USCIS Processing Time Information for our
National Benefits Center
Posted: November 18, 2008
The table shown below is intended to be a tool for customers to view our processing times. When applications and petitions are completed within our target timeframes, those timeframes will be shown (example: 3 months). If we are not meeting our target timeframes a date will be shown (example: April 16, 2008).
The processing dates shown below represent the receipt dates of petitions and applications currently being processed by the USCIS National Benefits Center. If the receipt date shown on your receipt notice is prior to the processing date shown below, you may call USCIS Customer Service at 1-800-375-5283. We encourage you to check this page periodically before inquiring about your case. The processing dates are updated monthly.
USCIS received a significant increase in the number of applications and petitions filed last year. In July and August of 2007, nearly 2.5 million applications and petitions of all types were received. This compares to 1.2 million applications and petitions received in the same time period last year. In fiscal year 2007, USCIS received 1.4 million applications for naturalization; nearly double the volume received the year before. USCIS is working to improve processes and focus increased resources, including hiring approximately 1,500 new employees, to address this workload.
Last year's application surge did not impact USCIS offices evenly across the country. Although most offices have already processed cases received during the 2007 filing surge, a handful of offices will have a small percentage of their 2007 cases pending at the end of Fiscal Year 2008. That will result in processing times longer than the 10-12 month national average. USCIS will continue to shift resources to ensure that all local offices achieve the goal of five month processing times.
We offer a variety of services after you file. For example, for most kinds of cases you can check the status of your case online.
For more information about when and how to contact us, whether your case is outside our processing time or if there are other issues, please see our customer guide –
Case Services - How do I... know what kind of services are available to me after I file my application or petition?
Processing Dates for the National Benefits Center as of: September 30, 2008
| Form |
Title |
Classification or Basis for Filing |
Processing Timeframe |
| I-102 |
Application for Replacement/Initial Nonimmigrant Arrival/Departure Record |
Initial issuance or replacement of a Form I-94 |
3 Months |
| I-131 |
Application for Travel Document |
All other applicants for advance parole |
3 Months |
| I-539 |
Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status |
All other extension applications |
3 Months |
| I-765 |
Application for Employment Authorization |
Based on a pending I-485 adjustment application [(c)(9)] |
3 Months |
| I-765 |
Application for Employment Authorization |
All other applications for employment authorization |
3 Months |
| I-817 |
Application for Family Unity Benefits |
Voluntary departure under the family unity program |
6 Months |
| I-824 |
Application for Action on an Approved Application or Petition |
To request further action on an approved application or petition |
6 Months |
|
