Guide

IOE Receipt Number Processing Time: Where to Find Real Numbers

People often ask how long an IOE case takes. USCIS does not publish a time for the IOE prefix: it publishes processing times by form and by office. This guide explains why, how those published times are calculated, and where to look them up for your own case.[1][2]

Last updated 7 sources

Why There Is No Single IOE Processing Time

The USCIS processing times tool asks you to choose a form type and the office handling the case before it shows a time.[1][2]

The IOE prefix identifies electronic filing rather than an office, unlike prefixes such as EAC or WAC that name a service center. So the prefix alone does not tell you which row of the processing times table applies; your notices from USCIS show the office.[3][4]

Read what the IOE prefix means.

How USCIS Calculates Its Processing Times

USCIS publishes the time in which 80% of cases were approved or denied over the last six months. The slowest 20% of cases took longer than the time shown, so the figure is not a promise for any one case.[2]

Next to it, the tool shows a case inquiry date, which measures the time in which 93% of cases were decided. USCIS says it helps you know whether a case is taking longer than usual and when an inquiry is appropriate.[2]

USCIS used to report the median on the low end and the 93% completion time on the high end. It now reports the 80% completion time, with the 93% time as the case inquiry date.[2]

Where to Look Up Current Numbers

For the current figures, open the USCIS Check Case Processing Times tool and pick your form and office.[1]

ImmigrationTimes.org republishes the USCIS processing time estimates as open data under a CC BY 4.0 license. It rebuilds the data daily, and USCIS publishes new estimates about monthly.[5]

The CaseTicker processing times page lists the current ranges by form and office, from that data.[5]

CaseTicker does not predict when your case will be decided. Published times describe cases USCIS already finished, not a forecast for yours.[2]

If Your Case Is Past the Case Inquiry Date

USCIS says that if you have tried its online tools and still need help, you can submit an online case inquiry or call the USCIS Contact Center. It may forward the request to the office processing your case.[6][7]

Before you do, check the latest event on your case: IOE Case Status: How to Check and Read It shows where to find it and how to read its code.

Not legal advice. This guide is general information from public sources. For advice about your own case, talk to an immigration attorney or accredited representative. CaseTicker is not affiliated with USCIS. Not legal advice.

Sources

Checked . Numbers in brackets in the text point here.

  1. [1]Check Case Processing TimesUSCIS
  2. [2]Frequently Asked Questions on USCIS Processing Times for Orphan and Hague Adoption CasesUSCIS
  3. [3]Congressional Inquiries Refresher (Office of Legislative Affairs)USCIS
  4. [4]Checking Your Case Status OnlineUSCIS
  5. [5]Open Data (CC BY 4.0)ImmigrationTimes.org
  6. [6]Contact UsUSCIS
  7. [7]E-Request: Online Case InquiryUSCIS

Read Your Own Case in Plain English

Paste your case data and read your timeline in plain English. Free, and nothing leaves your browser.

Check My Case Free