Track processing times, approval rates, and field office performance across 198 countries and 63 USCIS offices.
Countries of Origin
By Visa Type
Longest Processing Times
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Fastest Field Offices
Slowest Field Offices
Highest Approval Rate Visa Types
Immigration by State
Frequently Asked Questions
Where does this data come from?
All data comes from two primary sources: USCIS quarterly case status reports, which provide processing times and approval rates by form type and field office, and the DHS Yearbook of Immigration Statistics, which provides annual totals by country of origin and visa category. We process data for the most common immigration forms including I-485 (adjustment of status/green card), N-400 (naturalization), I-589 (asylum), I-130 (family-based petition), and I-129 (nonimmigrant worker petition). This is the same data immigration attorneys use to advise clients on expected timelines.
What is a Pipeline Score?
The Pipeline Score grades USCIS field offices on overall processing efficiency using three weighted factors: processing time compared to the national average (40%), approval rate (30%), and backlog trend direction over the last four quarters (30%). An office that processes cases faster than average with a stable or declining backlog scores well. An office with growing backlogs and below-average approval rates scores poorly. This score helps applicants understand whether their local field office is likely to process their case quickly or slowly relative to the national norm.
How often is this updated?
USCIS releases updated processing time and case completion data on a quarterly basis. We process and publish each update within one week of release. Because immigration data is inherently backward-looking (it reflects cases already completed, not cases currently in progress), actual wait times for pending applications may differ from the published averages. We recommend checking your specific field office and form type for the most relevant processing estimate.
Why do processing times vary so much by field office?
Processing times can differ by months or even years between USCIS field offices due to several factors: local caseload volume, staffing levels, the complexity mix of cases received, and regional immigration patterns. Offices in major metro areas like New York, Los Angeles, and Miami typically handle higher volumes and may have longer wait times. Some offices specialize in certain visa types, which can create bottlenecks. USCIS has been working to reduce disparities through case transfers between offices, but significant variation persists.
What is the difference between immigrant and nonimmigrant visas?
Immigrant visas (green cards) provide permanent resident status and a path to U.S. citizenship. They include family-based categories (I-130), employment-based categories (EB-1 through EB-5), and the diversity visa lottery. Nonimmigrant visas are temporary and include work visas (H-1B, L-1), student visas (F-1), and visitor visas (B-1/B-2). Each category has its own application process, eligibility requirements, and processing timeline. Our data covers both immigrant and nonimmigrant categories so you can compare processing times across the full spectrum of visa types.
What does approval rate mean and why does it matter?
The approval rate is the percentage of completed applications that result in an approval (as opposed to a denial, withdrawal, or administrative closure). Approval rates vary significantly by form type, country of origin, and field office. For example, N-400 naturalization applications have historically high approval rates (above 90%), while I-589 asylum applications have much lower and more variable rates. Tracking approval rates by field office can reveal patterns that may be useful for applicants deciding where to file or what to expect from the process.