I-140 at Service Center Operations (SCOPS)
Immigrant Petition for Alien Workers
From USCIS data captured July 22, 2026
Extraordinary ability (E11)
30 – 33 months
Case inquiry possible for receipt dates on or before October 29, 2023.
USCIS Service Center Operations (SCOPS) prioritizes processing of Form I-140, Immigrant Petition for Alien Workers, when the Department of State Visa Bulletin shows an immigrant visa is available. The Visa Bulletin, published monthly, lists available immigrant visas by priority date. We use the visa bulletin to determine the current visa categories and priority dates. SCOPS has prioritized our adjudications so we can focus on cases with visas available and can move related Applications to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status (Form I-485) to the National Benefits Center. This prioritization supports the USCIS-wide effort to use all employment-based visas available during the fiscal year. It does not affect premium processed petitions, which we will manage in the associated time frame for premium processing service.
Outstanding professor or researcher (E12)
15.5 – 19.5 months
Case inquiry possible for receipt dates on or before December 20, 2024.
USCIS Service Center Operations (SCOPS) prioritizes processing of Form I-140, Immigrant Petition for Alien Workers, when the Department of State Visa Bulletin shows an immigrant visa is available. The Visa Bulletin, published monthly, lists available immigrant visas by priority date. We use the visa bulletin to determine the current visa categories and priority dates. SCOPS has prioritized our adjudications so we can focus on cases with visas available and can move related Applications to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status (Form I-485) to the National Benefits Center. This prioritization supports the USCIS-wide effort to use all employment-based visas available during the fiscal year. It does not affect premium processed petitions, which we will manage in the associated time frame for premium processing service.
Multinational executive or manager (E13)
26.5 – 28 months
Case inquiry possible for receipt dates on or before March 31, 2024.
USCIS Service Center Operations (SCOPS) prioritizes processing of Form I-140, Immigrant Petition for Alien Workers, when the Department of State Visa Bulletin shows an immigrant visa is available. The Visa Bulletin, published monthly, lists available immigrant visas by priority date. We use the visa bulletin to determine the current visa categories and priority dates. SCOPS has prioritized our adjudications so we can focus on cases with visas available and can move related Applications to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status (Form I-485) to the National Benefits Center. This prioritization supports the USCIS-wide effort to use all employment-based visas available during the fiscal year. It does not affect premium processed petitions, which we will manage in the associated time frame for premium processing service.
Advanced degree or exceptional ability (E21)
2.5 – 8 months
Case inquiry possible for receipt dates on or before November 23, 2025.
USCIS Service Center Operations (SCOPS) prioritizes processing of Form I-140, Immigrant Petition for Alien Workers, when the Department of State Visa Bulletin shows an immigrant visa is available. The Visa Bulletin, published monthly, lists available immigrant visas by priority date. We use the visa bulletin to determine the current visa categories and priority dates. SCOPS has prioritized our adjudications so we can focus on cases with visas available and can move related Applications to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status (Form I-485) to the National Benefits Center. This prioritization supports the USCIS-wide effort to use all employment-based visas available during the fiscal year. It does not affect premium processed petitions, which we will manage in the associated time frame for premium processing service.
Skilled worker or professional (E31; E32)
4 – 8 months
Case inquiry possible for receipt dates on or before November 23, 2025.
USCIS Service Center Operations (SCOPS) prioritizes processing of Form I-140, Immigrant Petition for Alien Workers, when the Department of State Visa Bulletin shows an immigrant visa is available. The Visa Bulletin, published monthly, lists available immigrant visas by priority date. We use the visa bulletin to determine the current visa categories and priority dates. SCOPS has prioritized our adjudications so we can focus on cases with visas available and can move related Applications to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status (Form I-485) to the National Benefits Center. This prioritization supports the USCIS-wide effort to use all employment-based visas available during the fiscal year. It does not affect premium processed petitions, which we will manage in the associated time frame for premium processing service.
Unskilled worker (EW3)
6 – 10.5 months
Case inquiry possible for receipt dates on or before September 08, 2025.
USCIS Service Center Operations (SCOPS) prioritizes processing of Form I-140, Immigrant Petition for Alien Workers, when the Department of State Visa Bulletin shows an immigrant visa is available. The Visa Bulletin, published monthly, lists available immigrant visas by priority date. We use the visa bulletin to determine the current visa categories and priority dates. SCOPS has prioritized our adjudications so we can focus on cases with visas available and can move related Applications to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status (Form I-485) to the National Benefits Center. This prioritization supports the USCIS-wide effort to use all employment-based visas available during the fiscal year. It does not affect premium processed petitions, which we will manage in the associated time frame for premium processing service.
Advanced degree or exceptional ability requesting a National Interest Waiver (NIW)
28 – 31.5 months
Case inquiry possible for receipt dates on or before December 20, 2023.
USCIS Service Center Operations (SCOPS) prioritizes processing of Form I-140, Immigrant Petition for Alien Workers, when the Department of State Visa Bulletin shows an immigrant visa is available. The Visa Bulletin, published monthly, lists available immigrant visas by priority date. We use the visa bulletin to determine the current visa categories and priority dates. SCOPS has prioritized our adjudications so we can focus on cases with visas available and can move related Applications to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status (Form I-485) to the National Benefits Center. This prioritization supports the USCIS-wide effort to use all employment-based visas available during the fiscal year. It does not affect premium processed petitions, which we will manage in the associated time frame for premium processing service.
Schedule A Nurses
23.5 – 25 months
Case inquiry possible for receipt dates on or before June 28, 2024.
USCIS Service Center Operations (SCOPS) prioritizes processing of Form I-140, Immigrant Petition for Alien Workers, when the Department of State Visa Bulletin shows an immigrant visa is available. The Visa Bulletin, published monthly, lists available immigrant visas by priority date. We use the visa bulletin to determine the current visa categories and priority dates. SCOPS has prioritized our adjudications so we can focus on cases with visas available and can move related Applications to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status (Form I-485) to the National Benefits Center. This prioritization supports the USCIS-wide effort to use all employment-based visas available during the fiscal year. It does not affect premium processed petitions, which we will manage in the associated time frame for premium processing service.
Trend
Arrive Legal began archiving this data in July 2026. The trend chart unlocks once at least two weekly readings exist — history USCIS itself doesn't publish.
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Alerts: I-140 at Service Center Operations (SCOPS)
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Frequently asked questions
How long does I-140 take at Service Center Operations (SCOPS)?
Per USCIS data captured July 22, 2026, I-140 at Service Center Operations (SCOPS) takes 30 – 33 months (80% of cases complete within that time).
When can I ask USCIS about my case?
Under the current data, USCIS accepts a I-140 case inquiry at Service Center Operations (SCOPS) if your receipt date is on or before October 29, 2023. Use USCIS's e-Request tool.
Is this time a guarantee?
No. It is the time within which USCIS completed 80% of similar cases over the past six months. Every case is different; some take longer.
Check your case status at USCIS Case Status Online · Official source: USCIS Case Processing Times