U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, or USCIS, is currently dealing with a significant backlog and, as a result, the current processing times are extremely long. Every month, USCIS extends the processing times so very few pending cases actually get adjudicated.

As of Sept. 30, 2021, the processing times for I-129 petitions are six to eight months. However, the current processing times for the I-360 are 20.5-27 months. Employers should contact their attorneys to discuss any available options.

The processing times for the I-485 application depend on the Service Center where the case is pending. At this time, the processing times for the California Service Center, Nebraska Service Center and Texas Service Center is 10-18.5 months.

The processing times for the I-765 Employment Authorization Application and the I-131 Application for Travel Document at the California Service Center is currently 20-21.5 months, at the Nebraska Service Center it is 9.5-10.5 months and at Texas Service Center it is 10-10.5 months. We recommend filing the renewal of employment authorization and advance parole once eligible, which is 6 months before the expiration date on the employment authorization card.

We will continue to monitor the processing times for these petitions and applications and provide updates as they arise. If you have any questions, please contact your RIS Attorney.