I-140 Processing Times in June 2026: What to Expect and How to Prevent Delays
- As of June 2026, Form I-140 processing times range from about 2.5 to 26.5 months.
- Form I-140, the Immigrant Petition for Alien Workers, establishes a foreign worker’s eligibility for an employment-based Green Card.
- Submitting complete and accurate documentation and filing early can help prevent unnecessary delays.
Processing times for Form I-140 currently span between 2.5 to 26.5 months. Also known as the immigrant petition for application for alien workers, filing this document marks the first step to obtain an employment-based Green Card.
For many foreign nationals interested in the EB-1 or EB-2, wait times play a huge factor into their decision on an immigration pathway. Knowing how long USCIS takes on average to complete can help you better prepare for the application process, especially if you’re currently in the U.S. on a nonimmigrant visa that will expire soon.
| Example: Imagine that you’re an AI developer under a nonimmigrant visa like the O-1. If you’re far along in your career, you may be considered an extraordinary ability worker and qualify for the EB-1A. Filing Form I-140 allows you to request an employment-based Green Card, placing you in line for permanent U.S. residency. Before you can send your I-140 petition, you may need to compile evidence for the category you’re targeting. For example, if you’re aiming for an EB-1A Green Card, you can use judging experience or your high salary to prove you’re at the top of your field. |
Current processing times for Form I-140
As of June 2026, USCIS takes between 2.5 to 26.5 months to complete 80% of I-140 applications. Depending on which category you fall under, you may experience longer wait times:
| FORM I-140 WAIT TIMES | |
| Filer | Processing Times |
| Extraordinary ability | 26.5 months |
| Outstanding professor or researcher | 17.5 months |
| Multinational executive or manager | 25 months |
| Advanced degree or exceptional ability | 2.5 months |
| Skilled worker or professional | 3 months |
| Unskilled worker | 7.5 months |
| Advanced degree or exceptional ability requesting NIW | 26.5 months |
| Schedule A nurses | 23.5 months |
For a greater breakdown, check out our current USCIS processing times guide.
How to speed up Form I-140 processing time
Through premium processing, USCIS allows Form I-140 petitioners to receive a decision in:
- 45 business days for EB-1C Multinational Executives and EB-2 NIW cases, or
- 15 business days for EB-1A, PERM EB-2, and all other I-140 categories.
Manifest immigration attorney Ana Gabriela Urizar says premium processing can be a huge unlock for those who can afford it. “This option can be especially helpful for those whose underlying status will expire soon, as you won’t have to wait years to file for an adjustment of status,” she says.
Factors that influence Form I-140 processing times
Below, immigration attorney Urizar breaks down three common scenarios that can delay the adjudication of an I-140 petition.
Your underlying status
Wait times differ significantly across filing categories. For example, EB-2 PERM petitions are often adjudicated in about 4 months, but those filing under the national interest waiver often wait around 24 months.
USCIS center workload
Case backlogs can also negatively impact wait times. If your designated USCIS center experiences a surge in filings, they may not have enough officers to adjudicate your petition quickly.
Case completeness and strength
If you file an incomplete Form I-140, USCIS may issue a denial notice or Request for Evidence (RFE). This can add months to your wait time, as you’ll either need to refile or submit an additional set of documents to address the concerns of your USCIS officers.
Tips to minimize delays in Form I-140
To reduce the risk of avoidable delays, immigration attorney Urizar suggests:
- Organizing documents early: Having the necessary materials already on hand, such as your initial evidence, can mitigate last-minute issues with evidence.
- Submitting forms promptly: This helps decrease the wait time for your I-140 petition.
- Double-checking before filing: Make sure your I-140 petition has been completed fully and with accurate answers. Consult with an attorney if you have any questions or concerns.
- Respond quickly to government requests: Requests for evidence should be handled with the utmost urgency, as USCIS will not give you much time to respond.
“Keep in mind that if you receive your RFE via mail, you are entitled to three additional business days to extend the deadline,” Urizar says “Make sure to write the request on the cover letter and have your attorney cite the regulation.”
How Manifest Law can help
Filing an I-140 petition can feel overwhelming, especially if you don’t feel confident about the strength of your case. Whether you’re gathering evidence or preparing to file, Manifest’s immigration attorneys can guide you through each step required to obtain permanent residence.
If you’re ready to take the next step or need assistance with Form I-140, request a consultation with Manifest today. Our team can help you file for an EB-1 or EB-2 Green Card with confidence and no stress.
Frequently asked questions
What should I do if my Form I-140 processing time is taking longer than expected?
Through the e-Request portal, you can check the status of your USCIS case. Before you can file a request, you’ll need to enter your receipt date. The website will then let you know if enough time has passed for you to submit an inquiry.
Are I-140 petitions processed in the order they’re received?
USCIS does not offer guidance in how it orders Form I-140 processing. Several factors could affect this, including case backlogs and the category you’re filing under.
How do I know when my I-140 petition has been approved?
USCIS will issue you an I-797 approval notice. In some cases, you may be able to see an update on your myUSCIS account or through the federal agency’s case status portal.
How does USCIS calculate processing times for Form I-140?
USCIS calculates Form I-140 processing times by taking the average time 80% of petitions are completed in. Remember that these are estimates, and that your individual wait time may differ due to several factors.
Are USCIS’s Form I-140 processing times accurate?
It depends. USCIS processing times can help you estimate how long your I-140 petition may take, but they are not guarantees. The published time frames are based on recently completed cases and can vary by service center and application category. Use them as a general planning tool, not as a promise of when your petition will be adjudicated.
Do I need to file Form I-140 for my EB-5 Green Card?
No, you do not need to file Form I-140 for an EB-5, nor an EB-4. You do, however, need to file Form I-140 for EB-3.
