Updated August 2026

Form I-140 Processing Time 2026

Immigrant Petition for Alien Workers

The I-140 is filed by a US employer to sponsor a foreign national employee for a green card based on employment.

Current national metric
Official USCIS selector required

GreenLight does not publish an unsourced national I-140 range. Premium-processing periods are classification-specific and require qualifying adjudicative action, not approval.

Processing time by service center

Service CenterReceipt PrefixTypical Range
CSCWACOfficial tool requiredDetails →
VSCEACOfficial tool requiredDetails →
NSCLINOfficial tool requiredDetails →
TSCSRCOfficial tool requiredDetails →
NBCMSCOfficial tool requiredDetails →
PSCYSCOfficial tool requiredDetails →

* GreenLight does not apply national aggregates to individual service centers. Exact times vary by case type, category, and workload. Check egov.uscis.gov/processing-times for your specific case.

How to check your Form I-140 case status

  1. Find your receipt number on Form I-797C (Notice of Action). It starts with 3 letters (WAC, EAC, LIN, SRC, MSC, or IOE) followed by numbers.
  2. Visit my.uscis.gov and enter your receipt number in the case status tool.
  3. Got a confusing status message? Paste it into GreenLight's decoder for a plain-English explanation.
  4. Check the official processing times at egov.uscis.gov/processing-times to see if your case is outside normal time.
Community dataView recent anonymous Form I-140 status-change activity when enough observations are available.Form guideForm I-140 instructions, checklist, and filing tips.

Frequently asked questions

How long does I-140 take in 2026?+
Use the official USCIS processing-time tool for the exact I-140 classification and office. If eligible for Form I-907, check the current category-specific adjudicative-action period and fee; premium processing does not guarantee approval.
Can I change jobs while waiting for I-140 approval?+
While I-140 is pending, you're tied to the sponsoring employer. After I-140 approval and if you've been in adjustment of status for 180+ days with an approved I-140, job portability may allow changing employers in the same or similar occupation.
What is premium processing for I-140?+
Form I-907 provides a classification-specific period for qualifying adjudicative action: 15 or 45 business days for eligible I-140 classifications. Verify the current eligibility, fee, and clock in the USCIS instructions. It does not guarantee approval.
Does approved I-140 guarantee a green card?+
No. I-140 approval means you meet the qualifications. You still need a visa number to become available (for preference categories like EB-2 or EB-3) and then file I-485 or go through consular processing.
Can I keep my I-140 priority date if I change employers?+
Yes, in most cases. An approved I-140 can be revoked by the employer, but if it was approved more than 180 days ago, your priority date is generally protected even if the employer withdraws the petition.

Related forms

Form I-485 Processing Time →Form I-765 Processing Time →

Got a USCIS status update on your Form I-140? Paste it in and we'll explain what it means in plain English.

Decode your status message →

GreenLight is an independent tool and is NOT affiliated with USCIS, DHS, or any US government agency. Nothing on this page constitutes legal advice. Always verify at my.uscis.gov.