Current USCIS Processing Times for H-1B Visa [2026]
Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker
Overall Range
4.2–6.9 mo
Service Centers
4
Case Types Tracked
12
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California Service Center
CSC| Case Type | Processing Range | Service Request Date | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|
| H-1B - Specialty occupation - Extension of stay in the U.S. | 4.3 – 5.4 months | Dec 19, 2025 | Stable |
| H-1B - Specialty occupation - Change of employer | 4.2 – 5.3 months | Dec 19, 2025 | Stable |
| H-1B - Specialty occupation - New employment | 6.2 – 6.9 months | Nov 19, 2025 | Stable |
California Service Center — "H-1B - Specialty occupation - Extension of stay in the U.S." trend
Nebraska Service Center
NSC| Case Type | Processing Range | Service Request Date | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|
| H-1B - Specialty occupation - Extension of stay in the U.S. | 4.3 – 4.9 months | Jan 19, 2026 | Stable |
| H-1B - Specialty occupation - Change of employer | 5 – 6.3 months | Nov 19, 2025 | Stable |
| H-1B - Specialty occupation - New employment | 5.4 – 6.4 months | Nov 19, 2025 | Stable |
Nebraska Service Center — "H-1B - Specialty occupation - Extension of stay in the U.S." trend
Texas Service Center
TSC| Case Type | Processing Range | Service Request Date | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|
| H-1B - Specialty occupation - Extension of stay in the U.S. | 4.2 – 5.1 months | Dec 19, 2025 | Stable |
| H-1B - Specialty occupation - Change of employer | 5.1 – 5.6 months | Dec 19, 2025 | Stable |
| H-1B - Specialty occupation - New employment | 5.4 – 6.4 months | Nov 19, 2025 | Stable |
Texas Service Center — "H-1B - Specialty occupation - Extension of stay in the U.S." trend
Vermont Service Center
VSC| Case Type | Processing Range | Service Request Date | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|
| H-1B - Specialty occupation - Extension of stay in the U.S. | 4.5 – 5.9 months | Dec 19, 2025 | Stable |
| H-1B - Specialty occupation - Change of employer | 4.3 – 5.4 months | Dec 19, 2025 | Stable |
| H-1B - Specialty occupation - New employment | 5.8 – 6.5 months | Nov 19, 2025 | Stable |
Vermont Service Center — "H-1B - Specialty occupation - Extension of stay in the U.S." trend
Related Pages
USCIS processing times for H-1B Visa (Form I-129) vary by service center and case type. The figures on this page reflect the published "case processing times" range, which estimates how long it took USCIS to complete 80% of adjudicated cases over the trailing six months. Processing times are not a guarantee — actual adjudication depends on case complexity, whether a Request for Evidence (RFE) is issued, background and security checks, and current service center workload. If your case has been pending longer than the posted maximum range, USCIS allows you to submit an e-Request asking for a status update, provided your case was filed before the "service request date" shown above for that category. We recalculate this page from the official USCIS data on a daily basis so the ranges and trend charts below stay current.
Source: USCIS Processing Times
H-1B Visa FAQs
How long does h-1b visa processing take in 2026?
Current USCIS-published ranges for I-129 (h-1b visa) are shown in the table above, broken down by service center and case type. Ranges typically span several months and shift from month to month based on filing volume and staffing.
What does the "service request date" mean?
If your case was filed on or before the service request date shown for your case type, and you are still waiting outside the posted processing range, you can submit an e-Request directly to USCIS asking them to check on your case.
Why do processing times vary between service centers?
Each USCIS service center has a different caseload, staffing level, and regional filing volume. USCIS occasionally transfers cases between centers to balance workload, which can also affect timelines mid-case.
Is the processing time the same as a guarantee?
No. The posted range reflects how long it took to complete 80% of recently adjudicated cases, not a maximum or a promise. Cases involving RFEs, site visits, or background checks can take longer than the posted range.
How often is this page updated?
This page is rebuilt from the official USCIS processing times data source on a daily schedule, so the ranges, service request dates, and trend chart reflect the latest published figures.