USCIS Form Timeline Guides
Plain-English explanations of how long each major USCIS form takes, what every stage means, and what to watch for along the way. Select a form below to see its full timeline breakdown.
Employment-based
Work visas, employer-sponsored petitions, and employment-based green cards.
Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker
Form I-129 is the petition an employer files with USCIS to hire or extend an employee on a nonimmigrant work visa, most…
Immigrant Petition for Alien Workers
Form I-140 is the employer-sponsored petition that establishes your eligibility for an employment-based green card. Your…
Request for Premium Processing Service
Form I-907 is the optional request you (or your employer) file to request premium processing for an eligible USCIS filin…
Green card and adjustment of status
Applying for lawful permanent residence from inside or outside the United States.
Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status
Form I-485 is the application you file to become a U.S. lawful permanent resident (green card holder) without leaving th…
Application for Travel Document (Advance Parole)
Form I-131 covers several travel-document requests, including Advance Parole, re-entry permits, and refugee travel docum…
Application for Employment Authorization
Form I-765 is how you apply for an Employment Authorization Document (EAD), the card that lets you legally work for any…
Family immigration
Petitions filed by U.S. citizens and permanent residents to sponsor relatives.
Naturalization and status changes
Applying for U.S. citizenship and extending or changing nonimmigrant status.
Application for Naturalization
Form N-400 is the application to become a U.S. citizen through naturalization. Eligible green card holders (lawful perma…
Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status
Form I-539 is what you file to extend your current nonimmigrant stay (like H-4, F-2, or B-2) or to change to a different…
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Decode your status update →GreenLight is an independent tool and is NOT affiliated with USCIS, DHS, or any U.S. government agency. Nothing on this page constitutes legal advice. Timing depends on the filing category, office, notices, and case-specific facts. Always consult a licensed immigration attorney for advice specific to your situation.