I-140 Waiting Game
So you've filed your Form I-140 petition to become a permanent resident – congrats! But now comes the waiting game, and let's face it, it can be agonizing. How long will it take for USCIS to make a decision?
There's no one-size-fits-all answer, because the processing times depend on a few things:
Where Your Petition Lands: Different USCIS service centers have different workloads, so depending on where your petition gets sent, your wait time could vary.
The EB Category: There are different categories within the I-140 visa (EB-1, EB-2, EB-3) and each might have its own processing timeframe.
Extra Paperwork: Sometimes USCIS might request more evidence (called an RFE) to make a decision. This adds time to the process while you gather those documents.
How Long Can I Expect to Wait?
As of June 2024, here's a rough idea of current processing times, but remember, these can change:
Nebraska Service Center (NSC):
EB-1, EB-2, and EB-3 could take anywhere from 8.5 to 14.5 months.
Texas Service Center (TSC):
Similar to NSC, expect a wait of 10 to 15.5 months for all EB categories.
Speeding Up the Process:
There is a premium processing option for certain I-140 petitions. For a hefty $2,500 fee, USCIS guarantees a decision within 15 calendar days. But this option isn't available for everyone, so check the USCIS website for details.
Staying Informed:
The best way to stay on top of things is to:
USCIS Processing Times Page: This website (https://egov.uscis.gov/processing-times/) lets you see the most recent processing times by form and service center.
Case Status Check: Use your receipt number to track your specific case status on the USCIS website (https://egov.uscis.gov/).
Remember: The waiting game can be frustrating, but with a little research and some patience, you'll get through it!