Understanding the USCIS wait times and how long it takes to process your immigration applications can be confusing. Whether you’re applying for a Green Card, U.S. Citizenship, a K-1 Fiancé Visa, or an employment-based visa, it’s important to know the latest trends and current processing times.
In 2024, USCIS (U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services) has made some significant improvements in reducing wait times for certain immigration processes. However, not all applications have seen the same level of progress. Let’s dive into the latest updates on processing times for key immigration forms.
Key USCIS Processing Times in 2024: What’s Changed
This year, the overall trend shows some notable improvements in USCIS processing times. While some forms are seeing faster processing, others continue to face delays. Here are the major updates:
1. Green Card Replacement & Renewal (Form I-90)
There’s been a dramatic reduction in the processing time for Green Card renewals and replacements. The processing time for Form I-90 has gone from 9.1 months down to just 1.2 months, which is an impressive 87% improvement.
2. Citizenship Applications (Form N-400)
For those seeking to become U.S. citizens, the wait time has also decreased. The N-400 (Application for Naturalization) processing time has been reduced from 6.1 months to just 4.9 months, benefiting many applicants who are eager to vote and gain U.S. citizenship.
3. Immigration Petitions (Form I-130)
Family-based immigration petitions have seen mixed results. Some forms, such as the I-130 (Petition for Alien Relative) for U.S. citizens, have had faster processing times. However, petitions related to entrepreneurs (I-526) and removal of conditions (I-751) are still facing longer wait times.
4. Employment-Based Visas (Form I-140 & I-129)
Processing times for employment-based petitions vary depending on the category. The I-140 (Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker) takes an average of 6.9 months for regular processing, while the I-129 (Nonimmigrant Worker Petition) takes just 2.1 months for regular processing. Premium processing is available for some categories, allowing for a faster turnaround time of just 21 days.
Key USCIS Processing Times at a Glance (August 2024)
If you’re waiting on a specific immigration form, here’s a quick reference to the current processing times:
| Form | Purpose | Processing Time |
| I-90 | Green Card Replacement/Renewal | 1.2 months |
| I-130 (U.S. Citizen Sponsor) | Petition for Alien Relative | 11.5 months |
| I-130 (Green Card Holder Sponsor) | Petition for Alien Relative | 25 months |
| I-485 (Family-based) | Adjustment of Status | 9.2 months |
| I-485 (Employment-based) | Adjustment of Status | 6.4 months |
| I-129F | Petition for Alien Fiancé(e) | 8.5 months |
| I-129 (Regular Processing) | Petition for Nonimmigrant Worker | 2.1 months |
| I-129 (Premium Processing) | Petition for Nonimmigrant Worker | 21 days |
| I-140 (Regular Processing) | Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker | 6.9 months |
| I-140 (Premium Processing) | Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker | 21 days |
| N-400 | Application for Naturalization | 4.9 months |
| I-765 | Application for Employment Authorization | 3 months |
| I-131 | Application for Travel Document (Advance Parole) | 6 months |
| ETA-9089 | PERM Labor Certification (DOL) | 388 calendar days (Analyst Review) or 493 (Audit Review) |
How to Check Your USCIS Processing Times
It’s essential to track your application’s progress and understand how long it will take to get a decision. You can easily check the processing time for your application by following these steps:
- Locate Your USCIS Field Office: Find the office handling your case using your zip code. You can use the USCIS website to search for your office and the types of forms they process.
- Check Processing Times: After finding your office, use the USCIS Case Processing Time tool. Select your form and location to get an idea of the expected time range for processing your case.
- Understand the Time Range: The USCIS tool provides two numbers: the median processing time (50% of cases are completed within this time), and the processing time for 93% of cases. This will help you understand how long you might need to wait.
- Consider Premium Processing: Some forms, like I-140 and I-129, offer premium processing, which guarantees a decision within 15 calendar days.
What Affects Processing Times?
Several factors can influence the speed of your application:
- Application Type: Different forms have different processing times, so you should check your specific application (e.g., I-130 for family-based immigration, I-129F for Fiancé Visas, I-140 for employment-based green cards).
- Agency Involved: Most forms are handled by USCIS, but some, like the PERM Labor Certification (Form ETA-9089), are processed by the Department of Labor, which has separate processing times.
- Location: Processing times can vary depending on which USCIS office or service center handles your case. Offices in larger cities may take longer than those in smaller areas.
- Visa Category: Employment-based visa processing can vary significantly based on the type of visa (e.g., EB-1, EB-2, or EB-3 for immigrant visas, or specific nonimmigrant categories like H-1B or O-1).
Family-Based Immigration (Form I-130)
If you’re sponsoring a relative to immigrate to the U.S., the I-130 form is the first step. Processing times can vary depending on your relationship with the applicant:
- Immediate Relatives (IR): Includes spouses, unmarried children under 21, and parents of U.S. citizens.
- CR1: For spouses of U.S. citizens married for less than two years.
- F2A: For spouses and unmarried children under 21 of Green Card holders.
| Form | Category | Processing Time (2024) |
| I-130 | CR1/IR1 (Spouse of U.S. citizen) | 11.5 months |
| I-130 | F2A (Spouse or child of permanent resident) | 25 months |
| I-485 | Family-based Adjustment of Status | 9.2 months |
Employment-Based Immigration
For those applying for work-based immigration, the process is a bit more complex, with several steps involved, including the I-140 and I-129 forms. You may also be eligible for premium processing, which speeds up the process significantly.
| Form | Category | Regular Processing | Premium Processing |
| I-140 | Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker | 6.9 months | 21 days |
| I-129 | Nonimmigrant Worker Petition | 2.1 months | 2 weeks |
| I-485 | Employment-based Adjustment of Status | 6.4 months | N/A |
K-1 Fiancé Visas
The K-1 Fiancé Visa process also has specific processing times. The I-129F petition for a fiancé takes about 8.5 months, but keep in mind that this is only the USCIS approval. Additional time is needed for consular processing to complete the visa.
| Form | Purpose | Processing Time |
| I-129F | Petition for Alien Fiancé(e) | 8.5 months |
Naturalization (U.S. Citizenship)
The N-400 form for naturalization has seen a notable reduction in processing times, making it easier for people to become U.S. citizens.
| Form | Purpose | Processing Time |
| N-400 | Application for Naturalization | 4.9 months |
How to Deal with Delays and Backlogs
While some immigration forms have seen faster processing times, others are still facing delays due to high demand. If your application is taking longer than expected, you can track your case status online and inquire with USCIS if your case is beyond the normal processing time. Always make sure to check the official USCIS website for updates and use their tools to track your application.
Need Help with Your Immigration Journey? Navigating immigration applications can be overwhelming, but Law and Visas is here to help. Whether you’re applying for a Green Card, U.S. Citizenship, a K-1 Fiancé Visa, or
