If you’re trying to make plans about your travel arrangements or your future, knowing the latest United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) processing times for 2024 is important. After all, you may be depending on the outcome of your green card application to make important life decisions.
You may be counting the seconds for your documents to process because you are waiting for time-sensitive applications like green cards or employment- or family-based petitions, which need to be processed before your current status expires. If a green card application is pending beyond the normal processing time, it may indicate a problem that needs to be addressed.
Understanding processing times for green card applications can help you manage your expectations around the immigration process and reduce your anxiety while you wait for the outcome of important decisions. Read this guide to USCIS processing times in 2024 to get the latest information.
Factors Affecting Green Card Processing Times in 2024
As of 2024, there are several factors that are affecting USCIS green card processing times. These include:
- COVID-19 pandemic: While the COVID-19 situation has improved since 2020, the ongoing effects of the pandemic, such as office closures, reduced staff, and safety protocols, have continued to impact green card processing times.
- Backlog: USCIS has been dealing with a significant backlog of cases, which has increased wait times. The agency has been working to reduce this backlog, but the situation has remained challenging in 2024.
- Staffing shortages: USCIS has recently experienced major staffing shortages and budget constraints, which have affected its ability to process immigration applications efficiently.
- Increased demand: Over the past several years, there has been a growing demand for immigration benefits, such as employment-based visas and asylum applications. This has put additional pressure on USCIS resources.
- Policy changes: Changes to immigration policies and regulations have also impacted processing times as USCIS works to implement these changes and adapt its processes accordingly.
- Security checks: You should be aware that enhanced security measures and background checks can prolong processing times for certain applications in 2024.
- Technology issues: While USCIS has been working to modernize its systems, technological challenges and glitches can still sometimes cause delays in green card processing times.
- Seasonal fluctuations: USCIS often receives a higher volume of applications during certain times of the year, such as the start of the fiscal year for employment-based visas, This may also lead to temporary increases in processing times in 2024.
- Complexity of cases: Some cases may require additional evidence, interviews, or other forms of scrutiny, which can also extend green card processing times.
If you’re in the process of waiting for green card approval, it’s important to check the USCIS website regularly for updates on green card processing times and any new factors that may be impacting the agency’s operations in 2024.
Current Processing Times for Green Card Forms in 2024
The following estimated processing times for green cards in 2024 are subject to change based on various factors. These can include changes in policies, the volume of applications USCIS receives, and any current operational challenges.
Form I-130 (Petition for Alien Relative)
These are the 2024 USCIS wait times for Form I-130:
U.S. citizen filing for a spouse, parent, or child under 21 years old:
- California Service Center: 7-10 months
- Nebraska Service Center: 9-12 months
- Potomac Service Center: 12-15 months
- Texas Service Center: 10-13 months
U.S. citizen filing for an unmarried son or daughter over 21 years old:
- California Service Center: 22-28 months
- Nebraska Service Center: 25-32 months
- Potomac Service Center: 30-38 months
- Texas Service Center: 27-35 months
U.S. citizen filing for a married son or daughter over 21 years old:
- California Service Center: 55-72 months
- Nebraska Service Center: 65-84 months
- Potomac Service Center: 75-97 months
- Texas Service Center: 70-91 months
U.S. citizen filing for a sibling:
- California Service Center: 82-107 months
- Nebraska Service Center: 95-124 months
- Potomac Service Center: 110-143 months
- Texas Service Center: 102-133 months
Permanent resident filing for a spouse or child under 21 years old:
- California Service Center: 20-26 months
- Nebraska Service Center: 23-30 months
- Potomac Service Center: 28-36 months
- Texas Service Center: 25-33 months
Permanent resident filing for an unmarried son or daughter over 21 years old:
- California Service Center: 50-65 months
- Nebraska Service Center: 58-75 months
- Potomac Service Center: 67-87 months
- Texas Service Center: 62-81 months
Form I-485 (Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status)
These are the 2024 USCIS wait times for Form I-485:
Employment-based adjustment of status:
- Nebraska Service Center: 12-16 months
- Texas Service Center: 14-18 months
Family-based adjustment of status (for immediate relatives of U.S. citizens, such as spouses, parents, and children under 21):
- National Benefits Center: 9-12 months
Family-based adjustment of status (for other family-based categories, such as family preference categories):
- National Benefits Center: 18-24 months
Adjustment of status based on asylum:
- Nebraska Service Center: 8-11 months
- Texas Service Center: 10-13 months
Adjustment of status based on refugee status:
- Nebraska Service Center: 6-8 months
- Texas Service Center: 7-9 months
Diversity Visa adjustment of status:
- National Benefits Center: 6-9 months
Green Card Extension With Form N-400
These are the 2024 USCIS wait times for Form N-400:
- Atlanta, GA: 12-16 months
- Boston, MA: 10-14 months
- Chicago, IL: 11-15 months
- Dallas, TX: 9-12 months
- Denver, CO: 10-13 months
- Houston, TX: 12-16 months
- Los Angeles County, CA: 13-17 months
- Miami, FL: 11-14 months
- New York City, NY: 14-18 months
- San Francisco, CA: 12-15 months
- Seattle, WA: 11-14 months
- Washington, DC: 10-13 months
As of December 12, 2022, USCIS automatically grants a 24-month extension on your green card if you file Form N-400.
How to Avoid Delays in Green Card Processing Times
Delays in green card processing times can be frustrating, so it’s a good idea to do everything in your power to help avoid any delays. Here’s what you can do to help:
- Carefully review all of the instructions and requirements for your specific application type.
- Double-check that all of the necessary forms, supporting documents, and fees are included.
- Ensure that all of the information you’ve provided is accurate, consistent, and up-to-date.
- Consider using FileRight to ensure that your documents are completed correctly.
- Stay up-to-date about your case status and the latest USCIS processing times
- Maintain a valid case status whenever possible
- Consult with an immigration attorney for guidance on their specific situation
- Plan ahead and submit applications well in advance of deadlines or expiration dates
- Explore eligibility for expedited processing or Premium Processing Service, if applicable
Keep in mind that you should file your application as early as possible to allow adequate time for processing. For applications with specific deadlines or expiration dates (e.g., work permits, student visas), submit your application several months in advance to avoid gaps in status or employment authorization.
What USCIS Is Doing to Improve Green Card Processing Times
USCIS is aware of the impact of processing delays with green card forms and has been taking steps to address the backlog and improve processing times, such as hiring additional staff, expanding online filing options, and implementing more efficient processes.
Please note that while these tips and services can help minimize delays with green card processing in 2024 and beyond, processing times can still vary based on factors such as case complexity, background checks, and overall workload at USCIS service centers. Staying informed, prepared, and proactive is key to navigating the application process successfully.
It’s important to note that USCIS green card processing times are estimates and can change based on various factors, such as the complexity of the case, the volume of applications received, and the processing center handling the case.
