USCIS Q2/2025: Green Card Delays Hit Record High, Processing Times Surge Across Key Petitions

USCIS’s second-quarter data for fiscal year 2025 reveals unprecedented delays and backlogs across key immigration petitions. From green card renewals (Form I-90) to work permits (Form I-765) and EB-1A petitions, the report highlights severe strain on the U.S. immigration system amid growing demand and limited processing capacity.

Case Completions Drop Sharply as Pending Workload Surges

In Q2 FY2025 (January–March), USCIS completed only 2.7 million cases, marking an 18% decrease from the same quarter last year and 12% fewer than Q1. At the same time, 1.6 million new pending cases were added, pushing the total backlog to a staggering 11.3 million — the highest in over a decade.

USCIS also reported a “frontlog” of over 34,000 unopened cases, underscoring the growing processing bottleneck.

Processing Times Spike for Major Forms

Several high-volume petitions experienced dramatic slowdowns:

• Form I-129 (Nonimmigrant Workers): Median processing time rose 25% from Q1 and over 80% year-over-year (YoY), despite a 75% drop in net backlog, suggesting resources were shifted away from this category.
• Form I-90 (Green Card Renewal/Replacement): Saw a 938% increase in median processing time over Q1 — from just 0.8 months to over 8 months, well above the historic 3–4 month average.
• Form I-765 (Work Authorization): Pending I-765 cases surged 87% in Q2. The total I-765 backlog grew by nearly 181% in one quarter, now exceeding 2 million cases.

EB-1A Petitions: Slowing Growth, Record Backlog

While interest in the EB-1A (extraordinary ability) category remains high, Q2 saw a slight dip in new applications (down 1.5% from Q1, though still +34% YoY).

• Pending EB-1A cases reached a new high: 16,000 cases.
• Approval rates dropped slightly to 72.7%, though still within long-term averages.
• Increased Requests for Evidence (RFEs) and longer adjudication times are likely contributing to delays, even as most applicants opt for premium processing.

Family-Based & Naturalization Petitions Show Mixed Trends

• I-129F (K-1 Fiancé Visa): Applications up 5.7% from Q1; approval rate improved to 67.9%.
• I-751 (Removal of Conditions): Submissions rose 51.8% QoQ, +49% YoY — likely due to eligibility expansion.
• I-485 (Adjustment of Status – Family): Up 2% from Q1 and 12% YoY, with 84.4% approval rate.
• N-400 (Naturalization): Application volume rose 10.1% QoQ, while approval rate held steady at 91.1%.

Humanitarian & Work Authorization Backlogs Continue to Expand

Humanitarian categories and work permit petitions are placing immense pressure on USCIS:

• I-765s remain the single largest contributor to backlog growth, especially for initial filings.

• Despite the I-129 backlog dropping 75% from Q1 to Q2, the overall trend indicates that USCIS is struggling to keep pace.

Looking Ahead: Delays Likely to Persist

This Q2 FY2025 snapshot paints a concerning picture: increasing demand, decreasing output, and rising delays. While applications for high-skilled and family-based categories remain strong, longer wait times and higher scrutiny are becoming the norm.

Recent policy shifts and staffing cuts may not be fully felt until later in the year, making ongoing monitoring essential for both applicants and legal representatives.

Need Help Navigating Delays or Backlogs?

Whether you’re renewing your green card, applying for a work permit, or filing a family-based petition, Pacific Immigration can help you avoid costly delays and errors.

Our team offers expert guidance on forms I-90, I-765, I-129, EB-1A, and more — helping you file accurately, respond to RFEs, and stay informed on processing timelines.

📞 Contact Pacific today to receive tailored immigration support that helps you move forward with confidence.