed, and blocking travel without approved I-131 advance parole.

Processing times vary widely, depending on your form type, visa category, service center workload, and priority date movement.

Smart filing can prevent avoidable delays, including submitting complete petitions, responding quickly to RFEs, and using premium processing when available.

You can take action if your case stalls, from filing a service request to seeking congressional help.

USCIS processing times tell you how long it usually takes for the agency to review and decide on a specific form or petition. In 2025, many cases are still moving slowly, with some taking several months—or even more than a year—depending on the type of application and where it’s being processed.

If you’re waiting on a decision, here’s the bottom line: you can’t make USCIS work faster in most cases. But you can avoid delays and, in some situations, request faster processing. Submitting a complete, error-free application, responding quickly to any Requests for Evidence (RFEs), and using premium or expedited processing (if you qualify) are the best ways to keep your case moving.

And while waiting can be frustrating, knowing what’s “normal” for your form helps set realistic expectations. The USCIS Case Processing Times tool shows the usual wait times for your form, and if your case is taking longer than that, you can file an inquiry to ask for an update.

What Are USCIS Processing Times?

USCIS processing times show how long it takes the USCIS to review your case and decide to approve or deny an immigration application or petition. These timelines are based on recently completed cases and vary by form type, visa category, and the specific service center handling your case.

Processing times matter because they influence major life events, like when you can travel, work, or even reunite with family in the U.S. Understanding these timelines helps you set realistic expectations and plan ahead.

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How Long Are USCIS Applications Taking Right Now?

Wondering what wait times look like in 2025? Here’s a snapshot of the median processing times for some of the most common immigration forms. The median reflects how long it took USCIS to complete 50% of cases during the most recent reporting period.

The median is used because it gives a more accurate picture of typical USCIS wait times in 2025.

Form

I-90

I-130 (U.S. citizen sponsor)

I-130 (Green card holder sponsor)

I-485 (Family-based)

I-485 (Employment-based)

I-129F

I-129 (Regular)

I-129 (Premium)

I-140 (Regular)

I-140 (Premium)

N-400

I-751

I-765

I-131

ETA-9089

Purpose

Green Card Replacement/Renewal

Petition for Alien Relative

Adjustment of Status

Fiancé(e) Petition

Petition for Nonimmigrant Worker

Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker

Application for Naturalization

Remove Conditions on Residence

Employment Authorization

Travel Document (Advance Parole)

PERM Labor Certification (DOL)

Current Processing Time

4.3 months

14.8 months

35 months

9.2 months

6.9 months

8–11 months

3.7 months

12 days

7.7 months

21 days

5.5 months

21.6 months

1.9 months

6.1 months

500 days (Analyst Review)

USCIS Processing Times by Petition Type

Processing times vary widely depending on the type of petition you file, who is sponsoring you, and whether your case is handled inside the U.S. or through consular processing abroad.

Below is a breakdown of current USCIS processing times by petition type and what those timelines mean for you.

Processing times vary widely depending on the type of petition you file, who is sponsoring you, and whether your case is handled inside the U.S. or through consular processing abroad.

Below is a breakdown of current USCIS processing times by petition type and what those timelines mean for you.

Family-Based Immigration Processing Times

Family-based petitions depend on the relationship category and visa availability. Wait times for immediate relatives of U.S. citizens are shorter than those for family preference categories.

Form

I-130

I-485

Employment-Based Immigration Processing Times

Employment-based immigration includes temporary work visas and employment-sponsored green cards. The I-129 is for temporary workers, the I-140 for permanent positions, and the I-485 for adjusting to permanent resident status. Some petitions allow premium processing for faster decisions.

Form

I-140

I-129

I-485

PERM Labor Certification Processing Time

Before many workers can move forward with an employment-based green card, their employer must complete the PERM labor certification. Reviewed by the Department of Labor (DOL), PERM confirms that hiring a foreign worker won’t negatively impact U.S. workers. Because it’s processed outside USCIS, this step often adds more than a year to the overall green card timeline.

Here are the current processing times for PERM labor certification through the DOL:

Form

ETA-9089

Process Type

Analyst Review

Audit Review

Current Processing Time

496 days (about 16 months)

Varies, often longer than analyst reviews

What This Means for You

A major bottleneck; expect this step to add well over a year.

Audited cases can face many additional months of delay.

Learn more about EB-3 PERM processing times and EB-2 PERM processing times.

K-1 Fiancé(e) Visa USCIS Processing Time

The K-1 visa allows U.S. citizens to bring their fiancé(e) to the U.S. to get married within 90 days of arrival. The first step is filing Form I-129F with USCIS. Once approved, the case moves to consular processing, which adds additional time beyond the USCIS estimate for K-1 visa processing time.

Form

I-129F

Purpose

Petition for Alien Fiancé(e)

Processing Time

8-11 months

What This Means for You

K-1 fiancé processing time can be lengthy. Keep in mind that USCIS approval is only the first step; plan for several more months for the embassy interview and visa issuance.

Naturalization USCIS Processing Times

Naturalization is one of the fastest-moving USCIS processes in 2025, with processing times at their lowest since 2016. Applicants can expect relatively quick decisions, but timelines vary by field office. Here are the current processing times for Form N-400:

Form

N-400

Purpose

U.S. Citizenship Application

Processing Time

5.5 months

What This Means for You

Many applicants are being approved in under six months, making this one of the quickest USCIS processes right now.

Other Common Forms and USCIS Processing Times:

Form

I-765

I-131

I-90

N-600

Purpose

Employment Authorization (EAD)

Advance Parole (Travel Document)

Green Card Renewal/Replacement

Certificate of Citizenship (for individuals who acquired or derived citizenship through parents)

Processing Time

1-2 months

~6 months

Over 8 months

~11.2 months

What This Means for You

Allows work while a green card is pending; one of the fastest approvals.

Essential for travel during green card processing; delays can limit travel plans.

Much slower than 2024; apply early to avoid work or travel interruptions.

For those already U.S. citizens by law, this confirms citizenship. Expect a longer timeline than N‑400.

How Processing Times Impact Visa and Green Card Applications

Delays can affect everything from employment start dates to family reunification, and in some cases, they can disrupt major life plans. For example:

I-130 family-based petitions: Long I-130 wait times keep spouses, children, and parents separated for months or even years, delaying moves, family events, and plans to reunite.
I-485 adjustment of status: While waiting for approval for Form I-485, you may be unable to travel internationally without advance parole or start a new job that requires permanent work authorization. For many applicants, this delay can mean turning down job offers, pausing career advancement, or missing important family events outside the U.S.
Work permits (I-765) and travel documents (I-131): Because these are often filed with green card applications, any slowdown directly impacts daily life. A delayed Form I-765 can stop you from legally working or renewing your job authorization, while a delayed Form I-131 can keep you from leaving the country, even for emergencies, without risking your green card application.

Delays can affect everything from employment start dates to family reunification, and in some cases, they can disrupt major life plans.

For example:

I-130 family-based petitions: Long I-130 wait times keep spouses, children, and parents separated for months or even years, delaying moves, family events, and plans to reunite.
I-485 adjustment of status: While waiting for approval for Form I-485, you may be unable to travel internationally without advance parole or start a new job that requires permanent work authorization. For many applicants, this delay can mean turning down job offers, pausing career advancement, or missing important family events outside the U.S.
Work permits (I-765) and travel documents (I-131): Because these are often filed with green card applications, any slowdown directly impacts daily life. A delayed Form I-765 can stop you from legally working or renewing your job authorization, while a delayed Form I-131 can keep you from leaving the country, even for emergencies, without risking your green card application.

💡 Processing times can feel overwhelming, but the right strategy can make all the difference. Consult with Manifest Law’s experienced immigration lawyers to get a clear plan, avoid mistakes that cause delays, and explore options like premium or expedited processing. Smart planning now can save you months, or even years, of waiting.

Understanding USCIS Delays in 2025 and What You Can Do

USCIS is currently facing a record backlog, with over 11 million pending cases as of July 2025. While some forms are moving faster, green card renewals, replacements, and employment-based petitions remain slow, taking months or even years due to high demand and visa limits.

Henry Lindpere, Senior Counsel at Manifest Law, explains: “Over the years, the backlog of pending cases has been growing due to a combination of limited resources, changing priorities and administrations, and an ever-growing number of filings per year.”

He continues, “While it is unfortunate that people have to pay extra for reasonable processing times, at least the Premium Processing service is available in many cases, and USCIS is adding that as an option to more filing categories every year. However, unless there is a big change in the law from Congress, I don’t anticipate the record backlog going away anytime soon. Where an applicant can help a little bit is by submitting a very well-organized application to make the review as easy as possible for a busy USCIS officer.”

What Determines USCIS and DOL Processing Times?

How long it takes to get a decision on your immigration application depends on several factors. Both USCIS and the Department of Labor (DOL) follow their own timelines, and the wait can vary significantly from one case to another.

The Type of Application

Processing times vary by case type. There are many different temporary and permanent immigration benefits that people can apply for. Each of them requires the filing of a different form. Some examples include:

The Agency Handling the Case

USCIS processes most immigration forms, but PERM labor certifications go through the DOL, which operates on a separate system and timeline.

Service Center or Field Office Location

Where your case is processed makes a big difference. Busy service centers in major metro areas often take longer than smaller offices. Some centers also focus on specific types of petitions, which can impact how quickly they move through cases.

Your Visa Category

Employment-based green card timelines vary by preference category (such as EB-1A or EB-2). Your visa classification, such as H-1B, also affects nonimmigrant worker petitions.

Premium Processing Options

Certain employment-based petitions, including select I-140 and I-129 categories, qualify for premium processing, which can shorten the wait to as little as 15 business days. Applications that are not eligible for premium processing include but are not limited to: PERM applications (ETA-9089), adjustment of status (I-485), family-based petitions (I-130), and citizenship (N-400).

Country of Origin and Visa Bulletin Movement

Employment- and family-based green card timelines depend on annual visa number availability, which varies by country. Applicants from high-demand countries often experience longer waits due to per-country visa limits.

Petition Completeness and Potential RFEs (Requests for Evidence)

Incomplete applications or unclear documentation can trigger a Request For Evidence (RFE), adding weeks or even months to your timeline. Providing thorough, well-organized evidence upfront can help avoid unnecessary delays.

How to Check Current USCIS Processing Times

Before making travel plans, accepting a job offer, or setting expectations for family reunification, it’s important to know how long your case might take. USCIS updates its processing times regularly, and you can check your specific case type online in just a few minutes. Here’s how:

Go to the USCIS Case Processing Times page.
Select your form type (such as I-130, I-485).
Select the form category (such as spouse of a U.S. citizen, employment-based).
Select your service center or field office.
Review the time range, which shows:
- The median (50% of cases processed by this time).
- The outer range (93% of cases completed by this time).

Check your status regularly, especially if you’re waiting for an approval notice or interview date.

Go to the USCIS Case Processing Times page.
Select your form type (such as I-130, I-485).
Select the form category (such as spouse of a U.S. citizen, employment-based).
Select your service center or field office.
Review the time range, which shows:
- The median (50% of cases processed by this time).
- The outer range (93% of cases completed by this time).

Check your status regularly, especially if you’re waiting for an approval notice or interview date.

📘 The receipt date is the day USCIS officially received your application or petition. You can find it on your receipt notice or confirmation notice from USCIS. It’s the date USCIS uses to track how long your case has been processing.

What to Do When Your Case Takes Longer Than Normal

If your USCIS case is taking longer than the posted processing time for your form and service center, you can take steps to get answers and, in some cases, speed things up:

Check the posted processing time. Use the USCIS Case Processing Times tool to confirm how long your form should take. Compare your receipt date to the “case inquiry date.” If your receipt date is earlier, you’re eligible to file an inquiry.
Submit a case inquiry online. If your case qualifies, file an “outside normal processing time” service request through your USCIS online account or on the USCIS website. You’ll need your receipt number and personal details.
Follow up with USCIS if needed. If you don’t get a response within 30 days of your inquiry, call the USCIS Contact Center or use Emma, the live chat assistant, to request an update.
Request help from a congressional office or the USCIS Ombudsman. If your case has been significantly delayed and is causing hardship, your U.S. senator or representative can make an inquiry on your behalf. You can also request assistance from the USCIS Ombudsman for prolonged delays or errors.
Consider premium processing if it’s available. Certain employment-based petitions (like I-140 or I-129) can be upgraded to premium processing for a guaranteed decision within 15–45 calendar days.
Monitor your case regularly. USCIS processing times are averages, not guarantees. Delays can happen due to service center backlogs, RFEs, or extended security checks.

If your USCIS case is taking longer than the posted processing time for your form and service center, you can take steps to get answers and, in some cases, speed things up:

Check the posted processing time. Use the USCIS Case Processing Times tool to confirm how long your form should take. Compare your receipt date to the “case inquiry date.” If your receipt date is earlier, you’re eligible to file an inquiry.
Submit a case inquiry online. If your case qualifies, file an “outside normal processing time” service request through your USCIS online account or on the USCIS website. You’ll need your receipt number and personal details.
Follow up with USCIS if needed. If you don’t get a response within 30 days of your inquiry, call the USCIS Contact Center or use Emma, the live chat assistant, to request an update.
Request help from a congressional office or the USCIS Ombudsman. If your case has been significantly delayed and is causing hardship, your U.S. senator or representative can make an inquiry on your behalf. You can also request assistance from the USCIS Ombudsman for prolonged delays or errors.
Consider premium processing if it’s available. Certain employment-based petitions (like I-140 or I-129) can be upgraded to premium processing for a guaranteed decision within 15–45 calendar days.
Monitor your case regularly. USCIS processing times are averages, not guarantees. Delays can happen due to service center backlogs, RFEs, or extended security checks.

How to Speed Up USCIS Processing Times

While you can’t always control how fast USCIS works, there are a few steps you can take to avoid delays and move things along:

Make sure your application is complete. Double-check that every form is filled out correctly, all required documents are included, and you’ve signed where needed. Simple mistakes are one of the biggest reasons for delays.
Respond quickly to USCIS requests. If you get a Request for Evidence (RFE)—a notice asking for extra documents or clarification to help USCIS make a decision—send the information as soon as possible. Waiting until the deadline can add weeks or months to your case.
Consider premium processing (if eligible). Some employment-based forms allow you to pay an extra fee for a decision within 15 calendar days. Check if your case qualifies before filing.
Ask about expedited processing. In rare situations, such as severe financial loss, emergencies, or humanitarian reasons, you can request that USCIS process your case faster. You’ll need to provide proof and meet strict criteria.
Track your case regularly. Stay on top of updates through your USCIS online account or the Case Status tool so you can act fast if something changes.

While you can’t always control how fast USCIS works, there are a few steps you can take to avoid delays and move things along:

Make sure your application is complete. Double-check that every form is filled out correctly, all required documents are included, and you’ve signed where needed. Simple mistakes are one of the biggest reasons for delays.
Respond quickly to USCIS requests. If you get a Request for Evidence (RFE)—a notice asking for extra documents or clarification to help USCIS make a decision—send the information as soon as possible. Waiting until the deadline can add weeks or months to your case.
Consider premium processing (if eligible). Some employment-based forms allow you to pay an extra fee for a decision within 15 calendar days. Check if your case qualifies before filing.
Ask about expedited processing. In rare situations, such as severe financial loss, emergencies, or humanitarian reasons, you can request that USCIS process your case faster. You’ll need to provide proof and meet strict criteria.
Track your case regularly. Stay on top of updates through your USCIS online account or the Case Status tool so you can act fast if something changes.

When will USCIS approve an expedited request?

An expedited request is a request to USCIS to make an exception and complete processing of your case quickly, even when Premium Processing is not available for that category. USCIS only approves expedited requests in limited situations, such as:

Severe financial loss to a company or person
Emergencies or urgent humanitarian reasons
Nonprofit work that benefits the public (like medical research or disaster relief)
U.S. government interests, such as national security or public safety

You’ll need to provide evidence, and USCIS decides on a case-by-case basis, so approval isn’t guaranteed.

Severe financial loss to a company or person
Emergencies or urgent humanitarian reasons
Nonprofit work that benefits the public (like medical research or disaster relief)
U.S. government interests, such as national security or public safety

You’ll need to provide evidence, and USCIS decides on a case-by-case basis, so approval isn’t guaranteed.

Moving Forward: Submit Your USCIS Application with Confidence

The right legal strategy can help you stay ahead, even when USCIS processing times are out of your control. Manifest Law helps you avoid mistakes that cause delays by preparing a complete, well-documented petition from the start. We also spot opportunities to expedite and guide you through premium or humanitarian requests when you qualify.

Our team works with you to plan strategically, choosing the fastest viable visa category for your situation, and we stay proactive with expert monitoring of your case status, giving you tailored next steps if your case stalls. While no one can erase USCIS backlogs, smart planning can make the process faster and far less stressful.

Ready to take control of your case? Request a consultation with Manifest Law and get the strategic guidance, personalized advice, and proactive support you need to confidently move your green card process forward.

Stay Informed. Stay Ahead.

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FAQs

Why are USCIS processing times so slow right now?

Backlogs at USCIS and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) remain high due to record case volumes, limited staffing, and technology upgrades that haven’t fully caught up. Forms like Form I‑485 (Adjustment of Status) and Form I‑765 (Application for Employment Authorization) are especially affected, while PERM Labor Certifications handled by the Department of Labor (DOL) add months—or even a year—to some employment-based green card timelines.

Can I actually speed up my case?

In many cases, yes, but only if you play it smart. A complete, well-documented petition is your first line of defense against delays. Some employment-based forms qualify for premium processing, which can shrink your wait to as little as 15–45 days. And if you’re facing a genuine emergency, severe financial loss, or a humanitarian crisis, an expedited request may be an option, though USCIS approves those on a strict, case-by-case basis.

Will USCIS processing delays affect my ability to work or travel?

Yes. A slow Form I‑765 (Application for Employment Authorization) might delay your ability to start or continue work legally. A delayed Form I‑131 (Application for Travel Document) can also keep you from leaving the U.S., even for emergencies, without risking your green card application.

What if I need to travel urgently while my green card is pending?

You’ll need approved advance parole through Form I‑131 (Application for Travel Document). Leaving the U.S. without it can be considered abandoning your Form I‑485. You can request expedited processing in genuine emergencies, but it’s not guaranteed.

Can switching visa categories speed up my green card process?

Yes. Moving to a category with a shorter backlog, such as upgrading from EB‑3 to EB‑2 or EB‑1 when you qualify, significantly reduces wait times. Strategic category selection is one of the fastest ways to cut years off your green card timeline.

Does premium processing guarantee faster approval?

If your form is eligible, premium processing guarantees a decision much faster than standard processing, often cutting months off the wait. It doesn’t change whether your case is approved or denied, but it’s available for forms like the I‑129 and I‑140. Forms such as the I‑485 and asylum applications aren’t eligible.

How early should I file for a Permanent Resident Card renewal?

File at least six months before your green card expires. Current Permanent Resident Card renewals are taking over 8 months, and a delay can affect your ability to work, travel, or verify your identity for legal and financial purposes.

How often does USCIS update processing times?

Processing times are updated regularly, usually monthly, and are based on cases completed during the current fiscal year. Always use the official USCIS.gov webpage rather than relying on outdated online forums or anecdotal reports.

Take the First Step:

Request an evaluation

Discuss the visa options of interest to you

General information about timelines, fees, requirements for various visa options

Information on Manifest fees, terms and process

Full clarity and transparency every step along the way

Request a consultation

Avi Goldenberg

Principal attorney at Manifest Law, PLLC

Take the First Step:

Request an evaluation

Discuss the visa options of interest to you

General information about timelines, fees, requirements for various visa options

Information on Manifest fees, terms and process

Full clarity and transparency every step along the way

Request a consultation

Avi Goldenberg

Principal attorney at Manifest Law, PLLC

Take the First Step:

Request an evaluation

Discuss the visa options of interest to you

General information about timelines, fees, requirements for various visa options

Information on Manifest fees, terms and process

Full clarity and transparency every step along the way

Request a consultation

Avi Goldenberg

Principal attorney at Manifest Law, PLLC

In this blog article:

What Are USCIS Processing Times?

How Long Are USCIS Applications Taking Right Now?

USCIS Processing Times by Petition Type

Other Common Forms and USCIS Processing Times

How Processing Times Impact Visa and Green Card Applications

Understanding USCIS Delays in 2025 and What You Can Do

What Determines USCIS and DOL Processing Times?

How to Check Current USCIS Processing Times

What to Do When Your Case Takes Longer Than Normal

How to Speed Up USCIS Processing Times

Moving Forward: Submit Your USCIS Application with Confidence

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