USCIS releases 2026 processing times, showing reduced delays for key applications

The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has published its official processing statistics for fiscal year 2026, offering insights into how long the agency takes to resolve various immigration applications. The data, covering the period from October 1, 2025, to May 31, 2026, presents national median processing times for key forms.

According to the reports, several procedures that previously experienced multi-year backlogs have seen substantial reductions. For instance, the N-400 form for citizenship applications now has a median processing time of 6.9 months, a decrease from previous years. For the I-765 form, used to apply for employment authorization, most categories report resolution times between one and six months, though some linked to pending adjustment of status processes may take longer.

The statistics also highlight the impact of premium processing, an expedited service available for certain forms that significantly reduces resolution times. For the I-129 form, used for non-immigrant workers, premium processing offers a nearly immediate median resolution time, compared to approximately 5.3 months for the regular process. Similarly, the I-140 form for immigrant workers is processed in a minimum of 1.1 months with premium service, versus 3.7 months through the regular channel.

USCIS provides official tools for applicants to check estimated processing times and the status of their cases. Users can find the average timeframe by selecting the specific form, category, and processing office. The agency emphasizes that published times are statistical references based on resolved cases and do not guarantee individual case timelines.