PROCESSING TIMES ON USCIS CASES
PROCESSING PERIOD
This guide will help you understand how to check the estimated time it takes the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to review and make a decision on a specific type of immigration application or petition.
1. Access the USCIS Processing Times Page
To find out how long your case might take to process, visit the official USCIS website:
🔗 USCIS Processing Times (Be sure to read this guide carefully before visiting the website)*.
This tool allows you to see the average processing times that USCIS is currently handling for different forms, such as:
- Family petitions
- Work permits
- Adjustment of status
- DACA renewals
- And other immigration procedures
2. Gather Your Case Information
Before using the online tool, make sure you have the following details on hand, which appear in your USCIS notifications:
- Form type or petition (for example, I-130, I-765, I-485)
- Form category , listed as “Class Requested” or “Classification”
- Assigned processing center (for example, NBC, TSC, VSC, among others)
Where can you find this information?
You can find it in the receipt notices sent to you by USCIS by mail. It may also be available on a copy of your application or in your USCIS online account.
3. Check the Estimated Processing Time
Once you’ve entered the required information, click the "Get Processing Time" or "Obtain Processing Time" button. The system will show you an estimated range based on 80% of similar cases completed in the past six months.
It’s important to keep in mind that:
- Cases are processed in the order they are received.
- The time shown is an estimate, not a guarantee.
- Each case may vary depending on specific factors.
4. Check the Average Receipt Date
“USCIS is processing cases that were received on or before [DATE]” .
What does this mean?
You can compare that date with the receipt date on your USCIS notice (Form I-797C) to get a clearer idea of whether your case should already be under review or is still waiting to be processed.
Form I-797C, Notice of Action, is a letter that USCIS sends to communicate important information about your immigration case, such as receipt of an application, rejection, transfer, reopening, or pending appointments. It is not a document that grants immigration status, but it is crucial for keeping your case up to date.
Why is the receipt date important?
1. Check if you can already submit an inquiry:
You can only submit an inquiry if your case was received before the date USCIS indicates as being processed.
2. Avoid unnecessary rejections:
Submitting an inquiry too early may result in an automatic or unhelpful response.
3. Serves as a backup:
Submitting an inquiry at the right time helps you if you need to escalate your case or prove undue delays.
4. Helps you make decisions:
Knowing whether your case is outside normal processing times allows you to take action, seek legal assistance, or consider other steps.
5. Submit a Case Inquiry to USCIS
If your case was received before the average receipt date and the estimated processing time has already passed, you can submit an official consultation ("inquiry") to USCIS.
How to do it:
- Go to: 🔗 USCIS e-Request – Outside Normal Processing Time
- Fill out the form with your Receipt Number and other personal information.
- Briefly explain your situation and submit the request.
USCIS will review your case and provide a response or update, usually via email.
At Perdomo Dorsett, our team is trained to submit these types of requests on your behalf, ensuring the information is properly presented and a response is obtained as quickly as possible. We also monitor your case to identify the right moment to submit the official consultation ("inquiry"), following USCIS’s official timelines and avoiding rejections due to early submission.
Do you have questions about your case?
If you are unable to identify your form type, category, or processing center, or if you need help interpreting the information, we recommend contacting the assistant in charge of the processing times at Perdomo Dorsett to help you properly track your case.
¡ATTENTION!
If you’re unable to identify the form, category, or processing center, or if you have questions about interpreting the estimated processing times for your case, we recommend contacting the assistant in charge of USCIS processing times so they can assist you.
Having legal assistance can help you better understand your situation, properly track your case, and make informed decisions throughout the immigration process.
