Published: February 10, 2026
How fast does the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) work on your immigration application? The exact timeline depends on the visa classification you’re applying for. Factors such as the service center’s workloads and backlogs can also affect processing times.
Although no single waiting period applies to everyone, learning how USCIS reviews and adjudicates a petition can help you prepare and put your mind at ease. This post walks you through everything you need to know about USCIS processing times in 2026.
Overview of USCIS Current Processing Times
USCIS processing times encompass the entire duration from the receipt notice date to the final completion. That particularly includes the time it takes from completing your biometrics to responding to USCIS requests for evidence or additional information, and rescheduling interviews when necessary.
USCIS strives to update processing times monthly. It’s worth noting that the displayed processing times typically reflect the data as of the indicated month. Doing so helps USCIS ensure that the listed processing times reflect 80% of cases completed at each office. This provides a more reliable median data necessary for accurate planning.
Every year, USCIS processes about 10 million applications, requests, and petitions. As the volume of new filings outpaces completion rates, backlogs continue to be a cause of delays in USCIS processing times. As a result, processing times for family- and employment-based applications may remain extended in many cases. Still, individual outcomes may vary.
For instance, family-based petitions are based on visa availability and the applicant’s specific relationship to the sponsor. Since immediate relatives of US citizens are not subject to annual numerical limits, their wait times are typically shorter than those for family preference categories.
Likewise, the case for employment-based petitions may differ. Some of them may qualify for USCIS premium processing, shortening the decision window to 15 or 30 calendar days for an additional fee. While most naturalization applicants can expect relatively quick decisions, the exact timelines vary by field office.
What You Can Do During Processing Delays
Delays in the immigration processing can be frustrating. Suppose your case remains pending andthe processing times stretch for months or even years. Below are some steps you can take to move things along and avoid additional disruptions.
- Utilize the USCIS Case Processing Tool to monitor your case’s status and ensure to receive all notices.
- Submit a case inquiry if the receipt date is older than the processing time shown (which covers 80% of cases).
- Respond promptly and accurately to any Requests for Evidence (RFEs), Notice of Intent to Deny (NOID), or interview notices within the specified deadlines.
- File an expedite request with supporting evidence if your case qualifies under the criteria USCIS specifies, such as emergencies, financial loss, humanitarian needs, or USCIS error.
Stay Ahead With Your Immigration Application
USCIS processing times can change due to backlogs and other factors. Although timelines can be unpredictable, you can stay ahead with your immigration application.
A well-structured filing with a credible Los Angeles immigration lawyer helps USCIS officers review your case without further unnecessary delays. Legal assistance can also provide opportunities for expedited processing or humanitarian requests when you’re eligible.
Our legal team at ALG Lawyers is ready to work with you to strategically position your case, increasing the likelihood of a timely and positive outcome. We proactively monitor your case’s status, ensuring you obtain personalized guidance should your case experience further delays. Connect with us now to discuss your immigration concerns in detail.
FAQs on USCIS Processing Times in 2026
Why has your case been under “Actively Reviewed” for months without an update?
An actively reviewed status means that your application is formally in USCIS’s queue for evaluation, which can include requests for evidence, interviews, and adjudicative review. This status is more of a status confirmation than an indicator of progress. That means the case can remain at this phase until a new update is available due to backlogs and pending verifications.
Do USCIS processing times include the time required to schedule an interview at the embassy or to obtain a visa?
USCIS processing times only track the time it takes for the officer to review and decide on your petition. The Department of State handles the subsequent steps, including the embassy interview and visa issuance.
Is the approval of your application guaranteed when you file for premium processing?
Premium processing offers a faster review of your case as it commits to a decision or action within the specified timeline. For instance, most visa classifications take only 15 business days. However, it doesn’t guarantee or even increase the chances of approval.
(Please note that this article does not create an Attorney-Client relationship between our law firm and the reader and is provided for informational purposes only. Information in this article does not apply to all readers. Readers should not rely on this information as legal advice and should seek specific counsel from a qualified attorney based on their individual circumstances. Thank you.)