I-129 Processing Time 2026
Form I-129, Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker: how long USCIS takes, from its own quarterly data for Apr 1 – Jun 30, 2026 (FY2026 Q3).
National median
Half of the cases USCIS completed in Apr–Jun 2026 took this long or less (national median). Your case may differ: offices and individual cases vary. Not legal advice.
Trend by quarter
National median in months for each USCIS fiscal-year quarter we have the report for (FY = October–September). “n/a” = USCIS no longer hosts that quarter’s report.
| Quarter | National median (months) |
|---|---|
| FY26 Q3 Apr–Jun 2026 | 9.5 |
| FY26 Q2 Jan–Mar 2026 | 7.1 |
| FY26 Q1 Oct–Dec 2025 | — |
| FY25 Q4 Jul–Sep 2025 | 3.6 |
Track your own case
Paste your receipt number to see which office has it, how old it is compared with this median, and the next steps. Free; without an account your cases stay in your browser.
Open the case tracker →What is Form I-129?
Form I-129 is filed by an employer to bring a worker to the US, or to extend or change the worker’s status, in classifications such as H-1B, L-1, O-1, E, TN and others.
USCIS publishes one median for all I-129 petitions across every classification.
What affects the processing time
- Whether premium processing (Form I-907) was requested; most classifications allow it.
- Classification and season: H-1B cap petitions are filed in a wave after the registration selection.
- Requests for Evidence (RFE): the clock keeps running while you gather and mail the response, and the case waits for it.
- Which office has the case and how many cases are pending there; offices can differ a lot from the national median.
Typical steps
- LCA and (for cap cases) registrationFor H-1B, the employer gets a DOL-certified LCA; cap cases must be selected in registration first.uscis.gov
- Receipt notice (I-797C)The employer files I-129 (no more than 6 months before the start date) and receives a receipt.uscis.gov
- Premium processing (optional)With Form I-907, USCIS acts within 15 business days for most classifications.uscis.gov
- Request for Evidence (if needed)USCIS may ask for more documents. Answer by the deadline on the notice.
- Approval notice (I-797)Then a visa stamp at a consulate, or the change of status takes effect.uscis.gov
FAQ
How long does I-129 take in 2026?
In USCIS’s latest quarterly report (Apr 1 – Jun 30, 2026 (FY2026 Q3)) the national median for I-129 was 9.5 months. Half of the cases completed in that quarter took longer, and your office may be faster or slower.
Why is the I-129 median different from the premium processing time?
The median covers every I-129 classification together. Premium processing is a separate paid service: once it is requested, USCIS acts within the stated premium timeframe. So the national median can differ a lot from what you see for your own classification.
My case is taking longer than the median. What can I do?
Look up your form and office on USCIS’s official processing-times page. If your receipt date is earlier than the “receipt date for a case inquiry” it shows, you can ask USCIS about the case through e-Request. Answer any notices on time, and consider an attorney if something looks wrong.
Source
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, “Number of Service-wide Forms By Quarter, Form Status, and Processing Time”, Apr 1 – Jun 30, 2026 (FY2026 Q3), data queried 7/2026 (quarterly_all_forms_fy2026_q3_v1.xlsx).
- Download the report (uscis.gov)
- USCIS immigration and citizenship data
- Office-level processing times (egov.uscis.gov)
This page is rebuilt automatically when USCIS publishes a new quarter.