USCIS Service Center Processing Times
Live statutory adjudication timelines across Texas (SRC), Nebraska (LIN), California (WAC), and Vermont (EAC) service centers. Calculate 15-day and 45-day Premium Processing deadlines and 180-day automatic extension rules.
H-1B Specialty Occupation (Cap & Cap-Exempt)
Texas Service Center (SRC) currently processes standard H-1B extensions faster than Vermont (EAC).
O-1 Nonimmigrant Extraordinary Ability
California and Texas service centers handle high-volume AI and tech venture O-1 petitions.
EB-2 National Interest Waiver (NIW)
Texas and Nebraska are the exclusive adjudication hubs for Form I-140 NIW self-petitions.
EB-1A Extraordinary Ability & EB-1B Outstanding Researcher
Filing with Premium Processing triggers initial decision (Approval or RFE) within exactly 15 calendar days.
EB-2 / EB-3 Employer-Sponsored (with Approved PERM)
Direct hire filings with DOL certified prevailing wages proceed rapidly through Nebraska and Texas.
F-1 Post-Completion OPT & STEM OPT 24-Month Extension
STEM OPT applicants benefit from an automatic 180-day employment authorization extension while I-765 is pending.
Employment-Based Adjustment of Status (EB-1, EB-2, EB-3)
Processing depends heavily on Visa Bulletin final action priority date cutoff movements.
When Can You File an "Outside Normal Processing Times" e-Request?
Under USCIS Policy, you may submit a formal service inquiry (e-Request) only when your receipt date is earlier than the 93rd percentile inquiry date calculated by USCIS for your specific form and service center.
If your case is pending beyond standard benchmarks, you can also contact the USCIS Ombudsman’s Office (DHS Form 7001) for statutory administrative assistance after submitting an e-Request.
Automatic Employment Extension (8 CFR § 274a.12)
Timely-filed renewal applications for certain nonimmigrant statuses receive automatic employment authorization while the petition is pending:
- H-1B Extension with Same Employer: Automatic 240 days of continuous work authorization (8 CFR § 274a.12(b)(20)).
- STEM OPT 24-Month Extension: Automatic 180 days of continued employment authorization while Form I-765 is adjudicated (8 CFR § 214.2(f)(11)).