USCIS Case Processing Times 2026 | Complete Guide

Navigating U.S. immigration usually feels like one big waiting game.
If you are reading this in 2026, you probably aren’t looking for a lesson on government regulations. You likely have just one burning question:
“How long is this actually going to take?”
The answer for February 2026 is a mixed bag. Depending on what you filed, you might see a surprisingly fast approval (student work permits are moving at record speed right now), or you might be facing a long test of patience (especially for family petitions).
We created this guide to replace the rumors with reality. Below, we’ll cut through the confusion to show you exactly what USCIS processing time trends look like this month, and how to accurately check your case status.

2026 Policy Alert: Two Things That Will Get Your Case Rejected

USCIS has strict new rules for 2026. Ignore these, and your application will be returned (rejected) immediately.
The “Inflation” Fee Hike: USCIS increased filing fees again in 2026. If you send a check for the old 2024 or 2025 amount, the mailroom will reject your package without even opening it. Always check the G-1055 Fee Schedule on the day you file.
Signature Rules: All forms must have a wet-ink (original pen) signature unless filed online. A stamped or typed name will result in a rejection.

Current Processing Trends (February 2026)

Processing times are dynamic and depend heavily on the specific Service Center handling your file. In 2026, USCIS has continued its efforts to redistribute caseloads to balance wait times.
Here is the current operational snapshot for major benefit categories:

Note: For consular processing (applicants outside the U.S.), the USCIS approval is only the first step. Subsequent processing by the National Visa Center (NVC) and local U.S. embassies may add significant time to these estimates.

How to Accurately Check Your Estimated Wait Time

USCIS offers an official, fact-based service for you to get an estimate on how long it will likely take to process your case based on your individual circumstances. Whether you want to check your I-485 processing time, I-129, or even I-131, you can check the status correctly.

Steps to Follow:

Step 1: Locate Your Service Center: 

Check the bottom left corner of your Receipt Notice (Form I-797C). This indicates which office (e.g., Texas, Nebraska, Potomac, National Benefits Center) holds your file.

Step 2: Access the Official Data: 

Visit the  USCIS Processing Times page

Step 3: Input Case Details: 

Select your specific Form and Form Category.

Step 4: Review the “80% Completion” Metric: 

The result shows the time it takes USCIS to adjudicate 80% of cases.

If Your Case is Outside Normal Processing Times:

On the same page, below the processing time, you will find the “Get Enquiry Date” option. If your case has been pending past the enquiry date, you are eligible to submit an e-Request directly through the USCIS website to inquire about the delay.

How to Use the “Case Status Online” Tool

The USCIS Case Status Online tool is the fastest way to see the latest action on your application without logging in.

1. Find Your Receipt Number

Look at your receipt notice (Form I-797C). The number is 13 characters long, starting with 3 letters like IOE, EAC, WAC, LIN, or SRC.

• IOE: Filed online (or digitally processed).
• MSC/NBC: National Benefits Center.
• SRC: Texas Service Center.
• EAC: Vermont Service Center.
• WAC: California Service Center.
• LIN: Nebraska Service Center.

2. Enter It Correctly

• Type it exactly as shown.
• Do not use dashes (-) or spaces.
• Do not include the “CASE TYPE” or other words.

3. Interpret Your Status

• “Case Was Received”: They have it, but haven’t started working on it yet.
• “Case Is Being Actively Reviewed”: A background check or officer is looking at it. (Note: It can stay in this status for months!).
• “Request for Evidence (RFE) Sent”: Stop! They need more info. Check your mail immediately.
• “Card Was Produced”: Congratulations! Your Green Card or EAD is being printed and will be mailed soon.

The RFE Survival Guide: What If You Receive One?

You don’t need to be afraid after the RFE notification.

What is an RFE?

A “Request for Evidence.” It means USCIS needs one more thing (e.g., a clearer birth certificate, more tax returns) before they can approve you. It is NOT a denial.

How fast does USCIS respond to an RFE?

• Standard: Once you send your response, the “clock” restarts. In 2026, it typically takes USCIS 60 days to make a final decision after they receive your RFE response.
• Premium Processing: If you paid for Premium, they must decide within 15 calendar days of receiving your RFE response.

The Hidden Wait: “Lockbox” Delays in 2026

Before your case even starts “processing,” it has to be opened. In 2026, this is taking longer than usual.

What is a Lockbox?

It is the intake facility (usually in Chicago, Phoenix, or Dallas) where you mail your package. They open the mail, cash your check, and issue your Receipt Notice.

Current Reality:

• Standard Wait: 3–4 weeks to get a text/email receipt.
• Delays: Some applicants are waiting 4–6 weeks just to get their receipt notice (I-797C).
• Don’t Panic: If your check hasn’t been cashed in 30 days, do not file a second application yet. This creates a duplicate filing mess. Wait at least 60 days before emailing the lockbox support.​

How to Speed Up Your Case (Yes, It’s Possible)

Premium Processing

For certain employment-based forms, you can pay an extra fee to get a guaranteed response in 15–45 business days.
Who Can Use It:

• Form I-129: H-1B, L-1, O-1 petitions.
• Form I-140: Employment Green Cards (EB-1, EB-2, EB-3).
• Form I-765: Only for F-1 Students (OPT/STEM OPT).
• Form I-539: Change of status to F-1, J-1, or M-1 students.

Cost (2026): Fees have increased! Expect to pay between $1,780 and $2,965, depending on your form.

How to File: Submit Form I-907 (Request for Premium Processing Service).

Use a USCIS Online Account

Stop waiting for the mail. Creating a free USCIS Online Account allows you to see instant updates, view your receipt notices as PDFs, and respond to RFEs digitally.

A Detailed List of USCIS Forms

Processing times at USCIS vary depending on the form. Here’s a category-wise list of forms you need while filing your application:

Family & Marriage-Based Petitions

Primary forms for sponsoring relatives and maintaining family unity.

• I-130: Petition for Alien Relative
• I-129F: Petition for Alien Fiancé(e)
• I-751: Petition to Remove Conditions on Residence
• I-600/A: Orphan Petitions
• I-800/A:  Convention Adoptee Petitions
• I-817: Application for Family Unity Benefits

Employment & Investment

Forms related to temporary work visas and permanent employment-based immigration.

• I-129: Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker
• I-140: Immigrant Petition for Alien Workers
• I-765: Application for Employment Authorization
• I-526: Immigrant Petition by Standalone Investor
• I-829: Petition by Entrepreneur to Remove Conditions
• I-129CW: Petition for CNMI-Only Nonimmigrant

Adjustment of Status & Permanent Residence

Forms used to finalize or maintain Lawful Permanent Resident (LPR) status.

• I-485: Application to Register Permanent Residence
• I-90: Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card
• I-131: Application for Travel Document Requesting
• I-407: Record of Abandonment of LPR Status
• I-693: Report of Immigration Medical Examination

Humanitarian & Special Programs

Forms designated for protection, asylum, and victims of crime.

• I-589: Application for Asylum
• I-730: Refugee/Asylee Relative Petition
• I-918: Petition for a U Nonimmigrant Status
• I-914: Application for T Nonimmigrant Status
• I-360: Petition for Amerasian, Widow(er), or Special Immigrant
• I-821: Application for Temporary Protected Status
• I-821D: Consideration of DACA

Waivers & Legal Adjudications

Forms used to overcome grounds of inadmissibility or appeal decisions.

• I-601: Waiver of Grounds of Inadmissibility
• I-601A: Provisional Unlawful Presence Waiver
• I-212: Application for Permission to Reapply
• I-290B: Notice of Appeal or Motion
• I-539: Application to Extend/Change Status

Get Expert Help With Your USCIS Case

Understanding USCIS case processing times is just the first step. If you’re facing delays, denials, or simply want to ensure your application is done right the first time, working with an experienced immigration attorney can make all the difference.

The Law Office of Abhisha Parikh specializes in navigating complex USCIS cases—from family petitions to employment visas and waivers. Don’t let paperwork errors cost you months of waiting. Schedule a consultation today and get personalized guidance for your immigration journey.

FAQs

Why is my case taking longer than the posted processing time?

The processing times posted are “median,” and 50% of cases are processed in that amount of time, while the other 50% take longer. The delay is usually caused by a security background check (FBI delay), or by a lack of evidence (RFE), or simply by backlogs at a particular Service Center. If your case is way overdue, you can submit an “e-Request” on the USCIS website.

Can I travel while my Green Card application (I-485) is pending?

Generally, no, unless you possess an authorized Advance Parole (Form I-131) or have a valid dual-intent visa (such as H-1B or L-1). Departing the U.S. without these safeguards in place will result in USCIS treating your application as “abandoned,” which means you will need to begin the process all over again.

Does USCIS’s premium processing guarantee an approval?

No. Though paying for Premium Processing does guarantee a response within 15 business days (form-dependent), that response can be an approval, a denial, or a Request For Evidence (RFE). It just makes the decision faster, not the result.