Below is a chart summarizing the average processing times we are experiencing at our office in cases where a request for more evidence is not issued. The below timeframes are based recent approvals we have received and should only be used as a general reference.
For case specific information, please refer to the USCIS processing times website, where you can monitor your case using your Receipt Notice for the application(s) you have filed: https://egov.uscis.gov/processing‐times/
PDF: Processing-Times-English_07.2024
Type of Case | Estimated Processing Times After Applications Are Filed with Immigration |
Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) ‐ RENEWAL | 4-6 months |
Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) ‐ INITIAL | USCIS is not currently processing these. |
Parole in Place / Deferred Action
(Based on family in the US Armed Forces) |
12-18 months |
Applications for Employment Authorization Document (EAD) | 3 – 8 months
NOTE: This is an average Processing Time for EAD’s based on Asylum, Adjustment, Parole in Place, Deferred Action, U Visa. |
U‐Visa Certifications | These are taking 6‐12 months, but it depends on each agency. |
U Visa Petition | 65 months
USCIS is taking approximately 65 months to approve U-Visa applications. Since the approval process is so lengthy, while applications are pending review, applicants are placed on what is called a “waitlist”, where they can request a work permit while the final decision on their application is pending. People are placed on this waitlist once the government decides that the applicant meets the basic requirements (that the applicant was in fact a victim of a serious crime and suffered physical or mental abuse). The work permits issued while on this waiting list can take 3 to 4 years to be approved, but recently USCIS has issued work permits for some applicants within one year of filing the application. The new work permits are valid for 4 years.
|
U‐Visa Extensions | 24 months |
U Visa Adjustment of Status (AOS) | 14-24 months |
VAWA VAWA AOS | 52 months
21 months |
Family Based Adjustment of Status (AOS) | 18-24 months |
Family Petition – Immediate Relative | 39.5 months |
Provisional Unlawful Presence Waiver | 44 months |
Consular Processing | Wait Times for Immigrant Visa Interview Date at Consulate:
‐ Mexico = 1‐1.5 years ‐ El Salvador = 1‐4 months ‐ Guatemala = 6‐9 months ‐ Nicaragua = 6‐9 months NOTE: Processing times are significantly longer than before due to COVID related consulate closures
NOTE: Processing times vary because the National Visa Center processes cases based on country and appointment availability at consulates |
Resident Alien Card ‐ After Immigrant Visa Approval and Immigrant Fee is paid online | 3 – 6 months |
Petition to Remove Conditions on Residency | 27 months |
Resident Alien Card Renewal / Replacement | 9 months |
Application for Naturalization | 9.5 months |
Application to Replace a NATZ Certificate | 8.5 months |
Application for Certificate of Naturalization | 6 months |
Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS) | 1. Child Custody:
‐ North Carolina = 6-8 months, depending on judge ‐ South Carolina = 6-8 months, depending on judge
2. SIJS Petition = within 180 days /6 months
3. Wait for Priority Date to become Current: ‐ See Visa Bulletin listed on our website, but around 5 years for MX/ELS/GUAT/HOND
4. Adjustment of Status: ‐ Applications with USCIS = 12‐18 months ‐ Applications in Immigration Court = 18‐24 months, but this depends on date of an Individual Hearing |
Advance Parole | 8 months |
K‐Visa (AKA Fiancé Visa) | 13.5-17 months |
Petition for Qualifying Family Member of U1 Nonimmigrant | 31.5 months |
FOIA Investigation | 6‐8 months, but EOIR (Immigration Court) is taking 1+ years |
Stay of Removal | 6‐8 months |