How Long Does an Immigration Case Take in 2025? What to Expect and How to Speed It Up

If you’ve filed an immigration petition recently (or are about to), you’ve likely asked yourself: “How long is this going to take?”

It’s one of the most common—and hardest to answer—questions we hear at Brudner Law.

In 2025, USCIS processing times remain unpredictable, affected by staffing, backlogs, and global conditions. But there are steps you can take to feel more in control. Knowing what’s normal and what’s not can help you prepare smarter, respond faster, and avoid unnecessary delays. 

Typical Immigration Case Timelines in 2025 (By Category)

Here’s what we’re seeing across key immigration case types this year: (Please note that these time frames are subject to change at anytime)
Family-Based Green Cards

• Immediate relatives (spouses, parents of U.S. citizens): 12–18 months
• Preference relatives (siblings, married children): 3–10+ years, depending on visa bulletin and country caps

Employment-Based Green Cards

• Adjustment of Status (inside U.S.): 12–24 months
• Consular Processing (outside U.S.): 18–30 months

Asylum Applications

• Interview waits: 2–5 years
• Pandemic-era backlog continues to affect timelines

VAWA & U Visas

• VAWA self-petitions: 24–36 months
• U Visas: 5–7+ years, due to 10,000 visa annual cap

Naturalization (U.S. Citizenship)

• 6–18 months from Form N-400 to oath ceremony

Want to compare your timeline? Check the latest USCIS processing times by form and field office.

Learn more about how Brudner Law supports immigration cases.

What Can Delay Your Immigration Case?

Some delays are out of your control but many are preventable. The most common causes of slowdowns include:

• Incomplete or incorrect paperwork
• Requests for Evidence (RFEs) due to missing info
• Local office backlogs or international consular delays
• Country-specific visa limits in family/employment-based categories
• Background checks or administrative processing
• USCIS policy changes or procedural updates

Even small mistakes, like missing a signature, can lead to months of delay.

How to Speed Up Your Immigration Case (When You Can)

There’s no “fast track” button but smart strategy and preparation can make a big difference.

To help keep your case moving:

• Submit complete, accurate applications from the start
• Work with an attorney to avoid common mistakes and reduce RFEs
• Track your case online using USCIS tools
• File a case inquiry if your application is outside normal processing times
• Request expedited processing, if you meet certain criteria (e.g., humanitarian reasons, financial loss, urgent travel)
• Stay informed about USCIS form updates and local trends

Need help responding to an RFE or request for expedited processing?

Preguntas frecuentes

Can hiring an attorney really speed up my case?

Yes, especially when it comes to avoiding delays caused by missing documents or preventable errors. Attorneys also know how and when to escalate stalled cases with USCIS.

Can I track my case online?

Yes. You can use the USCIS case tracker with your receipt number. We also help clients monitor and interpret updates and submit service requests when needed.

Is premium processing available for my case?

Only certain employment-based categories qualify for premium processing (15-day decisions). Most family-based, humanitarian, and naturalization applications do not.

What if my case is outside normal processing times?

We can file a service request, submit inquiries through your local field office or embassy, and escalate delays when possible.

You Might Be Waiting, But You’re Not Powerless

There’s no sugarcoating it. Immigration takes time in 2025, often longer than expected. But how you prepare and who you work with can drastically affect your experience.

At Brudner Law, we help you avoid costly mistakes, respond to delays, and pursue every option available to move your case forward. Whether you’re just starting out or stuck in limbo, we’ll guide you with transparency and advocacy from day one.

Contact Brudner Law today to schedule a consultation and get clarity on your next steps. Let’s build your future—one form, one milestone, and one approval at a time.

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