Understanding USCIS Wait Times and Case Status for Green Cards, Citizenship, K-1 Visas, and Employment-Based Immigration
USCIS Processing Times are Slowing in 2025
After making significant progress in reducing wait times for U.S. immigration applications in 2024, USCIS processing times are increasing in 2025, except for the K-1 Fiancé Visa petition.
However, the processing times for many common applications remain relatively fast and, in some cases, have returned to pre-pandemic levels.
- The processing time for Form I-129F (fiancé petition) has increased in 2025.
- The wait time for Form N-400 (citizenship) is the fastest since 2016.
- The processing time for employment authorization through adjustment of status is at its lowest since 2017.
Current USCIS Processing Times at a Glance
For reference, here are the median processing times for key immigration forms as of March 2025:
| Form | Purpose | Current Processing Time |
|---|---|---|
| I-90 | Green Card Replacement/Renewal | 8 months |
| I-130 (U.S. citizen sponsor) | Petition for Alien Relative | 15 months |
| I-130 (Green card holder sponsor) | Petition for Alien Relative | 36 months |
| I-485 (Family-based) | Adjustment of Status | 10 months |
| I-485 (Employment-based) | Adjustment of Status | 7 months |
| I-129F | Petition for Alien Fiancé(e) | 7-9 months |
| I-129 (Regular processing) | Petition for Nonimmigrant Worker | 4 months |
| I-129 (Premium processing) | Petition for Nonimmigrant Worker | 15 days |
| I-140 (Regular processing) | Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker | 8 months |
| I-140 (Premium processing) | Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker | 21 days |
| N-400 | Application for Naturalization | 6 months |
| I-751 | Petition to Remove the Conditions on Residence | 22 months |
| I-765 | Application for Employment Authorization | 2 months |
| I-131 | Application for Travel Document (Advance Parole) | 7 months |
| ETA-9089 | PERM Labor Certification (DOL) | 390 days (Analyst Review) or 495 days (Audit Review) |
Understanding USCIS and DOL Processing Times
The time it takes to process immigration applications depends on several factors, including:
- The type of application:
- Family-based applications (I-130, I-129F, I-485)
- Employment-based applications (I-140, I-129, PERM labor certification)
- Naturalization (N-400)
- The agency involved:
- USCIS handles most immigration applications.
- The Department of Labor (DOL) processes PERM Labor Certifications (ETA-9089).
- The location:
- The USCIS office or service center handling your case can affect processing times.
- The specific category:
- Employment-based visa processing varies by preference category (EB-1, EB-2, EB-3, etc.).
- Premium processing:
- Certain I-140 and I-129 petitions can be expedited for an additional fee, but PERM Labor Certifications are not eligible for premium processing.
USCIS and DOL regularly update their processing times to help applicants understand current wait times.
Checking Your USCIS Processing Time and Case Status
Understanding case status and processing times is crucial for managing expectations. While case status shows the progress of your specific application, processing times provide a general estimate of how long cases take at your USCIS office.
How to Check Your Processing Time
- Find Your USCIS Field Office: Use the USCIS website to locate the office handling your application.
- Use the USCIS Case Processing Time Tool:
- Enter your application type and USCIS location to see the estimated timeframe.
- The system provides a range from the median (50% of cases processed) to 93% of cases processed.
- Check for Premium Processing: Certain I-140 and I-129 petitions qualify for 15-day expedited processing.
- For PERM Processing Times: Visit the Department of Labor’s website.
How to Check Your Case Status
- Find your USCIS receipt number.
- Enter the receipt number on the Case Status Online page.
- Complete the CAPTCHA verification.
- Click “Check Status.”
Family-Based Green Cards
The I-130 petition is the first step in sponsoring family members for U.S. residency. Processing times vary based on relationship type:
- Immediate Relatives (IR): Spouses, parents, and unmarried children under 21 of U.S. citizens.
- CR1: Spouses of U.S. citizens married for less than 2 years.
- F2A: Spouses and unmarried children (under 21) of green card holders.
- Adoptions: These cases require additional documentation and take longer.
| Form | Category | Processing Time (FY 2025) |
| I-130 | CR1/IR1 (Spouse of U.S. Citizen) | 15 months (outside U.S.), 10 months (with I-485) |
| I-130 | F2A (Spouse/Child of Green Card Holder) | 36 months |
| I-485 | Family-based Adjustment of Status | 10 months |
Employment-Based Immigration
Employment-based green card applications often involve multiple steps, including PERM Labor Certification, I-140 petitions, and I-485 adjustment of status.
| Form | Category | Regular Processing | Premium Processing |
| I-140 | Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker | 8 months | 21 days |
| I-485 | Employment-based Adjustment of Status | 7 months | N/A |
| I-129 | Nonimmigrant Worker Petition | 4 months | 15 days |
PERM Labor Certification Processing Times
The PERM process is a prerequisite for most employment-based green cards. It involves a rigorous recruitment and application process managed by the Department of Labor.
| Process Type | Processing Time |
| Analyst Review | 390 calendar days |
| Audit Review | 495 calendar days |
K-1 Fiancé Visa Processing Times
Processing for K-1 fiancé visas includes both USCIS and consular processing.
| Form | Purpose | Processing Time |
| I-129F | Petition for Alien Fiancé | 7-9 months |
U.S. Citizenship (Naturalization) Processing Times
The processing time for Form N-400 (Application for Naturalization) has significantly improved.
| Form | Purpose | Processing Time |
| N-400 | Application for Naturalization | 6 months |
Other Common Immigration Forms
| Form | Purpose | Processing Time |
| I-90 | Green Card Renewal/Replacement | 8 months |
| I-765 | Employment Authorization | 2 months |
| I-131 | Travel Document | 7 months |
Conclusion
With USCIS processing times fluctuating in 2025, staying informed about wait times and case status updates is crucial. By checking USCIS and Department of Labor updates regularly, applicants can better plan their immigration journey and take advantage of expedited options when available.