USCIS processing times for certain form types may no longer reference a specific service center location (for example, Vermont Service Center). USCIS is in the process of adjusting all processing times for service center-related forms to now list “Service Center Operations (SCOPS).” Service Center Operations has expanded its capability to process casework at multiple locations, at various points in time, based on business needs and staffing requirements. Therefore, listing a specific location is no longer an accurate representation of where a case is processed. ** USCIS says, it is adjusting case processing time metrics to provide the most accurate and up-to-date information by form type.
While certain form processing times are now listed under Service Center Operations, you may continue to receive correspondence from USCIS listing a specific service center location.
Select your form, form category, and the office that is processing your case
(Refer to your receipt notice to find your form, category, and office, see below for more information about case processing times and reading your receipt notice)
https://egov.uscis.gov/processing-times/
More Information About Case Processing Times
We display case processing times for select forms and locations to let you know how long it generally takes to process benefit requests and when you can contact USCIS with questions about your case. USCIS updates case processing times on the website monthly with the latest available data.
This webpage provides information on how to:
- Find information needed to use the processing times webpage;
- Read and interpret the processing times on the webpage; and
- Understand how to use the case inquiry tool.
Finding Your Case Information
You will need some specific information about your case to use the processing times webpage and case inquiry tools. Below is an example of where you can find specific information on USCIS correspondence. This information is also found on USCIS receipt notices, and some information may be found on a copy of your application, petition, or request. USCIS also provides guidance for determining your form type (sometimes referred to as case type) and relevant form category.
If the “USCIS Office” is the National Benefits Center (NBC) and you have filed an employment-based or family-based Form I‑485, a Form N‑400, or a Form N‑600, you should check processing times for your local field office. You can use our Field Office Locator if you need help determining your local office (scroll to the bottom of the page). If your case is transferred to another office, you should refer to the processing times for the new office.
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Cathe National Benefits Center (NBC) and you have filed an employment-based or family-based Form I‑485, a Form N‑400, or a Form N‑600, you should check processing times for your local field office. You can use our Field Office Locator if you need help determining your local office (scroll to the bottom of the page). If your case is transferred to another office, you should refer to the processing times for the new office.
What Does the Processing Time Mean and How Is It Calculated?
The processing time displayed on the USCIS website is the amount of time it took USCIS to complete 80% of adjudicated cases over the last six months. Processing time is defined as the number of days (or months) that have elapsed between the date USCIS received an application, petition, or request and the date USCIS completed the application, petition, or request (that is, approved or denied it) in a given six-month period.
For example, if USCIS received a Form N‑400 on Jan. 24, 2022, and completed adjudication of the application on March 5, 2022, then the processing time for that specific application is 41 days. This calculation is done for every Form N‑400 USCIS completed in March 2022 and the five months prior to March 2022 (a six-month period).
We then review the processing times for adjudicated cases to determine how long it took for 80% of those cases to be completed over the previous six months. So, if USCIS completed 1,000 Form N‑400 applications in the previous six months, and 80% (or 800) of them were completed within 60 days (or two months), then the processing times webpage will display two months as the processing time for Form N‑400 in May 2022.
Processing times generally reflect how long USCIS have taken to complete applications, petitions, or requests. 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 USCIS receives, workload and staffing allocations, the time a benefit requestor takes responding to a request for more information, as well as policy and operational changes, among other factors.
When and How Can I Ask a Question About the Status of My Case?
Processing times are provided as a reference point for how long USCIS has taken to complete most cases. Because many factors impact the processing time – and to better manage our limited resources by allowing staff to focus on adjudicating cases rather than responding to inquiries – USCIS allows inquiries for cases that are taking longer than the time USCIS took to complete 93% of adjudications. Those cases are deemed to be outside normal processing times.
You must go to the processing times webpage, where USCIS provides a tool to help you determine whether you can request an update on your case. Using the tool, you enter your receipt date, which can be found on your receipt notice, into the text box. If your case is outside normal processing times (beyond the time to complete 93% of adjudicated cases), you will be provided a link for submitting an inquiry. If your case is within normal processing times, you will be provided an estimated date for when you can contact us. Please check back periodically because processing times may change.
How Is the Case Inquiry Date Calculated?
This is how USCIS calculates the case inquiry date:
Case Inquiry Date = [time to complete 93% of adjudicated cases] – [today’s date – receipt date]
Example:
If you checked our processing times webpage on Jan. 1, 2022, for a form you filed on Jan. 1, 2021, and the time to complete 93% of adjudicated cases was 13 months, your case inquiry date would be calculated as:
Case Inquiry Date = [13 months] – [Jan. 1, 2022 – Jan. 1, 2021]
= [13 months] – [12 months]
= one month
In this example, USCIS estimates that you would be able to contact USCIS in one month. The tool will provide the exact date for you. If the calculation for the case inquiry date produces a negative number, you will be able to submit a question about your case.
Note: This is should NOT be construed as a legal advice. Changes in immigration policies and procedures are complex and may require a consultation with an experienced immigration lawyer.You can contact us at (+1) 202 600 7742, or email us at info@adhikarilaw.com if you will have any question on this topic. You can also reach us to learn about our legal services or complete the Form to request an Attorney Consultation.