Fact check: What is the current processing time for EB-1 visa applications in 2025?

1. Summary of the results

Based on the analyses provided, EB-1 visa processing times in 2025 vary significantly depending on the processing method chosen:

• Regular processing: Takes 6-12 months for most EB-1 applications ^[1], with one source specifically reporting 7.7 months for Form I-140 as of March 2025 ^[2]
• Premium processing: Significantly faster at 15 business days for EB-1A and EB-1B petitions ^[1], 21 days according to USCIS data ^[2], and 45 business days for EB-1C visas ^[1]
• Premium processing fee: $2,805 as of 2025 ^[1]

The sources also indicate that EB-1 visas are currently available with the final action date marked as "C" (current) in the August 2025 Visa Bulletin, meaning numbers are authorized for issuance to all qualified applicants ^[3].

2. Missing context/alternative viewpoints

The original question lacks several important contextual elements that affect processing times:

• Multi-phase process: The analyses reveal that EB-1 processing involves a case building phase of 6-18 months before the actual petition filing ^[1], which significantly extends the total timeline beyond just the USCIS processing period
• Subcategory variations: Different EB-1 subcategories have different processing times, with EB-1C visas taking longer (45 business days) for premium processing compared to EB-1A/B (15 business days) ^[1]
• Office-specific variations: Processing times can vary by USCIS office, as indicated by the processing time tool that requires selecting a specific office ^[4]
• Current visa availability: Unlike other employment-based categories that may have backlogs, EB-1 visas are currently available without waiting periods ^[3]

3. Potential misinformation/bias in the original statement

The original question itself does not contain misinformation, as it is a straightforward inquiry about processing times. However, it oversimplifies the complexity of EB-1 processing by:

• Failing to distinguish between different phases of the EB-1 process (case preparation vs. USCIS adjudication)
• Not specifying which EB-1 subcategory (EB-1A, EB-1B, or EB-1C), which have different timelines
• Not mentioning premium processing options, which can dramatically reduce wait times from months to weeks
• Implying a single processing time when the reality involves multiple variables including office location, case complexity, and processing method chosen

The question would benefit from greater specificity about which aspect of EB-1 processing and which subcategory the inquirer is most interested in understanding.