Applications for Immigration Benefits
Immigration application receipts decreased 3 percent compared to the number received in October 2010. October 2011 approvals decreased by 29 percent, denials decreased by 42 percent, and pending increased less than 14% compared to October 2010.

Immigration Applications
October 2011
Received: 363,005 Approved: 287,434 Denied: 26,012 Pending: 1,810,449
October 2010
Received: 372,320 Approved: 405,900 Denied: 44,798 Pending: 1,591,746
% Change
Received: -3%        Approved: -29%     Denied: -42%   Pending: 14% 
FY 2012 to Date
Received: 363,005  Approved: 363,005 Denied: 26,012 Pending: 1,810,449
FY 2011 to Date
Received: 372,320  Approved: 405,900 Denied: 44,798 Pending: 1,591,746
% Change
Received: -3%        Approved: -29%     Denied: -42%   Pending: 14%
Total FY 2011
Received: 4,564,198 Approved: 4,211,170  Denied: 449,271 Pending: 1,756,213

Major receipt volumes in October 2011 include: 73,808 I-90 green card renewals/replacements; 70,891 I-765 employment authorizations; 56,368 I-130 immediate/all other petitions; 44,486 I-485 applications to adjust status; 31,466 I-129 forms filed; 26,234 I-131 travel document/advance parole.

Major volumes of pending applications at the end of October 2011 include: 530,157 I-130 immediate/all other petitions; 350,913 I-485 applications to adjust status; 337,600 I-90 green card renewals/replacements; 147,320 I-765 employment authorizations; 114,494 I-751 remove conditions spouse jointly/waive; 74,688 I-129 forms filed; 55,275 I-131 travel document/advance parole.

Naturalization Applications
Naturalization receipts in October 2011 increased 11 percent when compared to October 2010 , while approvals /oaths increased by 11 percent and denials decreased 1percent.
October 2011
Received: 60,808   Approved/Oaths: 61,318  Denied: 4,588   Pending: 307,118
October 2010
Received: 54,543   Approved/Oaths: 55,256  Denied: 4,626   Pending: 286,960
% Change
Received: 11%      Approved/Oaths: 11%     Denied: -1%      Pending: 7%
FY 2012 to Date
Received: 60,808   Approved/Oaths: 61,318  Denied: 4,588   Pending: 307,118
FY 2011 to Date
Received: 54,543   Approved/Oaths: 55,256  Denied: 4,626   Pending: 286,960
% Change
Received: 11%      Approved/Oaths: 11%     Denied: -1%      Pending: 7%
Total FY 2011
Received: 756,008 Approved/Oaths: 690,705 Denied: 57,065 Pending: 311,894

The number of pending N-400 cases reached 307,118 in October 2011, an increase of 7 percent compared to the same month in fiscal year 2011.