USCIS processing times have long been a source of uncertainty for applicants and their attorneys. Under the current administration, these timelines continue to fluctuate, but recent data and real-world examples suggest that, for many common case types, processing remains relatively efficient.
Marriage-Based Green Card Applications (Applicants Residing in the U.S.)
Recent cases from my clients illustrate the range of processing times for marriage-based Green Card applications:
- Case #1: Application received November 4, 2024; work permit approved December 9, 2024; Green Card interview scheduled for June 11, 2025.
- Case #2: Application received December 9, 2024; work permit approved March 27, 2025; Green Card interview scheduled for June 11, 2025.
- Case #3: Application received March 11, 2025; work permit approved May 3, 2025; interview not yet scheduled.
- Case #4: Application received April 9, 2025; work permit approved May 3, 2025; interview not yet scheduled.
These cases show work permit (EAD) approvals occurring in as little as one to four months, with Green Card interviews being scheduled roughly 7–8 months after application receipt for the earliest cases. This aligns closely with national median processing times for family-based adjustment of status (Form I-485), which is currently about 9.5 months for applicants within the U.S.
Naturalization (N-400) Applications
Recent naturalization cases from my clients include:
- Case #1: Application received October 17, 2024; interview scheduled May 8, 2025.
- Case #2: Application received December 9, 2024; interview scheduled May 5, 2025.
- Case #3: Application received February 3, 2025; interview scheduled June 5, 2025.
- Case #4: Application received February 10, 2025; interview scheduled June 11, 2025.
These timelines indicate interview scheduling about 5–7 months after application receipt. This matches the current national median for naturalization processing, which is 5.6 months—the fastest since 2016.
DACA Advance Parole
- Case #1: Application received November 22, 2024; approved April 8, 2025.
- Case #2: Application received January 6, 2025; approved March 21, 2025.
Processing times here range from about 2.5 to 4.5 months, which is faster than the national median for Form I-131 (Advance Parole), currently 6.4 months.
National Trends and Official Data on USCIS Processing Times
- USCIS Processing Times (2025): After notable improvements in 2024, processing times for most application types have begun to increase in 2025, except for fiancé visas. However, most applications are still being processed at or faster than pre-pandemic levels.
- Work Permits (EAD): Processing for employment authorization based on adjustment of status is among the fastest in recent years, with national medians at 1.9 months.
- Backlogs and Delays: While the agency reduced its backlog by 15% in 2023, some categories—especially those affected by policy shifts or staffing—are experiencing renewed delays. For example, as of March 2025, Green Card processing for refugees and asylees has been halted, contributing to growing backlogs in those categories.
Key Takeaways
- Processing times can vary widely depending on the type of application, field office, and individual circumstances.
- Marriage-based Green Card and naturalization cases are generally moving at a steady pace, with many cases processed within 6–10 months, based on both national data and real-world attorney experience.
- Work permits (EADs) are being approved relatively quickly, often within 1–4 months from the receipt date.
- Advance parole applications are also moving efficiently, with approvals in 2–6 months.
- Processing times can change without notice, and applicants are advised to check the USCIS website for the latest updates and consult with an immigration attorney for case-specific guidance.
I am pleasantly surprised that so far under this administration I have not seen any significant slowdowns in the USCIS processing times like anticipated. However, keep in mind that USCIS processing times can change at any time without notice.
This real-world client cases aligns with current national trends: while some categories are experiencing renewed delays, many common family-based and naturalization applications are still being processed efficiently under the current administration.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.
If you have questions about your immigration situation or are ready to get started on your case, you can schedule a consultation online through this link, or by calling my office at 801-883-8204.
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