How long does it take for USCIS to process the EB-5 I-485 application?

While a waiting period for 18 months is unusual, it is not uncommon, particularly if an application draws special scrutiny. You and your counsel should consider an InfoPass appointment with the USCIS.

Besides checking your case status, you should also check processing times on the USCIS website. You would select the service center that your application was sent to and the type of form. USCIS publishes the month and year of the cases they are working on. With that you can gauge if you have to follow up with their customer service staff. The telephone number for customer service is printed on your receipt.

You should check the estimated processing time frame with a specific field office by going to USCIS.gov, then selecting I-485 and the applicable field office from the drop-down menus. These days cases take well over a year at many local offices because most employment-based applications are not interviewed.

Currently, the I-485 processing time (depending which service center you file with) is approximately 12 months from filing.

Currently, the CSC processed cases on or before March 15, 2015, state an average processing of 10.5 to 43 (!!!) months. AOS processing times have gotten very long over the last year or so, as EB-1 through EB-4 applicants are now called in for interviews.

An 18-month wait period seems very long, but since all applications for adjustment of status are subject to more scrutiny and in-person interviews, it is taking more time.

Sadly, the I-485 processing times vary dramatically from 10.5 to 43 months, and only cases filed before March 15, 2015, are deemed past due.

18 is outside the standard processing time. Call USCIS to check on status and schedule an InfoPass.

Believe it or not, USCIS is reporting normal processing times for I-485 based on employment-based immigration to 10 to 43 months and are adjudicating cases filed before March 2015. With the Trump administration demanding that all employment-based immigration adjustment cases to be interviewed, all cases are taking much more than a year, depending on their caseloads.

10.5 to 43 months. You can monitor your case online and/or call the customer service center to check on it. Depending on the exact date you filed, you are likely to be scheduled for an interview at a local office.