USCIS Processing Times Likely to Rise Under New Trump Administration Policies

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Key Takeaways

• Policy changes announced January 20, 2025, will significantly delay USCIS processing times across nearly all visa categories and increase scrutiny.
• CBP One app elimination created uncertainty for 270,000 asylum seekers, adding pressure to the backlog and straining USCIS resources.
• H-1B visas and family-based sponsorships face higher RFEs, stricter evaluations, and potential delays exceeding current 35 months for petitions.

The Trump administration, as part of its recent efforts to reshape immigration policies, has made several significant changes that are expected to lead to longer wait times for U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) case processing. Announced on January 20, 2025, these new measures have already begun influencing USCIS operations, with the full impact likely to unfold in the months and years ahead. For those navigating the immigration system, these changes will likely lead to delays across various visa categories, with far-reaching effects on both individuals and employers.

The key policy shifts include rescinding the Biden-era frameworks for civil immigration enforcement and addressing migration causes. This reversal has led to an increase in the number of cases adjudicated by USCIS, inevitably adding pressure to the system. In addition, new rules now bar individuals who have entered the United States without inspection from seeking immigration benefits. While this change might reduce certain types of applications, it is expected to increase the complexity of cases that remain, further contributing to processing delays.

USCIS Processing Times Likely to Rise Under New Trump Administration Policies

Another significant shift involves the elimination of the CBP One app, which, during the previous administration, had been used to schedule asylum appointments at ports of entry. By removing this tool, an estimated 270,000 individuals who had appointments or were waiting to make them are now in a state of uncertainty. This backlog could lead to a rush of new applications once alternative mechanisms are developed, adding further strain to USCIS resources.

In employment-based immigration, the reintroduction of the “Buy American and Hire American” policies marks another major policy shift. Originally implemented during President Trump’s first term, these measures are designed to prioritize American workers, but they also come with several consequences for employers and immigrant workers. The policies are expected to result in:

More frequent requests for evidence (RFEs) on employment-based petitions
Higher rates of petition denials
Stricter rules for evaluating eligibility
Reduced deference to previously approved petitions
Increased scrutiny of PERM labor certifications—the first step in many employment-based green card processes

These measures, though aimed at protecting U.S. workers, often extend how long it takes to process applications. Employers hiring foreign workers should prepare for these increased hurdles.

As of December 2024, USCIS reported median processing times for various commonly used forms. For example:

I-130 petitions submitted by U.S. citizens for family reunification took about 14.3 months.
Family-based I-485 applications (adjustment of status) required a median 9.3 months for adjudication.
Employment-based I-485 applications were being processed faster, at a median of 6.4 months.
I-140 immigrant petitions for workers with job offers often faced delays due to high scrutiny and additional evidence requests.
N-400 (naturalization applications) had seen a reduction in processing times to 5.5 months, though this improvement might not hold as policy changes take effect.

Unfortunately, under the newly announced policies, almost all these processing times are likely to rise. For instance, the “Buy American and Hire American” focus is anticipated to further slow H-1B visa processing. Requests for evidence, already common for this category, will likely increase in both volume and complexity. Premium processing may remain an option to expedite petitions, but only for a fee, potentially making the process even more challenging for some applicants.

Family-based immigration cases may also encounter delays. I-130 petitions, which allow U.S. citizens or permanent residents to sponsor relatives, already averaged long wait times: 35 months for green card holders sponsoring relatives and 14.3 months for U.S. citizens as of 2024. Should the administration assign more resources to border enforcement and asylum adjudications, family petitions could face further delays. Additionally, with Temporary Protected Status (TPS) and Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) programs also under potential threat, an influx of alternative applications could slow other types of processing.

The administration’s renewed focus on travel restrictions and elevated vetting procedures will further burden the overall immigration system. There are indications that “extreme vetting” could return, requiring additional security checks for applicants at U.S. consulates abroad. Travel bans for certain countries have also been suggested. Combined, these measures could exacerbate delays for those outside the U.S. waiting to obtain visas to enter the country.

Work authorization is another area expected to face policy shifts, which could in turn affect processing times. Among the potential changes:

The elimination of Employment Authorization Documents (EADs) for H-4 visa holders (dependents of H-1B workers)
Alterations to automatic EAD extensions, which have helped minimize disruptions for workers in the past
Removal of expedited processing options for certain dependent workers

Without these provisions, demand could rise for substitute pathways to authorization, complicating the workload for USCIS and increasing application wait times.

The asylum system will face additional pressure under these new policies. For example, those applying at the southern border, already experiencing delays due to the discontinuation of the CBP One app, may see prolonged case processing times. Meanwhile, USCIS resources may be reallocated to enforce more restrictive asylum rules, making humanitarian benefits harder to access.

For U.S.-based applicants, the consequences of these changes will likely lead to delays in everyday matters such as renewing work permits or obtaining travel authorization. Employers, too, may find it more difficult to fill essential positions locally and globally. Visa categories like H-1B and employment-based green cards will face enhanced scrutiny and longer waiting periods due to more audits and requests for evidence.

For international applicants and beneficiaries, the impacts are no less significant. “Extreme vetting” and administrative processing delays at U.S. consulates abroad can add months, or even years, to the visa issuance process. These obstacles may make it harder for families to reunite or workers to start new positions on time.

With the new administration’s policies poised to slow down processing times across nearly all categories, applicants and their representatives must adapt accordingly. Some tips include:

Filing applications as early as eligibility permits, given the rising likelihood of delays
Including all required documentation upfront to reduce chances of an RFE
Exploring premium processing where applicable
Allocating additional time for processing when organizing travel or employment

For further monitoring, users can check current USCIS processing times on the official government platform USCIS Case Processing Times for updated estimates as policies change.

As VisaVerge.com highlights, the changes introduced by the administration signal a fundamental shift in U.S. immigration priorities. While some argue these actions are necessary to protect American workers and national security, others criticize the potential humanitarian and economic consequences. Regardless of perspective, it is clear that longer processing times, increased scrutiny, and fewer work authorization options will challenge applicants and employers alike.

In this challenging environment, staying informed and seeking professional legal aid for complex cases is crucial. Immigration laws and policies evolve regularly, and preparation will be an applicant’s best defense against delays. Professional counsel can help ensure compliance with shifting rules and protect against unforeseen complications.

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USCIS (U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services) → The federal agency managing lawful immigration, including visa processing, work permits, and naturalization applications.
Requests for Evidence (RFEs) → Official USCIS requests for additional information to clarify or support details in immigration applications or petitions.
Buy American and Hire American Policies → U.S. initiatives prioritizing domestic workers over foreign ones, potentially complicating employment-based immigration processes.
CBP One App → Previously used tool for scheduling asylum appointments at U.S. ports of entry, now discontinued under recent policy changes.
Extreme Vetting → Intensive background checks for visa applicants, involving detailed security reviews to assess eligibility and risk.

This Article in a Nutshell

The Trump administration’s new immigration policies reshape USCIS operations, bringing longer processing times and stricter application scrutiny. Family reunifications, work visas, and asylum claims face delays, impacting individuals and employers alike. To navigate this challenging landscape, early filing, thorough documentation, and professional guidance are essential tools for overcoming the growing complexities of U.S. immigration.
— By VisaVerge.com