How long does USCIS have to make a decision?

Asked by: Herbert Hodkiewicz  |  Last update: February 12, 2025
Score: 4.4/5 (1 votes)

USCIS has 120 days from the date of the initial naturalization interview to issue a decision. If the decision is not issued within 120 days of the interview, an applicant may request judicial review of his or her application in district court.

What happens if the USCIS case is taking too long?

If your case is outside normal processing times (beyond the time to complete 93% of adjudicated cases or beyond 130% of the cycle time), you will be provided a link for submitting an inquiry. If your case is within normal processing times, you will be provided an estimated date for when you can contact us.

What is the 120 day rule for USCIS?

Basically, if an N-400 decision isn't made within 120 days of the initial interview, applicants can go straight to a federal judge who can either decide the merits of the application (approve or deny it) or send it back to USCIS with instructions.

How long does USCIS have to make a decision after an interview?

After the Interview

(If you're lucky, your Oath of Allegiance ceremony may happen then, too.) Otherwise, they'll have up to 120 days after your interview to make a decision. You can expect one of three outcomes on your application: approval, denial, or continuation (see this guide for more details).

How long after an interview is a decision made?

In most instances, you can usually expect to hear back from the hiring company or HR department within one or two weeks after the interview – but the wait time can vary from industry to industry and company to company.

How Long Does It Take For USCIS To Make A Decision?

45 related questions found

Does USCIS approve without interview?

USCIS will evaluate your application and accompanying materials without requiring an in-person interview if you are eligible for an interview waiver. This can speed up the procedure, but make sure your application is complete and well-prepared.

How many cases does USCIS approve a day?

On an average day in FY 2023 we:

Process 3,800 applications to sponsor relatives and future spouses.

What is the USCIS 2 year rule?

Under these laws, J visa holders who meet certain criteria are not able to change status to or receive visas in the following categories until they have returned to their home countries for at least 2 years or until they receive waivers from USCIS: H, L, K, or immigrant lawful permanent resident (LPR).

What is the 3 for 1 rule USCIS?

Under the provision of USCIS, the "3-for-1 Rule" states that three years of relevant work experience is equal to one year of education.

How can I speed up my USCIS case?

If you have a USCIS online account and have access to secure messaging, you may select “expedite” as the reason for your inquiry and submit your request there. You generally need to justify your expedite request with evidence. When communicating with the Contact Center, you will be asked about supporting documentation.

Can I sue USCIS for delaying my case?

You may sue the USCIS if it is taking longer than usual to process or decide your case. For more information on eligibility, process and necessary documentation for these types of cases, visit our page on Lawsuits against the U.S. Immigration Service (USCIS).

Can I call USCIS to ask about my case?

If you have a previously filed, pending, or approved VAWA, T, or U-related case, you may call the USCIS Contact Center at 800-375-5283 (TTY: 800-767-1833) to request information about your case or certain services, such as an address change.

What happens if USCIS case is taking too long?

If your case is outside normal processing times (beyond the time to complete 93% of adjudicated cases or beyond 130% of the cycle time), you will be provided a link for submitting an inquiry. If your case is within normal processing times, you will be provided an estimated date for when you can contact us.

How do I force USCIS to make a decision?

If an immigration agency, such as U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) or the Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR), has failed to process or make a decision on an application or petition within a reasonable time frame, an individual may file a petition for a writ of mandamus to compel the agency ...

How do I know if USCIS is reviewing my case?

Online: Use the case status online tool to check for updates about your immigration case. You will need your 13-character receipt number from your application or petition. By phone: If you are calling from the U.S., contact the USCIS Contact Center at 1-800-375-5283 or TTY 1-800-767-1833.

What is the 240 day rule for USCIS?

When an employer timely files a petition for an employee in H-1B, H-1B1, O-1, E-3 or TN status to extend their employment in the same status, the employee may continue to work for the sponsoring employer for an additional 240 days beyond their current status end date. This is commonly referred to as the 240-day rule.

What is the five month rule USCIS?

If an F-1 student leaves the United States for more than 5 months and is not able to remain enrolled at the student's ICE SEVP-certified school, the student will not be able to maintain student status.

How many months away from the US will you break your permanent resident status?

Absences of more than 365 consecutive days

You must apply for a re-entry permit (Form I-131) before you leave the United States, or your permanent residence status will be considered abandoned. A re-entry permit enables you to be abroad for up to two years.

How do you know when USCIS approves your case?

A case-approved status update can be seen in two ways. You'll see it when you get Form I-797: Notice of Action in the mail. If you've been using your USCIS account, you'll also see this case status online.

How many immigrants get denied citizenship each year?

Of the applications submitted each year, United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) approves about 23%, denies about 2–3%, and leaves about 70% pending. This article covers the U.S. citizenship by naturalization process and statistics on that process.

Is USCIS still waiving interviews in 2024?

The authority to waive in-person interviews is set to begin on January 1, 2024, and will undergo annual reviews. Importantly, this policy will remain in effect until further notice.

Will USCIS be faster in 2024?

The USCIS processing times for 2024 show remarkable improvements, with many applications moving faster than in recent years. For example, the I-129F form for K-1 fiancé visas now takes 9 months, and the N-400 form for citizenship is processed in 5 months, the quickest since 2019.

What should you not wear to a USCIS interview?

Ultra-Casual Attire: Avoid extremely casual clothing like shorts, sweatpants, tank tops, or sneakers.

Do I-130 and I485 get approved together?

Once the I-130 is approved, the I-485 can be processed to grant the applicant a green card. However, if both forms are filed together (concurrent filing), especially in immediate relative cases, USCIS may process and approve them around the same time. The I-130 approval is generally a prerequisite for I-485 approval.