How long USCIS is taking to decide I-817 applications under the Family Unity Program, for certain spouses and children of people who legalized under the 1986 immigration law. Updated every day.
We're still collecting enough decided I-817 cases to publish our own numbers (we wait for at least 20). Until then, USCIS's published national median is 3.4 months.
USCIS national median, FY2026 for I-817: 3.4 months.
Enter the 13-character receipt number from your receipt notice to see your current status, what it means and your estimated decision date.
Use the receipt number from your I-817 receipt notice. Free, no sign-up.
Want automatic updates? Get alerts on WhatsApp after you check.
Not sure what a status means? See every USCIS case status explained.
Eligibility depends on the relationship and US residence existing by dates set in the law, so most of the review is documenting those dates. Confirm the details for your case with USCIS or an immigration attorney.
This page is general information, not legal advice. For decisions about your own case, check USCIS's current guidance or talk to an immigration attorney.
Other forms: I-130 · I-129F · I-751 · I-730 · I-601A · N-400 · N-600 · N-600K · I-131 · I-539 · I-821 · I-129 · I-140 · I-526E · I-829 · I-360 · I-918 · I-914 · I-600A · I-600 · I-800A · I-800 · I-90 · N-565 · I-102 · I-824
All USCIS processing timesUSCIS's published national median for I-817 is 3.4 months. We don't yet have enough decided I-817 cases of our own to publish a figure, so this page shows USCIS's number until we do.
Protection from removal and permission to work for the approval period, which can be extended. It isn't a green card.
Ours come from real I-817 cases we tracked from the day USCIS received them to the day they were approved or denied, over the last 12 months. USCIS's median covers its whole fiscal year and, for some forms, only one category. Neither predicts a single case exactly: your service center or field office, your category and any Request for Evidence matter more.
Prefer a quick look? Check any USCIS case status for free.