USCIS Processing Times

To help you understand how long it typically takes to process benefit requests and when you might get in touch with us with inquiries about your case, we offer case processing durations for certain forms and locations. Every month, we update the website’s case processing timelines with the most recent information.

On this page, you may find instructions on how to:

  • discover the data required to utilize the processing times website;
  • read and understand the website’s processing timeframes; and
  • Recognize how to utilize the case investigation tool.

Tracking down Your Case Data

You will require a particular data about your case to utilize the handling times site page and case request instruments. The following is an illustration of where you can track down unambiguous data on USCIS correspondence. This data is likewise found on USCIS receipt notification, and some data might be tracked down on a duplicate of your application, appeal, or solicitation. We likewise give direction to deciding your structure type (in some cases alluded to as case type) and important structure class.

If the “USCIS Office” is the Public Advantages Community (NBC) and you have recorded a work based or family-based Structure I‑485, a Structure N‑400, or a Structure N‑600, you ought to really look at handling times for your neighborhood field office. You can utilize our Field Office Finder assuming you want assistance deciding your nearby office (look to the lower part of the page). On the off chance that your case is moved to another office, you ought to allude to the handling times for the new office.

What Does the Handling Time Mean and How Could It be Determined?

The handling time showed on the USCIS site is how much time it took us to finish 80% of settled cases throughout the course of recent months. Handling time is characterized as the quantity of days (or months) that have slipped by between the date USCIS got an application, request, or solicitation and the date USCIS finished the application, request, or solicitation (that is, endorsed or denied it) in a given half year term.

For instance, on the off chance that we got a Structure N‑400 on Jan. 24, 2024, and finished settlement of the application on Walk 5, 2024, then the handling time for that particular application is 41 days. This estimation is finished for each Structure N‑400 we finished in Walk 2024 and the five months preceding Walk 2024 (a six-month time span).

We then audit the handling times for settled cases to decide what amount of time it required for 80% of those cases to be finished over the past a half year. In this way, in the event that we finished 1,000 Structure N‑400 applications in the past a half year, and 80% (or 800) of them were finished in something like 60 days (or two months), then, at that point, the handling times page will show two months as the handling time for Structure N‑400 in May 2024.

Handling times by and large reflect what amount of time we have required to finish applications, petitions, or demands. Many elements might influence what amount of time it requires for USCIS to finish an application, request or solicitation, like the quantity of utilizations, petitions, or demands we get, responsibility and staffing portions, the time an advantage requestor takes answering a solicitation for more data, as well as strategy and functional changes, among different variables.

Most structures showed on the handling times site page utilize this approach. Nonetheless, a few structures utilize a more established strategy known as “cycle time.”1 The process duration estimates how long of cases are anticipating a choice for a specific structure.

For instance, in the event that an office had 500 applications for Structure I‑800 forthcoming in April 2020 and the workplace got 200 Structure I‑800s in February 2020 and 300 Structure I‑800s in Walk 2020, then, at that point, the process duration for Structure I‑800 in April 2020 was two months (200 + 300 = 500 forthcoming applications).

Inside, USCIS utilizes the process duration procedure to measure progress toward lessening our accumulation of cases. Dive deeper into our inside process duration objectives for specific structures.

When and How Might I Pose an Inquiry About the Situation with My Case?

Handling times are given as a source of perspective highlight what amount of time we have required to finish most cases. Since many variables influence the handling time – and to all the more likely deal with our restricted assets by permitting staff to zero in on arbitrating cases as opposed to answering requests – we permit requests for cases that are taking more time than the time USCIS took to finish 93% of settlements. Those cases are considered to be outside ordinary handling times. For structures that actually utilize the process duration system, we for the most part characterize outside typical handling times as those cases that are taking more time than 130% of the cycle time.2

You should go to the handling times site page, where we give a device to assist you with deciding if you can demand a report on your case. Utilizing the apparatus, you enter your receipt date, which can be found on your receipt notice, into the text box. On the off chance that your case is outside typical handling times (past an opportunity to finish 93% of mediated cases or past 130% of the process duration), you will be given a connection to presenting a request. Assuming that your case is inside ordinary handling times, you will be given an expected date to when you can reach us. Kindly inquire intermittently on the grounds that handling times might change.

How Is the Case Request Date Determined?

This is the manner by which we work out the case request date:

Case Request Date = [time to finish 93% of settled cases] – [today’s date – receipt date]

Model:

Assuming you checked our handling times website page on Jan. 1, 2024, for a structure you documented on Jan. 1, 2021, and an opportunity to finish 93% of settled cases was 13 months, your case request date would be determined as:

Case Request Date = [13 months]

= [13 months] – [12 months]

In this model, we gauge that you would have the option to reach us in a single month. The device will give the specific date to you. In the event that the computation for the case request date creates a negative number, you will actually want to present an inquiry concerning your case.

Need Information or Confused about Something ?

Ask a Question

 


Sponsored Guide


Complete Guide to NSFAS Online Loan Application for South African Students (2025)

If you are a South African student looking to pursue higher education but are facing financial difficulties, the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) is one of the most accessible funding options available. NSFAS provides financial aid in the form of bursaries and loans to qualifying students at public universities and TVET colleges in South Africa.

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about the NSFAS loan application process, from eligibility requirements to application steps and frequently asked questions.


📌 What is NSFAS?

The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) is a government-funded financial aid scheme aimed at helping students from low- and middle-income households to access tertiary education without the burden of upfront fees.

NSFAS offers both bursaries and income-contingent loans:

  • Bursaries: For eligible students who meet academic and household income criteria (especially for TVET and university students).
  • Loans: For students who do not meet all bursary criteria or who are pursuing postgraduate qualifications not funded under bursary schemes.

✅ Who Qualifies for an NSFAS Loan?

To qualify for an NSFAS loan (especially for postgraduate students or programs not funded under the bursary system), you must:

  • Be a South African citizen.
  • Be financially needy, with a household income of less than R350,000 per year.
  • Have a valid South African ID.
  • Be enrolled or accepted to study at a public university or TVET college.
  • Not be funded through another bursary program that covers all expenses.
  • Maintain satisfactory academic progress (returning students).

📚 Courses Funded by NSFAS

NSFAS primarily funds undergraduate qualifications, but certain postgraduate programs (e.g., PGCE, postgraduate diplomas in education, and professional courses like LLB) may be considered under the NSFAS loan scheme, not bursaries.

If you’re studying:

  • Undergraduate degree or diploma: You are likely eligible for a full NSFAS bursary.
  • Postgraduate study: You may qualify for a loan, depending on the course and funding availability.

📄 Required Documents for NSFAS Application

When applying, make sure you have the following documents scanned and ready:

  1. Certified copy of your South African ID or Smart Card.
  2. Parent(s) or guardian(s) ID documents.
  3. Proof of income (latest payslips, UIF, or affidavit if unemployed).
  4. Consent Form signed by your parent(s)/guardian(s) to allow NSFAS to verify income.
  5. Proof of registration or acceptance at a public institution.
  6. Academic transcripts (for continuing or postgraduate students).

🖥️ How to Apply for an NSFAS Loan Online

Step-by-Step NSFAS Online Application Process (2025)

  1. Visit the NSFAS Website

    Go to: https://www.nsfas.org.za

  2. Create an Account

    • Click on “MyNSFAS” and register your profile.
    • You’ll need a valid email address and South African cellphone number.
    • Choose a strong password and verify your account via email or SMS.
  3. Login and Start the Application

    • After registration, log in to your MyNSFAS account.
    • Click on “Apply” to begin a new application.
  4. Fill in Your Personal Details

    • Input your ID number, name, surname, and other details exactly as they appear on your ID.
    • Provide household income information and living arrangements.
  5. Upload Required Documents

    • Upload all supporting documents in PDF or JPEG format.
    • Each document must be clear and under the size limit specified.
  6. Submit Your Application

    • Review your application for accuracy.
    • Click “Submit” and wait for a confirmation message.
  7. Track Your Application

    • Log in regularly to check your application status.
    • You will be notified via SMS and email at each stage of the process.

🗓️ Important NSFAS Dates (2025)

  • Application Opening Date: September 1, 2025
  • Application Deadline: January 31, 2026
  • Appeals Period: February 2026 (if rejected)
  • Disbursement: After registration and approval

Note: Dates are subject to change; always confirm on the official NSFAS website.


💸 What Does the NSFAS Loan Cover?

NSFAS funding typically includes:

  • Tuition fees
  • Registration fees
  • Accommodation (if living away from home)
  • Meals and transport
  • Learning materials (e.g., textbooks)

For loans, repayment is only required once you start working and earn above a threshold (around R30,000 annually, but subject to change).


🔄 NSFAS Loan Repayment

Repayments are:

  • Income-contingent – you only repay when you can afford to.
  • Administered by DHET (Department of Higher Education and Training).
  • Interest-bearing, but interest rates are low and favorable.

You can also apply for a partial loan conversion to a bursary if you perform well academically.


🔁 How to Appeal a Rejected NSFAS Application

If your application is rejected, you may submit an appeal via your MyNSFAS portal:

  1. Log into your MyNSFAS account.
  2. Click on “Track Funding Progress”.
  3. If rejected, click on “Submit Appeal”.
  4. Upload any missing or corrected documents.
  5. Provide a clear explanation or motivation.

📱 NSFAS Contact Information


📝 Final Tips Before Applying

  • Apply early to avoid system overload near the deadline.
  • Use your own email and cellphone number (do not use someone else’s).
  • Double-check that all your documents are certified and legible.
  • Keep a copy of your submission confirmation for reference.

By following this guide, you can confidently apply for NSFAS funding and move one step closer to achieving your academic and career dreams—without the burden of immediate financial pressure.