USCIS Processing Times: What to Expect as You Begin Your Immigration Journey

Even with legal support, the uncertainty around the United States Center of Immigration Services (USCIS) processing times can feel overwhelming. You might find yourself checking the USCIS website repeatedly — hoping for a status update, wondering if your case has slipped through the cracks. Understanding how USCIS calculates processing times and what they mean can put your mind at ease.

This article breaks down what USCIS processing times mean, current waiting periods for common petitions, and key factors influencing how long it takes to adjudicate your case.

Understanding U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Processing Times

USCIS processing times indicate how long it typically takes to review and adjudicate an application.

USCIS calculates processing times based on how long it took to complete 80% of adjudicated cases in the past six months. For example, if 80% of the I-140 cases adjudicated in the past six months were completed in 8 months, that becomes the published estimate.

The time estimates vary by form type and give a general timeline, but actual processing depends on service center workloads, staffing levels, and application volumes in a given period. 

If you need faster adjudication, most employment based petitions are eligible for premium processing — a paid service available for select visa types. Premium processing guarantees USCIS action within 15 business days for most cases. Certain forms, like the I-765 or the I-539, follow a 30-business-day timeline, while the I-140 for an EB-2 NIW petition is processed within 45 business days with premium processing.

The recent shifts in immigration policy have caused delays in many categories, including processing times for Green Cards and citizenship applications. Here are a few key immigration forms and petitions — for citizenship and employment-based visas — with corresponding USCIS processing time estimates as of October 2025.

Current Wait Times without Premium Processing

*As of Nov, 2025.

How To Check USCIS Processing Times

For the latest estimate on when you can expect USCIS to process your petition, visit the Check Case Processing Times portal.

If you’re looking for more information on a specific case, you can track progress via the Case Status Online portal:

1. Find your 13-character receipt number on your I-797C Receipt Notice (three letters followed by 10 digits).
2. On the Case Status Online page, enter your receipt number.
3. Complete the CAPTCHA to verify you’re not a bot.
4. Click “Check Status” to view case details.

Key Factors Influencing Application Processing Times

How quickly USCIS reviews and adjudicates a petition depends on multiple factors:

• Workload at service centers: USCIS assigns cases to different service centers based on petition type and overall case volume. However, not every center handles every case type, with some petitions going to only one or two centers. If those centers are experiencing a spike in workload or have limited staff, your case may take longer to process. Check the Service Center Forms Processing page to see which USCIS service centers process each type of form.
• Policy changes: Shifts in immigration policy directly impact USCIS case adjudication processes. Recently, the implementation of stricter screening and advanced vetting procedures has made the review process more extensive, also influencing processing times. For example, the current U.S. government’s recent restrictions on H-1B petitions could influence processing times for H-1B visas.
• Case complexity: If a petition includes circumstances that may make it more complicated to process — like criminal convictions or prior visa violations — the application processing time may increase. To avoid unexpected delays, applicants should disclose any information that may impact the likelihood of case approval to their attorneys.

What to Do if Your Case Is Taking Longer Than Expected

The processing times that USCIS uploads to their Check Case portal are only estimates. It’s not uncommon for the waiting times for a Green Card, adjustment of status, or visa petition to take longer than the estimates.

When this happens, knowing you have recourse can be a relief. Here are some potential next steps:

• Consult your immigration attorney: Immigration attorneys can review your filing to identify possible issues and recommend next steps. For teams managing visa filings, Ellis can complement legal guidance with hands-on support — monitoring your case, pinpointing the cause of delays, and offering guidance on the most effective resolution.
• Check the USCIS website for updates: The USCIS Newsroom regularly posts updates and alerts that relate to different visa types. By reviewing these posts, you may be able to uncover agencywide or procedural factors — like backlogs or staffing adjustments — that could cause delays.
• Submit an e-request: If your case has exceeded the normal processing time and you haven’t received a notice yet, use the Outside Normal Processing Time form to send an inquiry to USCIS.
• Contact the USCIS Contact Center: Navigate to the USCIS Contact Center for more information on how to reach out directly for updates on your case. 
• Ask your employer for support: If your employer is sponsoring your visa application, reaching out to their immigration counsel may offer insight or guidance. 

Streamline Your Visa Application Process With Ellis

USCIS processing times vary, shifting with policy changes, spikes in case volumes, and funding in USCIS service centers. Published processing times are only estimates, meaning delays are an expected part of the process.

Ellis provides a structured system that allows businesses to navigate the uncertainties of the visa application process with confidence. By tracking case progress, identifying reasons for potential delay, and ensuring compliance with USCIS requirements throughout the application process, your dedicated Ellis team makes visa applications a breeze.

Speak with Ellis today to streamline your immigration strategy.