To reduce the agency’s pending caseload, USCIS established new internal cycle time goals in March 2022. These goals are internal metrics that guide the backlog reduction efforts of the USCIS workforce and affect how long it takes the agency to process cases. As cycle times improve, processing times will follow, and applicants and petitioners will receive decisions on their cases more quickly. USCIS will increase capacity, improve technology, and expand staffing to achieve these new goals by the end of FY 2023.
Currently, the agency’s publicly posted processing times show the amount of time it took USCIS to complete 80% of adjudicated cases over the past six months. Internally, USCIS monitors the number of pending cases in the agency’s workload through cycle times. A cycle time measures how many months’ worth of pending cases for a particular form are awaiting a decision. Cycle times are what the operational divisions of USCIS use to gauge how much progress the agency is making on reducing our backlog and overall case processing times.
FAQs
The processing time is the time required to process a work item. It is the time spent on manufacturing a product or providing a service. Processing time can be assigned to a single activity or group of activities or to an entire process.
Why is USCIS processing time so slow? ›
Many factors may affect how long it takes USCIS to complete an application, petition or request, such as the number of applications, petitions, or requests we receive, workload and staffing allocations, the time a benefit requestor takes responding to a request for more information, as well as policy and operational ...
What is the average processing time with USCIS? ›
What is the average processing time for USCIS to review a naturalization case? It depends on the wait time at the USCIS Field Office nearest to you. An average would be 6–9 months for most cities in the US, although newer cases seem to be processed faster than those who filed in 2023.
How long does it take to process I-130 for siblings? ›
Most Form I-130 petitions for immediate relatives are approved within a 10 to 14 month time frame, but they can take longer in some cases. If you are in the United States and also filed an application to adjust status, USCIS will begin reviewing Form I-485 at this point.
How do I speed up USCIS processing? ›
If you have a USCIS online account and have access to secure messaging, you may select “expedite” as the reason for your inquiry and submit your request there. You generally need to justify your expedite request with evidence. When communicating with the Contact Center, you will be asked about supporting documentation.
How many cases does USCIS process in a day? ›
On an average day in FY 2023 we: Adjudicate more than 40,500 requests for various immigration benefits. Process 3,800 applications to sponsor relatives and future spouses.
Can you sue USCIS for slow processing? ›
You may sue the USCIS if it is taking longer than usual to process or decide your case.
What is the current wait time for I-130? ›
- The processing time for U.S. citizens filing Form I-130 for a spouse beneficiary ranges from 13-54.5 months. - The processing time for legal permanent residents filing Form I-130 for a spouse beneficiary ranges from 32-67.5 months.
Which USCIS office is the fastest? ›
The field office in Cleveland tops the index, with a typical (median) citizenship application processing time of 4 months, and almost nobody waiting longer than 12.3 months.
What is the processing time for I-130 in 2024? ›
For a spouse of a U.S. citizen, the average processing time for Form I-130 in 2024 takes between 14 and 53 months. Spouses of U.S. citizens are considered immediate relatives.
It would technically "be faster" if you apply online, since physically mailing an application takes a few days. Other than those few days, the general processing time of the N400 is not going to change.
How long does it take for USCIS to actively review a case? ›
It takes approximately 120 days for USCIS to actively review a case. The agency may require additional time to complete its review if any documents are missing. In these instances, USCIS can put a case on hold until it receives any missing documents.
What's next after I-130 is approved? ›
Generally, once we approved the petition, your relative may apply to become an LPR (get a Green Card). If your relative is already in the United States and a visa is available, they may be eligible to get their Green Card by filing Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status.
Why is processing time important? ›
Processing times are important because they can help you estimate how long it will take to complete a task. If you know the average processing time for a task, you can plan your work schedule accordingly. Additionally, processing times can help you troubleshoot problems with your workflow.
What does it mean when it says processing? ›
Processing is subjecting something to a series of actions in order to achieve a particular result. Many processing operations are needed to produce a medicine that is ready to use. Processing medicines involves the conversion of the active ingredients into products suitable for supply and administration.
Does processing time include wait time? ›
Processing time is a subset of cycle time. It is the time it takes to perform the actual work on the product. Cycle time can also include other non-productive time, such as waiting for materials or tools.
What is a processing day? ›
Processing Day means the day on which transactions and/or files are processed; excludes holidays and weekend days.
