USCIS Processing Times Improve for Green Cards and Work Permits in 2024: What It Means for Applicants

USCIS processing times are crucial for immigrants seeking to adjust their status, gain work authorization, or obtain other important benefits. Recent fiscal years 2019 through 2024 data reveal some encouraging trends, with notable improvements for certain forms. However, there remain challenges that applicants and employers should be aware of as they navigate the immigration process.

Improvements in Green Card Processing (I-485)

One of the most positive trends in 2024 is the significant reduction in processing times for I-485 (Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status). In fiscal year 2022, processing times for this critical form peaked at 11 months, but by 2024, the wait time has decreased to 6.4 months. This nearly 40% improvement indicates that USCIS is making meaningful strides to address backlogs and streamline the process for applicants seeking employment-based permanent residency.

For those navigating the employment-based green card process, this reduction in wait time offers more certainty and faster results, helping applicants move forward with their lives and careers in the U.S. in a more timely manner.

Stabilization of Work Permit Processing (I-765)

Processing times for I-765 (Application for Employment Authorization) have also shown improvement, stabilizing at 3 months in 2024, down from a peak of 4.7 months in 2022. This is great news for applicants who rely on timely work authorization to begin or continue employment in the U.S.

The quicker processing time for I-765 applications benefits both individuals and employers, reducing the uncertainty surrounding work eligibility and allowing immigrants to join the workforce or renew their work permits without extended delays.

Volatility in I-140 Processing

While improvements have been seen for some forms, the I-140 (Immigrant Petition for Alien Workers) continues to experience volatility in its processing times. After peaking at 9.3 months in 2022, processing times dropped significantly to 4.3 months in 2023, only to rise again to 6.9 months in 2024.

This unpredictability can create challenges for employers and workers alike. For businesses relying on foreign talent, the inconsistent processing times may disrupt hiring plans or delay key employees’ ability to work in the U.S. Applicants should be aware of this ongoing volatility and plan their applications accordingly to avoid unexpected delays.

Gradual Improvements in Travel Document Processing (I-131)

The I-131 (Application for Travel Document), used for Advance Parole, has also shown a slow but steady improvement. Processing times reached 7.7 months in 2021, but by 2024, this has decreased to 6 months. While this is a positive trend, it still means applicants may face extended wait times if they need to travel outside the U.S. while awaiting immigration decisions.

COVID-19’s Impact on Processing Times

It is worth mentioning that processing times across various forms were impacted by the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly during 2020 and 2021. However, the improvements seen in 2023 and 2024 suggest that USCIS has been working to catch up on backlogs and improve efficiency.

Looking Ahead: What These Trends Mean for Applicants

Overall, the data from 2024 presents a mixed but generally positive outlook for USCIS processing times. The improvements in I-485 and I-765 processing are promising, particularly for employment-based immigrants who rely on faster adjudication to secure permanent residency and work authorization. However, the volatility in I-140 petitions serves as a reminder that certain categories remain unpredictable.

For applicants, these trends underscore the importance of planning ahead and staying informed about the latest processing times. Filing applications early and working closely with legal counsel can help mitigate the impact of delays. Additionally, applicants should regularly check the USCIS website for updates on processing times specific to their form type.

Conclusion

As 2024 unfolds, the trends in USCIS processing times offer both optimism and caution. While green card and work permit processing times are improving, certain forms such as the I-140 remain less predictable. By staying proactive and informed, applicants and employers can better navigate the U.S. immigration system and manage their expectations regarding processing timelines.