The USCIS originally estimated that a typical deferred action case would take about 4-6 months to process. In the beginning, many people were having their cases processed and approved faster than that, since the overall volume of applications was lower.

However, now that the USCIS has received hundreds of thousands of applications, the wait times have increased to fall within the 4-6 month timeframe.

We have also heard from some DREAMers that their applications have taken up to 7 or 8 months to get approved, so if your application is still in review, don't panic. Some of the processing centers have a higher volume of applications than others, and this will affect your wait time even if you submitted all of the appropriate documentation in your application.

While you can't choose the processing center that your application gets sent to, there are some steps you can take to make sure your application is processed as quickly as possible.

• Make sure you include all necessary documentation with your application. A deferred action attorney will be able to help you decide what documents you need, since you will have to prove things like how long you have been in the U.S., whether you have completed school, and how you arrived in the U.S. originally. If the USCIS needs more information, that will issue a Request For Evidence (an RFE) and your application will be paused until they receive the information they need.
• Make sure to include the correct payment with your application. The USCIS will not be able to review your case if it hasn't been paid for. The total fee is $465, including the cost of your biometrics analysis, which must be paid up front.
• Make sure to send your application to the correct lockbox. Depending on your place of residence, you will need to send your application to a specific USCIS location. If you send it to the wrong location, this will delay processing as they will return the application to sender.

Remember that even if your application hasn't been approved in the 4-6 month timeframe, this may not mean that they are having trouble making a decision; it probably just means that your processing center is backlogged. The USCIS will contact you if they need more information or clarification on an issue with your application.