Last Updated: October 2025
Reviewed by immigration attorneys at Green Card Link
Key Facts You Should Know
- Average I-140 processing time: Approximately 7.6 months.
- Premium Processing: Cuts the waiting time to 15 business days for most categories—or 45 business days for EB-2 National Interest Waiver (NIW) and EB-1C Multinational Executive or Manager petitions.
- From PERM to I-140: The total timeline is typically around 16 months.
Applying for a green card is a significant personal and financial investment, so it’s natural to want a clear understanding of how long the process takes. The Form I-140 processing time plays a major role in determining how quickly your employment-based green card will be approved. Here’s what affects this timeline—and how you can shorten it with the help of experienced immigration attorneys at Green Card Link.
What Is the I-140 Form?
The Form I-140, Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker, is the official petition filed with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) for employment-based green cards.
In most cases, a U.S. employer files the I-140 to sponsor a foreign national for a permanent position. However, individuals with extraordinary ability (EB-1A) or those applying under the EB-2 National Interest Waiver (NIW) category may self-petition without employer sponsorship.
This form establishes eligibility for employment-based immigration and must be prepared carefully. Missing documentation or incorrect filing can result in delays, rejections, or denials—which is why guidance from experienced immigration attorneys at Green Card Link can be critical to your success.
How Long Does I-140 Processing Take?
As of Fiscal Year 2025, USCIS reports an average I-140 processing time of 7.6 months, but your individual case may take longer depending on several factors, such as priority date, visa bulletin movement, and service center workload.
Understanding Priority Dates and the Visa Bulletin
Your priority date is the day USCIS receives your I-140 petition. It determines your place in line for an immigrant visa number, which must be “current” according to the Department of State’s monthly Visa Bulletin before you can proceed with your green card application.
Visa Bulletin dates are organized by employment-based category (EB-1, EB-2, EB-3, etc.) and country of chargeability. These dates often fluctuate depending on visa demand. For applicants from countries with higher demand (such as India or China), retrogression—when dates move backward—can significantly delay progress.
Once your priority date becomes current, you may continue with Adjustment of Status (Form I-485) if you are in the U.S., or consular processing if you are abroad.
To estimate your wait, compare your priority date with the final action date in the current Visa Bulletin for your category and country.
From PERM to I-140: The Timeline
dFor most employer-sponsored petitions, the journey begins with PERM labor certification, which can take several months for approval. From the start of the PERM process to the approval of the I-140, applicants can expect an average timeline of about 16 months.
If your I-140 is based on a National Interest Waiver or Extraordinary Ability petition, the PERM step is skipped, reducing total processing time.
How the Service Center Affects Processing Speed
Each I-140 petition is assigned to one of several USCIS service centers, depending on where you live or where your employer is located. Some centers handle higher volumes of petitions, which can slow processing.
You can use the USCIS Field Office Locator Tool to determine which office is responsible for your case. Keep in mind that applications from larger metropolitan areas may take longer due to higher caseloads.
How to Check I-140 Processing Times
To see the most recent processing times for your specific service center, use the USCIS Check Case Processing Time Tool.
Step-by-Step Guide:
- Go to the USCIS Case Processing Time page.
- Select Form I-140, Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker.
- Choose your petition category:
- Extraordinary Ability (E11)
- Outstanding Professor or Researcher (E12)
- Multinational Executive or Manager (E13)
- Advanced Degree or Exceptional Ability (E21)
- Skilled Worker or Professional (EW3)
- Unskilled Worker
- National Interest Waiver (NIW)
- Schedule A Nurse
- Select your service center and click “Get Processing Time.”
Since USCIS processing times can vary widely, it’s best to review your timeline with an immigration attorney at Green Card Link for the most accurate and up-to-date guidance.
Accelerate Your I-140 with Premium Processing
If you’re eager to move forward faster, Premium Processing is an optional USCIS service that guarantees a response—approval, denial, or request for evidence—within 15 business days (or 45 business days for certain categories).
This upgrade can make a significant difference for professionals seeking to port their priority date, change employers, or begin the Adjustment of Status process more quickly. Your immigration attorneys at Green Card Link can help you determine whether Premium Processing is right for your situation.
Start Your Green Card Journey Today
Your path to U.S. permanent residency begins with understanding the I-140 process and making the right strategic choices. At Green Card Link, our immigration attorneys help clients navigate every step—from filing and tracking to upgrades and porting—ensuring efficiency, accuracy, and peace of mind.
Understanding RFEs, I-140 Processing, and Green Card Porting
Request for Evidence (RFE)
Receiving a Request for Evidence (RFE) from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) can delay your petition by several weeks or even months. However, an RFE is also an opportunity — a second chance to strengthen your case with missing or additional documentation and prevent a denial.
When USCIS issues an RFE, it provides a specific deadline for you to respond. There are several ways to respond:
- Full Response: You provide all the requested evidence.
- Partial Response: You provide only part of the requested evidence, which may happen if certain documents are unavailable or if you choose not to provide them.
- Petition Withdrawal: You may also decide to withdraw your petition.
If you receive an RFE, it’s essential to contact an immigration attorney at Green Card Link immediately to ensure your response is accurate, complete, and submitted on time.
From PERM to I-140 Processing Time
The process from PERM Labor Certification to the I-140 Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker generally takes around 16 months, according to Department of Labor data. To avoid unnecessary delays, the immigration attorneys at Green Card Link recommend preparing the I-140 petition in advance, so it’s ready to file as soon as your PERM is certified.
If an immigrant visa is immediately available—or becomes available based on your preference category and country of chargeability—you can file the I-140 and I-485 Adjustment of Status applications together once your PERM is approved.
Can the Processing Time Be Shortened?
Yes, in some cases you can shorten the I-140 processing time by using Premium Processing or other strategic filing options.
I-140 Premium Processing
Premium Processing is an optional USCIS service available for certain employment-based petitions that use Forms I-129 or I-140. By filing Form I-907 and paying an additional fee, petitioners can have their case processed within a set time frame.
- Standard I-140 Premium Processing: USCIS guarantees adjudication within 15 business days.
- For EB-1C and EB-2 NIW (National Interest Waiver) petitions: The premium processing timeframe is 45 business days.
Within this period, USCIS will issue one of the following:
- Approval Notice
- Denial Notice
- Request for Evidence (RFE)
- Notice of Intent to Deny (NOID)
- Notice of investigation for possible misrepresentation or fraud
If an RFE or NOID is issued, the premium processing clock resets once the requested information is submitted.
Should USCIS fail to act within the guaranteed window after receiving Form I-907, the fee will be refunded—a key advantage of this service.
When Can I File for I-140 Premium Processing?
The I-907 request for premium processing can be submitted together with your I-140 or after your petition is already pending. However, once USCIS issues a final decision, premium processing is no longer available.
Only the petitioner—your employer, self-petitioning beneficiary, accredited representative, or immigration attorney at Green Card Link—may file the Form I-907.
Green Card Porting
If your priority date is not yet current, another strategy to reduce waiting time is Green Card Porting. This process allows you to retain your original priority date when moving to a higher preference employment category—provided you meet the new requirements and your employer files a new petition.
Example:
A software developer from India with an EB-3 petition later earns a master’s degree and qualifies for an EB-2 position. Her employer files a new I-140 for the EB-2 category and requests that her original priority date be retained, significantly reducing her wait time for a green card.
Because porting involves complex legal and procedural requirements, it’s crucial to consult experienced immigration attorneys at Green Card Link before taking any steps.
Which Visas Require the I-140?
The Form I-140 applies to most employment-based green card categories, though not all. Below are the primary visa types that require this petition:
EB-1 Green Card
- EB-1A: For individuals with extraordinary ability in sciences, arts, education, business, or athletics. Self-petitioning is allowed.
- EB-1B: For outstanding professors and researchers with significant achievements and recognition. Employer sponsorship is required.
- EB-1C: For multinational executives and managers who have worked abroad for at least one year in the past three years for the sponsoring company.
EB-2 Green Card
For professionals with an advanced degree, exceptional ability, or those qualifying for a National Interest Waiver (NIW).
- Employer-sponsored EB-2 petitions require an approved PERM Labor Certification.
- EB-2 NIW petitions allow self-petitioning and do not require PERM, though they cannot use premium processing.
EB-3 Green Card
For skilled workers, professionals, and unskilled workers, all of whom must have:
- An approved PERM Labor Certification, and
- A permanent, full-time job offer from a U.S. employer.
Other employment-based green card categories, such as EB-4 and EB-5, use different petition forms and are not covered under the I-140 process.
How to Expedite Your I-140 Processing Time
Whether using regular or premium processing, the fastest way to ensure timely approval is to submit a complete and accurate I-140 package. Missing information or errors can lead to RFEs or NOIDs, extending your wait time—or worse, causing a denial.
The immigration attorneys at Green Card Link recommend the following steps:
- Submit to the correct USCIS address and follow all filing instructions carefully.
- Always use the current version of Form I-140.
- Choose only one preference category—multiple selections may cause automatic rejection.
- Ensure the petition is signed by the petitioner. Unsigned forms will not be processed.
- Use black ink only and avoid shading or highlighting any fields.
- Include the appropriate filing fee(s) for all submitted forms, including any premium processing requests.
Working closely with experienced immigration attorneys at Green Card Link can help you avoid common pitfalls, reduce delays, and improve your chances of a smooth approval process.
How We Can Help
At Green Card Link, our experienced immigration attorneys are dedicated to helping qualified individuals successfully immigrate to the United States. With years of hands-on experience, the immigration attorneys at Green Card Link guide clients through every step of the process — from evaluating your eligibility for the right green card category to preparing and filing your petition with precision. Every detail is handled with the utmost professionalism to ensure that any potential challenges are addressed quickly and effectively.
Trusted Immigration Guidance for Your U.S. Journey
Navigating U.S. immigration law can be a complex and time-consuming process, often filled with confusing requirements and unexpected challenges. Without the right guidance, it can easily drain your time, energy, and resources. That’s why having a dedicated expert by your side makes all the difference.
At Green Card Link, our experienced immigration attorneys provide the trusted legal support you need to move forward confidently. We specialize in employment-based immigration, helping professionals and their families achieve their U.S. immigration goals with efficiency and precision. Whether you want to understand your I-140 processing time, respond to an RFE (Request for Evidence), or explore your green card options, our team will be with you at every step.
With Green Card Link, you don’t have to face the immigration process alone. Our knowledgeable immigration attorneys are committed to protecting your interests, streamlining your application, and guiding you toward permanent residency and a successful future in the United States.