Published by Manny in EB1 | Updated 2024
Processing times can vary for the extraordinary EB-1 Green Card and the NIW.
There are many reasons for this; the most common being mistakes made by applicants.
Your role is to ensure you have every t crossed and i dotted. Double check forms, check your signatures, check that your copy of the medical form is complete etc Rejection reasons
Here’s a quick way to find out USCIS Green Card current processing times.
Current processing times can be seen on the USCIS website here https://egov.uscis.gov/processing-times/
Will I be Nebraska or Texas Service Center?
Form I-140 is the main USCIS application form. Click on USCIS information. Open “Where to file”. There are the addresses you will be required to send your form.
Check out averages case processing times per year – historic figures. As the USCIS work through the pandemic backlog we believe the timelines will get shorter and shorter.
You can choose to get an answer in 15 days if you use Premium Processing. Consider Premium Processing carefully, however, as statistically they receive more RFE’s / Rejections. You should be super confident of your case before submitting if deciding to use this service.
As you can see there is usually a wait if going regular processing. It is wise to use this time to continue to grow your career and prepare your next steps eg I-485. Leave the medical until you are ready to file as that can time out if your application is delayed. If applying on a visa in the USA [concurrent filing] using [Adjustment of Status] may be an option for you.
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All articles are written from our experiences and the experiences of our colleagues. These are fantastic visas and we wish to empower others in applying. This information is for general guidance only and shouldn’t be considered legal advice.
If you have any questions or encounter any issues that we have left out let us know – it is important that others are aware. Email here!
FAQ
Is it necessary to have the O-1 before applying for the EB1 Green Card?
You can apply straight for the Green Card – there is no requirement to have an O visa or any other visa previously. Also, having had a previous O visa or any other visa has no bearing on your successful EB-1 application.