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The I-140 processing time is an important aspect of the immigration process for those seeking to work in the United States. The I-140, or Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker, is a crucial step in obtaining permanent residency in the U.S. for foreign workers. The processing time for the I-140 can vary greatly depending on several factors, and it is important to understand these factors in order to better plan for your immigration process.
Understanding the I-140 Processing Time
The I-140 processing time is determined by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). The USCIS has the responsibility of processing all I-140 petitions, and they have established guidelines for processing times.
| Category | Office | 80% of cases are completed within |
|---|---|---|
| Extraordinary ability (E11) | Nebraska Service Center | 21.5 Months |
| Extraordinary ability (E11) | Texas Service Center | 23 Months |
| Outstanding professor or researcher (E12) | Nebraska Service Center | 7 Months |
| Outstanding professor or researcher (E12) | Texas Service Center | 6 Months |
| Multinational executive or manager (E13) | Nebraska Service Center | 9.5 Months |
| Multinational executive or manager (E13) | Texas Service Center | 11 Months |
| Advanced degree or exceptional ability (E21) | Nebraska Service Center | 2.5 Months |
| Advanced degree or exceptional ability (E21) | Texas Service Center | 3.5 Months |
| Skilled worker or professional (E31; E32) | Nebraska Service Center | 3.5 Months |
| Skilled worker or professional (E31; E32) | Texas Service Center | 7.5 Months |
| Unskilled worker (EW3) | Nebraska Service Center | 3.5 Months |
| Unskilled worker (EW3) | Texas Service Center | 9.5 Months |
| Advanced degree or exceptional ability requesting a National Interest Waiver (NIW) | Nebraska Service Center | 12 Months |
| Advanced degree or exceptional ability requesting a National Interest Waiver (NIW) | Texas Service Center | 11.5 Months |
| Schedule A Nurses | Nebraska Service Center | 4 Months |
| Schedule A Nurses | Texas Service Center | 4 Months |
Factors That Affect the I-140 Processing Time
There are several factors that can impact the processing time for an I-140 petition. Some of these factors include:
- The type of visa being sought
- The location of the petitioner
- The type of petition (regular or premium)
- The workload of the USCIS service center processing the petition
- The completeness of the petition and supporting documents
The Type of Visa Being Sought
The type of visa being sought can have a significant impact on the I-140 processing time. For example, those seeking an EB-1 visa for individuals with extraordinary ability or an EB-2 visa for individuals with advanced degrees or exceptional ability may have a shorter processing time compared to those seeking an EB-3 visa for skilled workers or professionals.
The Location of the Petitioner
The location of the petitioner can also impact the I-140 processing time. The USCIS has several service centers located throughout the U.S., and the processing time can vary depending on the service center processing the petition. For example, the processing time at the California Service Center may be faster or slower than the processing time at the Vermont Service Center.
The Type of Petition (Regular or Premium)
The type of petition, either regular or premium, can also impact the I-140 processing time. A premium petition is expedited and typically results in a faster processing time compared to a regular petition. However, a premium petition also requires a higher filing fee.
The Workload of the USCIS Service Center Processing the Petition
The workload of the USCIS service center processing the petition can also impact the I-140 processing time. During periods of high demand, the USCIS may experience delays in processing times. On the other hand, during periods of low demand, the USCIS may be able to process petitions more quickly.
The Completeness of the Petition and Supporting Documents
The completeness of the petition and supporting documents is another factor that can impact the I-140 processing time. If the USCIS receives a complete petition with all the required supporting documents, they will be able to process the petition more quickly. However, if the USCIS receives an incomplete petition or missing supporting documents, they will have to request additional information, which can result in delays in the processing time.
Conclusion
The I-140 processing time can vary greatly depending on several factors, including the type of visa being sought, the location of the petitioner, the type of petition, the workload of the USCIS service center processing the petition, and the completeness of the petition and supporting documents. It is important to understand these factors in order to better plan for your immigration process and ensure a smooth and efficient experience
