After significant progress in reducing wait times, USCIS processing times are rising again for many applications—except for the fiancé visa petition, which has instead seen longer waits. Despite these increases, most processing times remain faster than pre-pandemic levels for many common applications.
Key trends:
- Form I-129F (Fiancé Petition): Processing times are now climbing again in 2026, currently averaging 8-11 months.
- Form N-400 (Citizenship): Processing times are at their fastest since 2016, with a median wait of just 5.5 months.
Current USCIS Median Processing Times:
| Form | Purpose | Processing Time |
|---|---|---|
| I-90 | Green Card Replacement/Renewal | 4.3 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-485 (Family-based) | Adjustment of Status | 9.2 months |
| I-485 (Employment-based) | Adjustment of Status | 6.9 months |
| I-129F | Petition for Alien Fiancé(e) | 8-11 months |
| I-129 (Regular) | Nonimmigrant Worker Petition | 3.7 months |
| I-129 (Premium) | Nonimmigrant Worker Petition | 12 days |
| I-140 (Regular) | Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker | 7.7 months |
| I-140 (Premium) | Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker | 21 days |
| N-400 | Application for Naturalization | 5.5 months |
| I-751 | Remove Conditions on Residence | 21.6 months |
| I-765 | Employment Authorization | 1.9 months |
| I-131 | Advance Parole (Travel Document) | 6.1 months |
| ETA-9089 | PERM Labor Certification (Analyst Review) | 500 days |
Factors Affecting Processing Times:
Several elements determine how long an application takes:
- Form Type: Different applications vary in complexity and required evidence.
- USCIS Office or Service Center: Workload and staffing levels differ by location.
- Application Category: For instance, different employment-based visa categories can have different timelines.
- Premium Processing: Available for some forms (e.g., I-140, I-129), this option significantly shortens processing for a fee.
Check Also: USCIS Revises Marriage Validity Guidelines for Asylum and Refugee Applicants
Family-Based Petitions:
Family-based green cards remain a popular path to permanent residency. Processing times differ depending on the relationship:
- Immediate Relatives (IR): Spouses, parents, and unmarried children under 21 of U.S. citizens.
- CR1: Spouses of U.S. citizens married for less than two years at admission.
- F2A: Spouses and unmarried children of permanent residents.
Examples of current wait times:
| Form | Category | Processing Time |
|---|---|---|
| I-130 | CR1/IR1 (from abroad) | 14.8 months |
| I-130 | CR1/IR1 (in the U.S. via I-485) | 9.2 months |
| I-130 | F2A | 35 months |
| I-485 | Family-based Adjustment | 9.2 months |
Employment-Based Petitions:
Employment-based immigration typically involves multiple steps. Premium processing is available for certain categories:
| Form | Processing Time (Regular) | Processing Time (Premium) |
|---|---|---|
| I-140 | 7.7 months | 21 days |
| I-485 | 6.9 months | N/A |
| I-129 | 3.7 months | 12 days |
PERM Labor Certification (DOL):
PERM Labor Certifications, handled by the Department of Labor, currently take:
- Analyst Review: 500 days
- Audit Review: Times vary, often longer than analyst review
K-1 Fiancé Visas:
Processing for the I-129F petition now averages 8-11 months. Note that additional time is required for the visa interview and consular processing.
Naturalization (U.S. Citizenship):
Form N-400 remains one of the fastest processes:
- Current median processing time: 5.5 months
Other Common Forms:
| Form | Purpose | Processing Time |
|---|---|---|
| I-90 | Replace/Renew Green Card | 4.3 months |
| I-765 | Employment Authorization | 1.9 months |
| I-131 | Advance Parole | 6.1 months |
Administrative Appeals Office (AAO) Processing:
- Field Office Review: 45 days
- AAO Appellate Review: ~180 days
Backlog Update:
USCIS reported a 15% reduction in its backlog. The agency’s goal remains to align most processing times with internal targets—for example, 6 months for many forms such as N-400, I-485, and I-129F.
Checking Your Case:
- Case Status: Use your receipt number on the USCIS Case Status Online page.
- Processing Times: Check the USCIS Processing Times tool, entering your form and office location.
- PERM Applications: Check the DOL’s website for the latest updates.
If your filing date is before the “receipt date for a case inquiry,” you can submit an online inquiry to USCIS.
Frequently Asked Questions:
How often does USCIS update processing times?
USCIS typically updates processing times monthly on their website. However, delays can still occur beyond the posted estimates.
Are the published processing times exact?
No. Processing times are estimates based on recent cases. Your individual case may be faster or slower depending on your unique circumstances.
What are USCIS processing times?
USCIS processing times indicate how long it typically takes the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to process specific applications and petitions, from filing to a decision.
