How long does I-129 take to process?

USCIS typically processes I-129 (Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker) in 2–8 months in 2026, depending on the service center and category.

What is the I-129 filing fee?

The current USCIS filing fee for I-129 is $780.

Is premium processing available for I-129?

Yes, premium processing is available for I-129 (additional $2,805 fee for a faster decision).

I-129 Processing Time 2026 — Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker

What is Form I-129?

Used by employers to petition for foreign workers in nonimmigrant categories such as H-1B, L-1, O-1, TN and E.

How long does I-129 take in 2026?

USCIS publishes real-time processing times by service center on its official website. Most I-129 cases complete in 2–8 months in 2026, but timelines vary by:

Service center handling the case (Texas, Nebraska, Vermont, Potomac, California)
Applicant's country of birth (for visa-bulletin-affected forms)
Whether biometrics, RFEs or interviews are required
Current USCIS backlog and staffing
Quality and completeness of the initial filing

How to check your case status

Use the official USCIS Case Status Online tool with your 13-character receipt number, sign up for myUSCIS account alerts, and review the Case Processing Times tool at egov.uscis.gov for your specific service center.

Tips to avoid delays

File a complete petition with all required evidence and translations
Pay the correct USCIS filing fee — wrong amounts trigger rejection
Respond to RFEs within the deadline (usually 30–87 days)
Update USCIS within 10 days of any address change (Form AR-11)
Keep biometrics appointments — rescheduling adds 6–12 weeks

Processing time estimates are based on publicly reported USCIS data and may not reflect your specific case. Always verify with the official USCIS Case Processing Times tool.