Latest News

1) Processing Times and Case Status

Applications are processed in the order they are received by application type. The average processing times for all applications are posted on our website. Processing times are an estimate of how long it will take to complete your case. Each case is different; so some cases may take longer than others. You can use your receipt to check your case status on Case Status Online (See the "Related Links" section of this page). Please be advised that we will only research your case if it is beyond our posted processing times (You can also find a link to processing times in the Related Links section).

The processing times are for applications that have been just completed. If you have just filed your application, these timeframes may not reflect how long your application will take to be completed. We encourage you to check processing times before inquiring about your case. The processing times are updated monthly.

USCIS has received a significant increase in the number of applications filed. In July and August, nearly 2.5 million applications and petitions of all types were received. This compares to 1.2 million applications and petitions received in the same time period last year. This fiscal year, we received 1.4 million applications for naturalization; nearly double the volume we received the year before. The agency is working to improve processes and focus increased resources, including hiring approximately 1,500 new employees, to address this workload.

As a result, average processing times for certain application types may become longer. In particular, naturalization applications filed after June 1, 2007 may take approximately 16 - 18 months to process.

When your application is received by a USCIS Service Center or the National Benefits Center, we will mail you a receipt notice. The receipt notice will have all of the important information you need about your case. With your receipt number you can check the status of your case on our website and also register on our website for automatic case status updates as we process your case.

For more information about when and how to contact us, whether your case is outside our processing time, or if there are other issues, please see our customer guide Case Services - How Do I... know what kind of services are available to me after I file my application or petition? also available in the Related Links section of this page.

2) USCIS Issues Update on Permanent Resident Card Replacement Proposal

On August 22, 2007, USCIS published a proposed regulation in the Federal Register that, when implemented, would require lawful permanent residents to replace permanent resident cards (Form I-551) with no expiration date. USCIS accepted public comments on this proposal for 30 days until September 21, 2007. USCIS is currently reviewing the 298 comments received during the public comment period.

This proposed rule in no way affects the current validity of these permanent resident cards. Permanent residents who possess these cards may continue to use them as proof of permanent residency when traveling, when seeking employment, and at any time such proof is required.

After USCIS has reviewed and considered the comments generated by the proposed rule the agency will publish a final rule. USCIS cannot provide a time frame for when the review will be concluded or when the final rule will be published.

The final rule, once published, will explain the process to replace these green cards. The final rule will also set the time period during which USCIS will accept applications to replace these cards. To date, no time frame has been set.

When the period for submitting applications has ended, USCIS will determine how long it will take to adjudicate the applications received. USCIS will then publish a notice in the Federal Register establishing the date after which permanent resident cards with no expiration date are no longer valid. This will ensure that affected customers who have submitted their applications will receive their new cards before the validity of their old cards expires.

Customers who hold these permanent resident cards with no expiration date may replace their cards now, but there is currently no requirement to do so.

USCIS believes that the replacement of these cards is vital to the security of the immigration process. New cards will provide the agency with an opportunity to update the photograph and biometrics on the card. It will also provide the cardholder with a card containing greater security features and remove from circulation different versions of the same card.

3) USCIS Reminds Employers to Use New Form I-9

After December 26, 2007, employers who fail to use the new Form I-9 may be subject to all applicable penalties. All employers are required to complete a Form I-9 for each new employee hired in the United States.