Updated USCIS Processing Time Data

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2022, 2023, and 2024 median processing times for Forms I-765, I-90, and I-485.

USCIS released updated case processing time averages April 3, 2024. A chart and graph of the median processing times for some common forms are below showing 2022 (blue), 2023 (red), and thus far in 2024 (green) as of today. FORM Classification or Basis for Filing 2022 2023 2024 I-765 Based on a pending asylum application 9.2 1.6 0.6 I-765 Based on adjustment of status application 6.7 5.5 3.6 I-765 Based on parole 1.1 1.3 0.9 I-821 Request to register for TPS 10.2 11.8 8.7 I-485 Based on family-based petition 10.6 11.4 9.4 I-130 Immediate Relative 10.3 11.8 11 N-400 Application for naturalization 10.5 6.1 5.2 I-131 Application for advance parole document 7.3 5.8 4.4 I-90 Replacement or renewal of LPR card 1.2 9.1 3.3 source: https://www.uscis.gov/sites/default/files/document/fact-sheets/historical_pt_factsheet_fy16_to_fy24.pdf Source: https://www.uscis.gov/sites/default/files/document/fact-sheets/historical_pt_factsheet_fy16_to_fy24.pdf

Third Gender Option Added to Form N-400, Application for Naturalization

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USCIS adds an option for a third gender on application

The 04/01/24 edition of Form N-400 is the first USCIS form to include the “X” gender option. Today, April 1, 2024, US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has made a big announcement that we hope isn’t a bad April Fool’s Day joke of some kind. USCIS’ update to their policies take effect immediately. Applicants filing the 04/01/2024 edition of Form N-400 on or after April 1, 2024, will have the option of choosing “m” (for male), “f” (for female), or “X” as a gender option on the form. USCIS issued a Policy Alert on April 1, 2024, PA-2024-08, which explains this change to the Department of Homeland Security’s policy. This is reflected in an update to the USCIS Policy Manual as well. What is “X” Gender? The X gender marking is intended for applicants who neither identify as being male nor female. This would be a blanket option covering any non-binary or gender fluid individuals who do not feel comfortable being referred to as a male or a female. Any gender that isn’t male or female would fall into this category. From the Policy Alert, “USCIS has determined that it will define “X” as “Another Gender Identity” for purposes of USCIS forms and secure identity documents. Transgender individuals have already had the option to select the gender they identify with per an earlier change to policy that allows for noncitizens to change their gender on USCIS ID documents quite easily without needing to provide any evidence. However, updating one’s gender on a certificate of naturalization that has already been issued can be a bit more tricky, so any applicant that may wish to change the gender that appears on their USCIS documents should do that before their certificate of naturalization is issued if possible. Will This Change Be Coming To All USCIS Forms? At the moment the change has only been made on the Form N-400. However, this change will be coming to other USCIS forms in the future, which they have confirmed in the Policy Alert stating: “USCIS anticipates that the additional gender option “X” will become available upon each form’s revision to incorporate the change, beginning with the Application for Naturalization (Form N-400).” USCIS Policy Alert, Availability of Additional Gender Options for Certain Benefit Requests, April 1, 2024; PA-2024-08 When Will This Option Become Available on Other USCIS Forms? According to the Policy Alert, “USCIS anticipates that the additional gender option “X” will become available upon each form’s revision to incorporate the change, beginning with the Application for Naturalization (Form N-400).” USCIS recommends that to determine what gender options are available for a particular form in the future, see the relevant USCIS form and related instructions. What if my N-400 is Already Pending? USCIS addressed this concern in the Policy Alert stating that Applicants who have a pending Form N-400 using the edition in effect before April 1, 2024, may request to update their gender on or after April 1, 2024, as well. Is there an X Gender Option if I am Requesting Residency or Another Immigration Benefit? For all other forms, individuals must wait until USCIS revises those forms to include the X gender option. USCIS explains this in the alert. The good news is that they also indicated that the change will be coming for other forms.

New USCIS Filing Fees Take Effect April 1, 2024

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New USCIS Filing Fees and policies take effect April 1, 2024. Some USCIS Forms have new Form Editions taking effect April 1, 2024 with no grace period. Updates to USCIS Filing Fees Most forms filed online are discounted by $50 now.  Most forms now have the $85 biometric services costs incorporated into the main benefit fee.  (Temporary Protected Status and the filings accepted on behalf of the Executive Office for Immigration Review are exceptions). So no need to pay a separate $85 fee with the new higher filing fee.  Form I-485, I-131, and I-765 filing fees must be paid separately even if they are filed concurrently. Individuals seeking adjustment of status will pay $260 (half standard filing fee) for Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization, if they paid the full fee for a concurrently filed or pending adjustment application; Naturalization applicants filing Form N-400 who have incomes between 150% and 400% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines will pay $380 If requesting a reduced fee on Form N-400 you can check the box on the N-400 and do not need to file a separate Form I-942. New USCIS Form Editions There will be no grace period for the following new forms, however, because they must be revised with a new fee calculation. Filers should click the links below to access a preview version of each new form edition prior to the April 1, 2024, effective date: USICS says they will use the postmark date of a filing to determine which form version and fees are correct, but will use the received date for purposes of any regulatory or statutory filing deadlines. Visit uscis.gov for latest revision of the new USCIS Form Editions. See this webpage for more information. New Fee Schedule Table For each relevant form, the following table compares the previously enacted fee, the fee from the January 2023 Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM), and the final rule fee that goes into effect on April 1, 2024. USCIS also post an updated comprehensive fee schedule on the Fee Schedule webpage. Type of Filing Current Fee(s) NPRM Fee(s) Final Fee(s) Current vs. Final Fees I-90 Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card (online filing) $455 $455 $415 -$40 -9% I-90 Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card (online filing) (with biometric services) $540 $455 $415 -$125 -23% I-90 Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card (paper filing) $455 $465 $465 $10 2% I-90 Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card (paper filing) (with biometric services) $540 $465 $465 -$75 -14% I-102 Application for Replacement/Initial Nonimmigrant Arrival-Departure Document $445 $680 $560 $115 26% I-129 H-1B $460 $780 $780 $320 70% I-129 H-1B (small employers and nonprofits) $460 $780 $460 $0 0% I-129 H-2A – Named Beneficiaries $460 $1,090 $1,090 $630 137% I-129 H-2A – Named Beneficiaries (small employers and nonprofits) $460 $1,090 $545 $85 18% I-129 H-2A – Unnamed Beneficiaries $460 $530 $530 $70 15% I-129 H-2A – Unnamed Beneficiaries (small employers and nonprofits) $460 $530 $460 $0 0% I-129 H-2B – Named Beneficiaries $460 $1,080 $1,080 $620 135% I-129 H-2B – Named Beneficiaries (small employers and nonprofits) $460 $1,080 $540 $80 17% I-129 H-2B – Unnamed Beneficiaries $460 $580 $580 $120 26% I-129 H-2B – Unnamed Beneficiaries (small employers and nonprofits) $460 $580 $460 $0 0% I-129 Petition for L Nonimmigrant workers $460 $1,385 $1,385 $925 201% I-129 Petition for L Nonimmigrant workers (small employers and nonprofits) $460 $1,385 $695 $235 51% I-129 Petition for O Nonimmigrant workers $460 $1,055 $1,055 $595 129% I-129 Petition for O Nonimmigrant workers (small employers and nonprofits) $460 $1,055 $530 $70 15% I-129CW CNMI-Only Nonimmigrant Transitional Worker and I-129 Petition for Nonimmigrant Worker: E, H-3, P, Q, R, or TN Classifications $460 $1,015 $1,015 $555 121% I-129CW CNMI-Only Nonimmigrant Transitional Worker and I-129 Petition for Nonimmigrant Worker: E, H-3, P, Q, R, or TN Classifications (with biometric services) $545 $1,015 $1,015 $470 85% I-129CW Petition for a CNMI-Only Nonimmigrant Transitional Worker and I-129 Petition for Nonimmigrant Worker: E, H-3, P, Q, R, or TN Classifications (small employers and nonprofits) $460 $1,015 $510 $50 11% I-129CW Petition for a CNMI-Only Nonimmigrant Transitional Worker and I-129 Petition for Nonimmigrant Worker: E, H-3, P, Q, R, or TN Classifications (small employers and nonprofits) (with biometric services) $545 $1,015 $510 -$35 -6% I-129F Petition for Alien Fiancé(e) $535 $720 $675 $140 26% I-130 Petition for Alien Relative (online filing) $535 $710 $625 $90 17% I-130 Petition for Alien Relative (paper filing) $535 $820 $675 $140 26% I-131 Application for Travel Document $575 $630 $630 $55 10% I-131 Application for Travel Document (with biometric services) $660 $630 $630 -$30 -5% I-131 Refugee Travel Document for an individual age 16 or older $135 $165 $165 $30 22% I-131 Refugee Travel Document for an individual age 16 or older (with biometric services) $220 $165 $165 -$55 -25% I-131 Refugee Travel Document for a child under the age of 16 $105 $135 $135 $30 29% I-131 Refugee Travel Document for a child under the age of 16 (with biometric services) $190 $135 $135 -$55 -29% I-131A Application for Travel Document (Carrier Documentation) $575 $575 $575 $0 0% I-140 Immigrant Petition for Alien Workers $700 $715 $715 $15 2% I-191 Application for Relief Under Former Section 212(c) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) $930 $930 $930 $0 0% I-192 Application for Advance Permission to Enter as Nonimmigrant (CBP) $585 $1,100 $1,100 $515 88% I-192 Application for Advance Permission to Enter as Nonimmigrant (USCIS) $930 $1,100 $1,100 $170 18% I-193 Application for Waiver of Passport and/or Visa $585 $695 $695 $110 19% I-212 Application for Permission to Reapply for Admission into the U.S. After Deportation or Removal $930 $1,395 $1,175 $245 26% I-290B Notice of Appeal or Motion $675 $800 $800 $125 19% I-360 Petition for Amerasian, Widow(er), or Special Immigrant $435 $515 $515 $80 18% I-485 Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status $1,140 $1,540 $1,440 $300 26% I-485 Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status (with biometric services) $1,225 $1,540 $1,440 $215 18% I-485 Application to Register Permanent Residence or … Read more

How to Update Your Personal Information With USCIS

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Updating Personal Information with USCIS

Changing Personal Information With USCIS If there are changes to your personal information that you need to update with USCIS such as your name and/or gender you have two potential options. If you have been scheduled for an interview at a USCIS Field Office, you can update your information at that interview. Otherwise, you can follow the procedures from the USCIS website, which are described below. Name Change If you would like to update the name reflected on your document, you must provide sufficient evidence of your name change, such as: — a court order; — marriage certificate; — divorce decree; or — other vital document record. For more information, see USCIS Policy Manual Volume 12, Citizenship and Naturalization, Part K, Certificates of Citizenship and Naturalization, Chapter 4, Replacement of Certificate of Citizenship or Naturalization. Gender Change As of March 31, 2023, you do not need to provide supporting evidence to change the gender listed on your immigration documents (with a limited exception). Note: As of April 1, 2024, USCIS provides the option “X” for gender in addition to “m” for male and “f” for female on the Form N-400 Application for Naturalization. USCIS has stated that this option will be coming to more of their forms in the future. If you want to update your gender information on a Certificate of Naturalization or Certificate of Citizenship, you must still provide the required supporting documentation of the change, as listed in the Form N-565, Application for Replacement Naturalization/Citizenship Document instructions (PDF, 263.39 KB). For more information, see USCIS Policy Manual Volume 12, Citizenship and Naturalization, Part K, Certificates of Citizenship and Naturalization, Chapter 4, Replacement of Certificate of Citizenship or Naturalization. Changing Your Personal Information on Immigration Documents The table below provides information on how to request a biographic change on a specific document.   If your benefit request is still pending with USCIS, and you have not received a final decision notice or USCIS-issued document If you have already received your USCIS-issued document Employment Authorization Document (EAD) If you received a Request for Evidence (RFE) or interview notice: Provide the following in response to the RFE or at your interview:A letter explaining the change requested; andSupporting documentation of the change (if required).If you have an online account:Upload the following as new evidence to the pending application:A letter explaining the change requested; andSupporting documentation of the change (if required).If you do not have an online account:Email USCIS-updategenderinfo@uscis.dhs.gov  and request to change your name or gender marker or both.If you are seeking to make a correction due to a typographical error, please visit the “How to Request a correction to your notice or document (based on USCIS error)” section on this page. This email only handles formal name or gender marker changes.If you have Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) related matter or T or U visa related matter:Refer to the Contact Us webpage (Inquiries for VAWA, T, and U Filings section). Submit the following to USCIS:A new Form I-765;Applicable fees (see note);The EAD containing the incorrect information;A letter explaining the change requested; andSupporting documentation of the change (if required).File online (if eligible) or refer to the filing locations for Form I-765 webpage for mailing address information if filing by paper.Note on fees: If you are requesting a replacement EAD for an eligibility category based on a pending Form I-485 filed after July 30, 2007, that you paid a fee for, then you do not need to pay the Form I-765 filing fee. Green Card (Permanent Resident Card) If you received an RFE or interview notice:Provide the following in response to the RFE or at the interview:A letter explaining the change requested; andSupporting documentation of the change (if required).If you have an online account:Upload the following as new evidence to the pending application:A letter explaining the change requested; andSupporting documentation of the change (if required).If you do not have an online account:Email USCIS-updategenderinfo@uscis.dhs.gov and request to change your name or gender marker or both.If you are seeking to make a correction due to a typographical error, please visit the “How to Request a correction to your notice or document (based on USCIS error)” section on this page. This email only handles formal name or gender marker changes.If you have Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) related matter or T or U visa related matter:Refer to the Contact Us webpage (Inquiries for VAWA, T, and U Filings section). Submit the following to USCIS:Form I-90, Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card (Green Card);Applicable fees;The Green Card containing the incorrect information; andSupporting documentation to show what the correct information should be (see Form I-90 instructions (PDF, 361.11 KB) for examples).File online or refer to the Where to File section of the Form I-90 webpage for mailing address information if filing by paper. Travel Document (Such as an Advance Parole Document or Refugee Travel Document) If you received an RFE or interview notice: Provide the following in response to the RFE or at the interview:A letter explaining the change requested; andSupporting documentation of the change (if required).If you have an online account:Upload the following as new evidence to the pending application:A letter explaining the change requested; andSupporting documentation of the change (if required).If you do not have an online account:Email USCIS-updategenderinfo@uscis.dhs.gov and request to change your name or gender or both.If you are seeking to make a correction due to a typographical error, please visit the “How to Request a correction to your notice or document (based on USCIS error)” section on this page. This email only handles formal name or gender marker changes.If you have Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) related matter or T or U visa related matter: Refer to the Contact Us webpage (Inquiries for VAWA, T, and U Filings section). Submit the following to USCIS:A new Form I-131 (select the filing category for the type of travel document being requested);Applicable fees (see note);The travel document containing the incorrect information; andSupporting documentation of the change (if required).Refer to the filing addresses for Form I-131 webpage for mailing address information. (Online filing is currently not available for Form I-131.) Note on fees: If you are requesting a replacement Advance Parole Document and have a pending Form I-485 filed after July 30, … Read more

EOIR “Experiencing Intermittent Systemwide Outages”

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Email from EOIR on March 21, 2024, regarding system outages

Today, March 21, 2024, the Executive Office of Immigration Review (EOIR) sent out an email at 5:40 p.m. EST stating: EOIR has been experiencing intermittent systemwide outages and is working to ensure the issues are fully resolved. We will provide updates as appropriate, but please contact your local court with questions. We will issue new Notices of Hearing to those whose hearings were affected today. https://www.justice.gov/eoir/find-immigration-court-and-access-internet-based-hearings Since they provided the link to the internet-based hearings links, it seems they are referring to the Webex Virtual Hearings System. It also seemed that the Automated Case Status System Website was down earlier this afternoon. So if you had trouble accessing your Immigration Court Virtual Hearing today it wasn’t only you and there is no need to worry. The email from EOIR states that they will be sending out new hearing notices for those whose hearings were affected by the technical difficulties today.

2023 US IMMIGRATION DATA

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See admissions chart with complete data. NATURALIZATIONS YEAR NUMBER % Change 2023 217,000 -3 % 2022 224,000 Admissions Into The U.S. 2023 Class of admission Total Total all admissions (from PAS)1 60,900,000 Total I-94 admissions 30,750,195 Temporary workers and families 2,284,026 Temporary workers and trainees 1,697,411 CNMI-only transitional workers (CW1) 891 Spouses and children of CW1 (CW2) 206 Temporary workers in specialty occupations (H1B) 352,610 Chile and Singapore Free Trade Agreement aliens (H1B1) 1,125 Registered nurses participating in the Nursing Relief for Disadvantaged Areas (H1C) 0 Agricultural workers (H2A) 437,161 Nonagricultural workers (H2B) 73,295 Returning H2B workers (H2R)2 19 Trainees (H3) 570 Spouses and children of H1, H2, or H3 (H4) 113,960 Workers with extraordinary ability or achievement (O1) 51,507 Workers accompanying and assisting in performance of O1 workers (O2) 23,377 Spouses and children of O1 and O2 (O3) 7,794 Internationally recognized athletes or entertainers (P1) 55,932 Artists or entertainers in reciprocal exchange programs (P2) 5,552 Artists or entertainers in culturally unique programs (P3) 5,769 Spouses and children of P1, P2, or P3 (P4) 2,553 Workers in international cultural exchange programs (Q1) 1,340 Workers in religious occupations (R1) 5,824 Spouses and children of R1 (R2) 2,181 North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) professional workers (TN) 495,396 Spouses and children of TN (TD) 60,349 Intracompany transferees 334,131 Intracompany transferees (L1) 228,395 Spouses and Children of L1 (L2)3 247 Spouses of L1 (L2S)3 65,707 Children of L1 (L2Y)3 39,782 Treaty traders and investors 238,265 Treaty traders (E1) 32,402 Spouses of treaty traders (E1S)4 445 Children of treaty traders (E1Y)4 284 Treaty investors (E2) 179,330 Spouses of treaty investors (E2S)4 3,491 Children of treaty investors (E2Y)4 1,645 Treaty investors and their spouses and children (CNMI only) (E2C) 35 Australian Free Trade Agreement principals (E3) 19,827 Spouses of Australian Free Trade Agreement principals (E3S)4 730 Children of Australian Free Trade Agreement principals (E3Y)4 76 Representatives of foreign information media 14,219 Representatives of foreign information media and spouses and children (I1) 14,219 Students 737,264 Academic students (F1) 705,253 Spouses and children of F1 (F2) 26,215 Vocational students (M1) 5,357 Spouses and children of M1 (M2) 439 Exchange visitors 193,302 Exchange visitors (J1) 167,945 Spouses and children of J1 (J2) 25,357 Diplomats and other representatives 197,901 Ambassadors, public ministers, career diplomatic or consular officers and their families (A1) 18,117 Other foreign government officials or employees and their families (A2) 77,876 Attendants, servants, or personal employees of A1 and A2 and their families (A3) 308 Principals of recognized foreign governments (G1) 6,880 Other representatives of recognized foreign governments (G2) 8,655 Representatives of nonrecognized or nonmember foreign governments (G3) 541 International organization officers or employees (G4) 56,927 Attendants, servants, or personal employees of representatives (G5) 157 North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) officials, spouses, and children (N1 to N7) 28,440 Temporary visitors for pleasure 23,637,152 Temporary visitors for pleasure (B2) 16,797,614 Visa Waiver Program – temporary visitors for pleasure (WT) 6,582,615 Guam Visa Waiver Program – temporary visitors for pleasure to Guam (GT) 0 Guam – Commonwealth of Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI) Visa Waiver Program – temporary visitors for pleasure to Guam or Northern Mariana Islands (GMT) 256,923 Temporary visitors for business 3,326,377 Temporary visitors for business (B1) 2,327,204 Visa Waiver Program – temporary visitors for business (WB) 998,779 Guam Visa Waiver Program – temporary visitors for business to Guam (GB) 0 Guam – Commonwealth of Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI) Visa Waiver Program – temporary visitors for business to Guam or Northern Mariana Islands (GMB) 394 Transit aliens 347,152 Aliens in continuous and immediate transit through the United States (C1) 342,745 Aliens in transit to the United Nations (C2) 300 Foreign government officials, their spouses, children, and attendants in transit (C3) 4,107 Transit without visa (C4) 0 Commuter students 461 Canadian or Mexican national academic commuter students (F3) 461 Canadian or Mexican national vocational commuter students (M3) 0 Alien Fiancé(e)s of U.S. citizens and children 8,841 Fiancé(e)s of U.S. citizens (K1) 7,525 Children of K1 (K2) 1,316 Legal Immigration Family Equity (LIFE) Act 6 Spouses of U.S. citizens, visa pending (K3) 6 Children of U.S. citizens, visa pending (K4) 0 Spouses of permanent residents, visa pending (V1) 0 Children of permanent residents, visa pending (V2) 0 Dependents of V1 or V2, visa pending (V3) 0 Other 25 Irish Peace Process Cultural and Training Program aliens 0 Spouses and children of Q2 0 Parents of international organization special immigrants 25 Children of N8 or international organization special immigrants 0 Victims of a severe form of trafficking and spouses, children, parents, and siblings 0 Aliens suffering physical or mental abuse as victims of criminal activity and spouses, children, and parents 0 Unknown 17,688 Charts and graphs on this page are based on data from USCIS at https://www.dhs.gov/immigration-statistics/special-reports/legal-immigration