How long should it take for the USCIS to process my adjustment of status application?
If you are seeking a visa to come to the U.S. to work, study, or perform, one of your top concerns will likely be how long it will take for your application to be processed. The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is tasked with processing the majority of visa applications. Average processing times depend upon statistics for the year, how complete your application is, and any external factors. Our New York immigration lawyers at NPZ Law Group, P.C. discuss what processing times you should expect if you are seeking a visa and how the government shutdown could impact your visa below.
Historical Processing Times.
The USCIS has released a table compiling average processing times broken down by year and type of visa or other immigration application. The database reveals that in recent months, processing times by the USCIS have increased for many visa types. For example, a Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, took an average of ten months during 2018, up from just six months in 2016. Petitions to register an adjustment of status (Form I-485) are taking around 12 months for employment-based adjustments, double the time it took to process these applications in 2015.
Anyone who will be seeking a visa for themselves an employee, or a loved one should visit the USCIS website for more information about the anticipated processing times. If your application is taking longer than anticipated, you can check your case status online. If you are not receiving the help you need from the USCIS for a delayed application, contact an immigration lawyer for more assistance. Your immigration and nationality attorney can assist you in delving into the reason for the delay and potentially expediting the process.
The Government Shutdown and USCIS Processing.
The current government shutdown aimed at securing funding to build the border wall near Mexico is now the longest in history. A portion of the government has been shut down for close to four weeks and, with negotiations stalled, there is no end in sight. The good news is that many USCIS services are still available during this time. The USCIS offers mainly fee-based services, so you should be able to submit your petition and undergo your interview like normal. However, it is reasonable to anticipate some delays and you should be aware that the E-verify program may not be operational. Feel free to contact the caring immigration lawyers at NPZ Law Group, P.C. for more assistance. Our Immigration and Nationality Firm offers a high-level of client recommendations and will usher you through the immigration process.
If you should have any questions or need more information about the ways in which the U.S. Immigration and Nationality Laws may impact you, your family, your friends or your colleagues, please contact the U.S. Immigration and Nationality Lawyers at the NPZ Law Group – VISASERVE – U.S. Immigration and Nationality Lawyers by e-mailing us at info@visaserve.com or by calling us at 201-670-0006 (x107). For more up-to-date immigration and nationality law information you can also visit our Law Firm’s website at www.visaserve.com.