CSC Processing Times as of January 15, 2009

USCIS Processing Time Information for our
CALIFORNIA SERVICE CENTER

Posted: January 15, 2010

Instructions on Using the Table

Below is a chart that shows the Form Number, Form Name and Processing Times for all of the forms that are processed at that office. (Note that not all offices process all types of applications and petitions.)

Find the particular form number (in the left column) or form name (in the center column) in which you are interested. In the right column you will find either a timeframe in months or an exact date.

If the office is processing a particular type of application in less time than our processing goal, you will see the processing times expressed in months (for example, if the office is processing naturalization applications in less than our 5 month goal, the processing time will state “Five Months”). However, if that office is taking longer than our processing goal to handle the form type in question, you will see the filing date (e.g., “April 10, 2003”) of the last case we processed on the date the website chart was last updated. The charts are updated on or about the 15th day of each month.

IMPORTANT: If your receipt notice date is earlier then the processing date shown, we suggest you call our USCIS Customer Service Office at 1–800–375–5283 for assistance.

We offer a variety of services after you file. For example, for most kinds of cases you can check the status of your case online.

Field Office Processing Dates for CALIFORNIA SERVICE CENTER as of: November 30, 2009
Form Title Classification or Basis for Filing: Processing Timeframe:
I-90 Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card Initial issuance or replacement June 13, 2009
I-102 Application for Replacement/Initial Nonimmigrant Arrival/Departure Record Initial issuance or replacement of a Form I-94 2.5 Months
I-129 Petition for A Nonimmigrant Worker H-1B — Specialty occupation — Visa to be issued abroad 2 Months
I-129 Petition for A Nonimmigrant Worker H-1B — Specialty occupation — Change of status in the U.S. 2 Months
I-129 Petition for A Nonimmigrant Worker H-1B — Specialty occupation — Extension of stay in the U.S. 2 Months
I-129 Petition for A Nonimmigrant Worker H-2A — Temporary workers 1 Month
I-129 Petition for A Nonimmigrant Worker H-2B — Other temporary workers 1 Month
I-129 Petition for A Nonimmigrant Worker H-3 — Temporary trainees 2 Months
I-129 Petition for A Nonimmigrant Worker E — Treaty traders and investors 2 Months
I-129 Petition for A Nonimmigrant Worker L — Intracompany transfers 1 Month
I-129 Petition for A Nonimmigrant Worker Blanket L 2 Months
I-129 Petition for A Nonimmigrant Worker O — Extraordinary ability 2 Months
I-129 Petition for A Nonimmigrant Worker P — Athletes, artists, and entertainers 2 Months
I-129 Petition for A Nonimmigrant Worker Q — Cultural exchange visitors and exchange visitors participating in the Irish Peace process 2 Months
I-129 Petition for A Nonimmigrant Worker R — Religious occupation August 16, 2009
I-129 Petition for A Nonimmigrant Worker TN — North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) professional 2 Months
I-129F Petition for Alien Fiance(e) K-1/K-2 — Not yet married — fiance and/or dependent child 5 Months
I-129F Petition for Alien Fiance(e) K-3/K-4 — Already married — spouse and/or dependent child 5 Months
I-130 Petition for Alien Relative U.S. citizen filing for a spouse, parent, or child under 21 5 Months
I-130 Petition for Alien Relative U.S. citizen filing for an unmarried son or daughter over 21 April 02, 2005
I-130 Petition for Alien Relative U.S. citizen filing for a married son or daughter over 21 May 23, 2002
I-130 Petition for Alien Relative U.S. citizen filing for a brother or sister October 02, 2000
I-130 Petition for Alien Relative Permanent resident filling for a spouse or child under 21 January 02, 2007
I-130 Petition for Alien Relative Permanent resident filling for an unmarried son or daughter over 21 December 02, 2002
I-131 Application for Travel Document All other applicants for advance parole 3 Months
I-212 Application for Permission to Reapply for Admission into the U.S. After Deportation or Removal Readmission after deportation or removal 4 Months
I-360 Petition for Amerasian, Widow(er), or Special Immigrant Religious workers 5 Months
I-360 Petition for Amerasian, Widow(er), or Special Immigrant All other special immigrants 5 Months
I-485 Application to Register Permanent Residence or to Adjust Status Employment-based adjustment applications 4 Months
I-526 Immigrant Petition By Alien Entrepreneur For use by an entrepreneur who wishes to immigrate to the United States 5 Months
I-539 Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status Change of status to H or L dependents 2.5 Months
I-539 Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status Change status to the F or M academic or vocational student categories 2.5 Months
I-539 Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status Change Status to the J exchange visitor category 2.5 Months
I-539 Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status All other change of status applications 2.5 Months
I-539 Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status Extension of stay for H and L dependents 2.5 Months
I-539 Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status Extension of Stay for F or M academic or vocational students 2.5 Months
I-539 Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status Extension of Stay for J exchange visitors 2.5 Months
I-539 Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status All other extension applications 2.5 Months
I-612 Application for Waiver of the Foreign Residence Requirement Application for a waiver of the 2-year foreign residence requirement based on exceptional hardship or persecution 4 Months
I-751 Petition to Remove the Conditions on Residence Removal of lawful permanent resident conditions (spouses of U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents 6 Months
I-765 Application for Employment Authorization Based on a request by a qualified F-1 academic student. [(c)(3)] 3 Months
I-765 Application for Employment Authorization Based on a pending asylum application [(c)(8)] 4 Weeks
I-765 Application for Employment Authorization Based on a pending I-485 adjustment application [(c)(9)] 3 Months
I-765 Application for Employment Authorization Based on TPS for Honduras/Nicaragua [(c)(19), (a)(12)] 3 Months
I-765 Application for Employment Authorization Based on TPS for El Salvador [(c)(19)(a)(12)] 3 Months
I-765 Application for Employment Authorization All other applications for employment authorization 3 Months
I-817 Application for Family Unity Benefits Voluntary departure under the family unity program 6 Months
I-824 Application for Action on an Approved Application or Petition To request further action on an approved application or petition 3 Months
I-829 Petition by Entrepreneur to Remove Conditions Removal of lawful permanent resident conditions (immigrant investors) 6 Months
I-829 Petition by Entrepreneur to Remove Conditions Removal of lawful permanent resident conditions (immigrant investors) based on PL107–273 September 12, 1997

About the Author

Vishal Chander is an immigration attorney and founder of The Chander Law Firm PC in New York City. He advises employers and individuals on U.S. immigration strategy, including H-1B, PERM, and employment-based compliance.

The Chander Law Firm PC
469 Fashion Avenue, 12th Floor
New York, NY 10018
Phone: (212) 731-2444
www.chanderlaw.com