Current I-140 Processing Times Overview

The USCIS has implemented Service Center Operations (SCOPS) unified reporting, replacing individual service center metrics. Texas Service Center shows approximately 4.5 months faster processing compared to Nebraska Service Center for the 80th percentile completion rate. This analysis covers EB-1A (Extraordinary Ability), EB-1B (Outstanding Professor/Researcher), EB-1C (Multinational Executive), EB-2 NIW (National Interest Waiver), EB-2 PERM, and EB-3 Skilled Worker categories.

Key Findings from FY25 Q3 Data

• Texas Service Center: Currently processing I-140 petitions in approximately 14.5 months (80% completion rate)
• Nebraska Service Center: Processing times extended to 19 months (80% completion rate)
• Premium Processing: EB-1C and NIW categories – 45 days; Other categories – 15 days
• Staff Reduction Impact: USCIS reduction of 50 positions in February 2025 contributing to backlog
• RFE Impact: Requests for Evidence adding 3-6 months on average to processing times
• Predicted Delays: Q4 FY25 expected to reach 20 months average processing time

Category-Specific Processing Times

EB-1 Categories (Priority Workers): EB-1A Extraordinary Ability petitions average 8 months, EB-1B Outstanding Professor/Researcher average 9 months, and EB-1C Multinational Executive average 10 months. These categories continue to process faster than EB-2 and EB-3 categories.

EB-2 Categories (Advanced Degree): EB-2 NIW (National Interest Waiver) petitions currently average 14.5 months, while EB-2 PERM-based petitions average 12 months. The NIW category has seen increased demand, contributing to longer processing times.

EB-3 Category (Skilled Workers): EB-3 Skilled Worker petitions average 13 months processing time, with variations based on service center and case complexity.

Factors Contributing to I-140 Processing Delays

Several factors are contributing to extended I-140 processing times in 2025. The USCIS staff reduction of 50 positions in February 2025 has significantly impacted case completion rates. The existing case backlog, combined with increased demand for employment-based immigration, has created challenging conditions for timely processing.

Requests for Evidence (RFEs) continue to add 3-6 months to processing times on average. Immigration attorneys should emphasize thorough initial filings to minimize RFE likelihood. System changes and modernization efforts at USCIS, while necessary for long-term efficiency, have temporarily affected processing speeds.

Strategic Recommendations for Immigration Professionals

Immigration attorneys and corporate HR departments should plan for processing timelines of 18-24 months for standard I-140 petitions filed in late 2025. Premium processing remains a viable option for time-sensitive cases, particularly in EB-1C and NIW categories where the 45-day guarantee provides certainty.

Case selection and service center filing strategies matter. Texas Service Center currently demonstrates faster processing times compared to Nebraska Service Center. Consider all available options including premium processing, proper case preparation to avoid RFEs, and realistic timeline counseling for clients.

For more information about USCIS processing times, visit the official USCIS Case Processing Times website.