The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) proudly announced notable advancements in improving the processing times for a variety of immigration forms, as detailed in their latest fact sheet. This update underscores the commitment to efficiency and the enhancement of our services for applicants.
Key Highlights:
- The fact sheet presents data showing a significant reduction in median processing times for nearly all high-volume forms in fiscal year 2024 compared to the previous year.
- Key Achievements in Processing Times:
- Employment Authorization Documents: Less than 30 days for asylum applicants and certain parolees.
- Naturalization Applications: A median of 5.2 months, the fastest since 2016.
- Adjustment of Status Applicants: Employment authorization documents processed in 3.6 months, the quickest since 2017.
- Advance Parole Documents: Processed in 4.4 months, the fastest since 2018.
- Form I-129 (Nonimmigrant Worker): 2.7 months for nonpremium processing, a significant improvement.
Continued Efforts and Upcoming Improvements:
- USCIS acknowledges the necessity for further enhancements in processing certain forms. Specifically, efforts are underway to address the processing times and backlogs for Forms I-601, I-730, and I-918.
- The HART Service Center is set to make substantial progress on these forms, as highlighted in our recent FAQs marking the center’s first anniversary.
- Steady advancements are being made in processing EB-5 immigrant investor forms, including staffing increases and other significant investments, while adhering to Congressional mandates for anti-fraud measures.
New Fee Rule Implementation:
- As of April 1, 2024, USCIS implemented a new fee rule, adjusting certain benefit request fees for the first time since 2016. This adjustment allows USCIS to more fully recover operating costs and support timely processing of applications.
Enhancements to Case Processing Times Resource:
- USCIS has updated the Check Case Processing Times tool to better distinguish between administrative processing times and delays due to statutory limitations, which require Congressional action.
For More Information:
- To view a comprehensive list of processing times dating back to FY 2013, please visit our historical processing times page. This effort is part of USCIS’s ongoing commitment to transparency and service improvement.
USCIS remains dedicated to reducing processing times across all forms and continues to work diligently to improve efficiency and service for all applicants.
