Immigration Insights
Fiscal year 2023 was a watershed moment for the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). The USCIS received 10.9 million filings and completed more than 10 million pending cases, both record-breaking numbers. Does this mean real change is on the horizon for reducing the citizenship application backlog?
For over a decade, the backlog has been on the rise, but these numbers and the most recent processing times suggest there is room for hope. Let’s first examine the current backlog situation. Then we will explore the causes of the backlog, analyze the wait times for specific citizenship applications, and offer tips on managing expectations while navigating this journey.
Current Citizenship Backlog
The good news is that fiscal year (FY) 2023 (October 1, 2022, to September 30, 2023) experienced its first backlog decrease in over a decade. United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) decreased the overall backlog by 15%. Notably, the median processing time for the N-400 Application for Naturalization decreased from 10.5 months to 6.1 months. The most up-to-date wait time is even less at 5.2 months.
This decrease was due to new procedures put in place by the current administration. These efforts included the creation of new internal cycle-time goals that led to improved processing times. Technology upgrades and increased staffing were other important factors in lessening the backlog.
Despite this decrease, there is still a large backlog. Every month, an Immigrant Visa Interview- Ready Backlog Report is published. As of this article, here are the most up-to-date standings:
| Number of applicants whose cases are documentarily complete at NVC and ready for interview as of February 29, 2024: | 374,532 |
| Number of documentarily complete applicants scheduled for March 2024 interview appointments: | 48,117 |
| Number of eligible applicants still pending the scheduling of an interview after March 2024 appointment scheduling was completed: | 326,415 |
Why Is There a Backlog?
There are several causes of the backlog. Let’s take a look at five of the most prevalent.
1. Increased Application Volumes
The number of applications has simply increased over the past several years. This trend can be attributed to political factors such as changes in administration, uncertainty regarding immigration policy, and some immigrants feeling less safe without citizenship rights and protections. There was a particularly large spike in applications in 2016, from which the country has still not recovered.
2. Staffing Shortages and Budget Constraints
Like many government agencies, the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) lacks funding and enough staff. This situation was exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, leading to processing disruptions and office closures that still plague the system.
3. Complexity of the Process
The naturalization process is extremely complex: submitting the applications, filing forms, interviews, background checks, passing exams, and so on. This complexity makes for an arduous process.
4. Policy and Procedural Changes
Changes in policies and procedures during different administrations can add confusion, new steps, and a general slowdown. There have been several changes over the past decade.
5. Backlog Carry-Over
The backlog compounds over time. This means USCIS employees are working on applications from the past several years.
Timelines for Specific Citizenship Applications
Processing time depends on the specific citizenship application. USCIS tracks the median time for processing the various forms.
Let’s take a look at the current median processing times for some green card forms. These are the latest stats from FY 2024, October 1, 2023, to January 31, 2024.
Form I-130 Petition for Alien Relative
- FY 2024 is 11 months (down from FY 2023’s 11.8 months)
Form I-140 Petition for Alien Workers – Premium Filed (additional fee)
- FY 2024 is 1-2 weeks (same as FY 2023’s 1-2 weeks)
Form I-140 Petition for Alien Workers – Non-Premium Filed (no additional fee)
- FY 2024 is 6.5 months (up from FY 2023’s 4.3 months)
Form I-485 Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status – Employment-Based
- FY 2024 is 7.2 months (down from FY 2023’s 8.6 months)
Form I-485 that covers All Other Adjustment of Status
- FY 2024 is 9.5 months (up from FY 2023’s 7.0 months)
Tips for Managing Expectations
It is challenging to stay patient while awaiting application approval for United States citizenship. When beginning your journey to citizenship, it is important first to have realistic expectations regarding timelines. Staying informed and working with a Chicago immigration attorney will assist in maintaining realistic expectations and lessening any anxiety.
Stay Informed
Simply staying informed of your application, current processing times, and the latest immigration news helps relieve stress. Here are a few suggestions.
- Sign up for a free USCIS account here. You will be notified when there is a change in the status of your application.
- The United States Citizenship and Immigration Center offers this tool to monitor your case. Additionally, it can help to look at historic processing times for select forms to assess whether your application is moving along within a normal timeframe.
- Use the resources on our website, such as answers to frequently asked questions, the latest immigration news, and insights into the intricacies of legal immigration.
Hire an Immigration Attorney
The knowledgeable and skillful citizenship lawyers of Scott D. Pollock & Associates, P.C. have helped countless immigrants become permanent citizens of the United States. Having an immigration expert on your side during your application process ensures an easier and timelier road to citizenship.
Our team can provide the best advice for your green card goals. Call us today at (312) 444-1940 or fill out our online form.
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