Why is USCIS taking so long to review my case?

Why is USCIS so slow in 2025?

USCIS processing is slow in 2025 due to a massive backlog from pandemic-era shutdowns, record-high application volumes exceeding processing capacity, persistent staffing shortages despite hiring efforts, and increased vetting/complexity for cases, straining resources and leading to longer review times, especially for forms like I-129 (H1B/O1) and I-90 (green card renewal). A combination of underfunding (as a fee-funded agency) and high turnover exacerbates these issues, slowing down the ability to clear the growing queue. 

What does it mean when USCIS says we are still reviewing your case?

Review current status: If it reads “Case is Being Actively Reviewed by USCIS,” it means your application is still under review and no decision has been made. If your case shows a different status, pursue the next steps associated with that status update.

How do I know if USCIS is reviewing my case?

You know USCIS is reviewing your case primarily through their Case Status Online tool using your 13-character receipt number (e.g., EAC1234567890) for updates, or by checking the myProgress tab in your online USCIS account for personalized timelines and confirmations. Statuses like "Actively Reviewing" mean an officer has the file, while you might also get mail/account alerts for biometrics appointments, Requests for Evidence (RFE), or final decisions. 

Can I-130 be approved in 3 months?

It's highly unlikely an I-130 petition gets approved in just 3 months, as average processing times are typically 10-18 months for immediate relatives and much longer for family preference categories, due to high volume, workload, and potential complexity. While some lucky cases or very clean submissions might be faster (sometimes around 12-14 months or less), a 3-month turnaround is exceptionally rare and not the standard, with many experiencing significant delays.
 

What does it mean when a case is under review?

A case that is undergoing judicial review, is one in which the Court is reviewing these issues. This process can take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months, depending upon how many cases are submitted to the Court at any given time. Typically, cases are reviewed in the order in which they are received by the Court.

Why is my USCIS case not moving?

Pending documents

Your forms do not go anywhere until you have submitted all the necessary documents and evidence. Not because we don't want to send them, but because if documentation is incomplete, USCIS will put the case on hold or send it back.

How do I make USCIS hurry up?

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.

What are common reasons for USCIS delays?

The Most Common Immigration Case Delays: Where Applicants Get Stuck

• Incomplete or Weak Evidence Package. ...
• Failure to Understand Which Processing Stream Applies. ...
• Errors or Delays in Biometric Appointments or Interviews. ...
• Security Checks, Name Checks, or Background Investigations. ...
• Agency Capacity & Workflow Bottlenecks.

Why is I-130 taking so long in 2025?

I-130 processing takes a long time in 2025 due to USCIS backlogs, high application volumes, staffing issues, and case complexities, with immediate relatives taking around 14 months but family preference categories facing years of delays for visa availability, all compounded by potential travel bans or extra scrutiny for specific cases. Delays often stem from increased workloads, incomplete forms, and lengthy background checks, making a complete and accurate submission crucial for faster processing, according to this blog post.
 

How many cases does USCIS review a day?

On an average day, USCIS: Adjudicates more than 28,000 requests for various immigration benefits. Processes 3,100 applications to sponsor relatives and future spouses. Analyzes nearly 600 tips, leads, cases and detections for potential fraud, public safety, and national security concerns.

What to do when USCIS says your case is taking longer than expected?

If your {!nav}USCIS case is taking longer than expected, first check the official processing times online and submit an "outside normal processing time" inquiry via e-Request, or contact the USCIS Contact Center. If that fails, escalate by contacting the USCIS Ombudsman, your Congressperson, or consulting an attorney about expediting or filing a Writ of Mandamus lawsuit. 

Why is my USCIS case still processing?

Your USCIS case is still processing due to massive backlogs from COVID-19, understaffing, increased application volumes, and complex paperwork, leading to longer waits for officer review and processing, even if the status seems stuck on "actively reviewed" or "processing". Delays also stem from officer workload, regional office backlogs, policy changes, and security checks, meaning your case is waiting its turn in a queue. 

Can USCIS approve I-130 without interview?

Yes, it is possible to be approved for an I-130 without an interview. Many I-130 petitions are approved with an interview waiver. However, whether or not an interview is required is ultimately up to the USCIS officer reviewing the petition.

What slows down I-130 processing?

Why is my I-130 taking so long? Several factors extend processing times: service center workload, requests for evidence, incomplete documentation, visa availability (for family preference cases), and administrative delays. Checking your case status online can help identify where your petition stands in the process.

Is USCIS moving faster in 2025?

In 2025, USCIS processing times have seen mixed results, with some forms like N-400 (citizenship) speeding up and others, such as I-485 (Adjustment of Status) and I-129F (fiancé), experiencing increased backlogs and longer waits, though generally still better than pre-pandemic times; overall, it's not a universal "speed up," but a complex shift with potential technology improvements and increased capacity, while some reports note staff reductions impacting timelines. 

What can make USCIS take time to review an application?

Many factors may affect how long it takes USCIS to complete an application, petition or request, such as the number of applications, petitions, or requests we receive, workload and staffing allocations, the time a benefit requestor takes responding to a request for more information, as well as policy and operational ...

Is green card 2026 open?

For the 2026 Diversity Visa (DV) program, selected entrants can check their status on the official Entrant Status Check page (dvprogram.state.gov/ESC/) using their confirmation number until at least September 30, 2026, as visas are issued based on availability and processing until the end of Fiscal Year 2026, but the lottery itself was selected in May 2025, and recent guidance indicates a pause on DV issuance for security review, affecting processing despite selection.
 

How can an attorney help with USCIS?

An authorized legal representative is allowed to:

• Advise you about which forms to file and when to file them;
• Give you advice about the correct documents and evidence to submit;
• Explain immigration options you may have;
• Help you fill out USCIS forms; and.
• Communicate with USCIS about your case.

How many days does USCIS have to make a decision?

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.

How long is I-130 actively reviewed?

After filing Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, the approval process can take anywhere from 10 to 13 months for immediate relatives and could take several years for family preference categories. This is an approximation. It may be shorter for some and longer for others.