AAO Processing Times Report (October 1, 2010)

Our office handles a fair amount of appeals with the Administrative Appeals Office (AAO) and we often receive inquiries not only about about the procedural aspects of an AAO appeal but also about the current processing times for AAO cases.

About the AAO

The AAO is an appeals office which handles appeals of certain decisions made by USCIS field offices and regional procssing centers.  The Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requires that all AAO decisions be made available to the public.  As a result, AAO decisions are accessible in reading rooms at USCIS headquarters here in Washington, DC and at field offices.  Also, some (but not all) AAO decisions are available online.

Current AAO Processing Times

USCIS has released the average processing times for cases pending at the Administrative Appeals Office (AAO) as of October 1, 2010.

Among the most notable AAO processing times:

• H-1B appeal takes 14 months (increase by one month compared to our last report as of August 1);
• I-140 EB1 Extraordinary Ability takes 8 months (increase by one month), Multinational Manager or Executive takes 15 months (no change) while EB1 Outstanding Professor or Researcher category takes 6 months (no change);
• I-140 EB2 (Advanced Degree) takes 23 months (decrease by one month) while EB2 (NIW) takes 9 months (increase by two months); and
• I-140 EB3 Skilled Worker takes 26 months (increase by one month) while EB3 Other Worker takes 21 months on appeal (increase by one month).

Read the full AAO Processing Times report.   If our office can be of any assistance regarding AAO representation or consultation, please contact us.  Also, please feel free to subscribe to our free weekly newsletter to receive updates and immigration news.