USCIS Backlog Hits 11.3 Million: 5 Steps to Stay Ahead

Fresh FY2025 Q2 data released July 24 places the USCIS backlog at **11.3 million**—a 16% jump year‑over‑year. Form I‑765 (work permits) leads with 1.9 million pending, followed by I‑485 at 1.4 million.

Why Is the Queue Growing?

• 🛂 **Volume spike**: As consulates reopened post‑COVID, filings surged 28% in 18 months.
• 💻 **Tech debt**: 42% of core forms are still paper‑first despite digital pilots.
• 👩‍⚖️ **Security vetting**: Extra screening for certain nationalities adds 2–6 weeks per case.

Five Ways to Keep Your Case Moving

• 📍 **Track online weekly**: Sign up for Case Status alerts—processing time reports update monthly.
• 📨 **Submit e‑Request** if your case is beyond "80 th percentile" timelines.
• 🗳️ **Congressional inquiry**: Your House rep’s case‑worker can escalate stuck files within 30 days.
• ⚖️ **Mandamus option**: Federal courts granted 61% of mandamus suits filed in 2024 for cases delayed 12+ months.
• 🏠 **Address updates**: File AR‑11 online within 10 days of a move to avoid RFEs and missed notices.

Even in a record backlog, proactive monitoring and targeted escalations can shave months off your wait—sometimes the difference between a work‑permit renewal and a costly lapse.