(UNITED STATES) — USCIS green card–related case processing is running slower for many applicants, with Form I-485 cases commonly taking about 10 to 24 months, depending on category and location, as of December 2025, while related benefits like work permits are also seeing tighter validity periods and closer screening.
The processing trend is being shaped by late‑2025 policy and enforcement changes tied to an “America First” immigration strategy. These actions affect Green Card holders and Lawful Permanent Residents directly at ports of entry and indirectly through stricter review, more biometric collection, and more frequent “re‑vetting” in certain benefit categories.
For Indian nationals, the biggest issues are not country‑specific “reexamination” measures. India is not listed among “countries of concern” described in late‑2025 statements. Instead, most impact comes from broader changes like enhanced entry‑exit biometrics, stricter residence reviews, and longer adjustment backlogs in EB‑2 and EB‑3.
⏱️ Processing Time: Many Form I-485 cases are taking 10–24 months as of December 2025. Times vary by field office and category. Check: https://egov.uscis.gov/processing-times/
Current USCIS processing times affecting Green Card pathways (estimates)
USCIS posts ranges in its processing time tool. Times can vary by service center, field office, and eligibility category. The table below reflects common ranges applicants are seeing as of December 2025.
| Country/Type | Visa Category | Processing Time |
|---|---|---|
| USA | Form I-485 (Adjustment of Status) | 10–24 months |
| USA | Form I-765 (Employment Authorization, c(9)) | 3–8 months |
| USA | Form I-131 (Advance Parole with I-485) | 4–9 months |
| USA | Form I-90 (Replace/Renew Permanent Resident Card) | 8–18 months |
| USA | Form N-400 (Naturalization) | 6–15 months |
| Form / Case Type | What it covers | Where it’s processed | Typical processing (est.) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status | Employment or family adjustment | NBC + local field office interview | 10–24 months |
| Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization (c)(9) | EAD for pending I-485 | Service center | 3–8 months |
| Form I-131, Application for Travel Document | Advance parole with I-485 | Service center | 4–9 months |
| Form I-90, Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card | Replace/renew green card | Service center | 8–18 months |
| Form N-400, Application for Naturalization | Citizenship for eligible LPRs | Local field office | 6–15 months |
USCIS can be faster or slower in any month. RFEs, security checks, and interview scheduling are common delay points.
Why processing can slow down right now
Several late‑2025 changes are increasing review intensity and field workload.
- More biometric collection at travel events. A final rule effective December 26, 2025 requires enhanced facial recognition and biometrics for all non‑citizens, including Lawful Permanent Residents.
- Stricter residence scrutiny at reentry. CBP questioning can increase if you spend long periods outside the U.S. This can trigger follow‑up review or referrals.
- More frequent “re‑vetting” for some EAD categories. USCIS has reported reducing maximum EAD validity to 18 months for certain categories. Shorter validity can increase renewal filings.
- Backlogs plus category limits. Indian applicants in EB‑2 and EB‑3 often face long waits due to visa number limits. This can keep Form I‑485 pending longer.
⚠️ Common Mistake: Extended trips abroad without strong U.S. ties can raise “abandonment of residence” questions at reentry, even with a valid green card.
Long trips abroad without strong U.S. ties can trigger abandonment questions at reentry and tighter biometrics may slow entry; plan returns within reasonable windows to protect your case status.
New compliance and enforcement issues LPRs should not ignore
Policy changes are not only about filing speed. They also raise day‑to‑day compliance risk.
- Carry proof of registration. DHS began strict enforcement of the Alien Registration Act in April 2025. Green Card holders must carry proof of registration.
- File address changes on time. Use Form AR-11, Alien’s Change of Address Card within 10 days of moving. File online through USCIS.
- Expect closer entry screening. Enhanced entry‑exit biometrics now apply broadly, including to children and seniors.
For Indian Green Card holders, these changes matter most when traveling to India for extended family or work obligations.
Filing fees to budget for (verify before you pay)
Fees can change, and the wrong fee can cause a rejection. Always confirm at uscis.gov/fees.
💰 Current Fee: Form I-485 is commonly listed at $1,225 (includes biometrics) as of December 2025. Always verify the fee and edition date at uscis.gov before filing.
| Form | Purpose | Fee (as of Dec 2025, verify) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| I-485 | Adjustment of Status | $1,225 | Biometrics included in this common example |
| I-130, Petition for Alien Relative | Family petition | $625 | Fee depends on filing method and category |
| I-765 | Work permit | $410 | Some categories have different rules |
| N-400 | Naturalization | $760 | Includes biometrics in common examples |
- Fee waivers may be available for eligible applicants using Form I-912, Request for Fee Waiver in qualifying benefit types.
- Confirm all fees and edition dates at uscis.gov/fees before submitting any payment.
What you can do if your case is delayed
Use these steps in order.
- Check case status online. Use your receipt number at my.uscis.gov.
- Check processing times. Compare your receipt date to USCIS posted ranges at egov.uscis.gov/processing-times/.
- Respond fast to RFEs. Late or incomplete responses can add months. Send exactly what is requested.
- Prepare for an interview. Many Form I-485 cases require an interview at a local field office. Bring originals and updated evidence.
- Consider an expedite request when eligible. USCIS may consider expedite requests for severe financial loss, urgent humanitarian reasons, or clear USCIS error. Supporting documents matter.
- Expedite approval is discretionary.
- An expedite does not bypass required security checks.
Update your address with Form AR-11 within 10 days of moving and ensure your USCIS account alerts are on; timely notices help you avoid missed deadlines and processing gaps.
Case status checks and account tips
- Create or sign in to your USCIS account at my.uscis.gov.
- Turn on case alerts and save every receipt notice.
- If you move, update your address and also update each pending case.
- Processing times are estimates; individual cases vary by facts, category, and background checks.
Download Form I-485 and related forms from uscis.gov/forms, confirm your fee at uscis.gov/fees, and verify current processing ranges at egov.uscis.gov/processing-times/. Create an account at my.uscis.gov and keep your address current using Form AR-11.
📋 Official Resources: Download forms at uscis.gov/forms. Check processing times at egov.uscis.gov/processing-times. Fees and processing times are subject to change—always verify current information at uscis.gov.
USCIS is experiencing significant processing delays as of December 2025, with green card applications taking up to 24 months. These delays stem from stricter vetting, enhanced biometrics, and policy changes focused on residence scrutiny. Although Indian nationals aren’t specifically targeted by new country-specific measures, they face extensive backlogs in employment categories. Compliance with registration laws and timely address updates are now critical for all residents.
