The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is an agency that tends to carry a reputation for long processing times. However, in recent years, that reputation has only grown more. In the wake of the pandemic, backlogs piled up, and delays increased, resulting in even longer processing times. If you have filed a petition and feel like you’re waiting too long, then you should know how you can speed up your U.S. immigration case.
Contact a Member of Congress
It might be a surprising option that you didn’t know about, but you can contact a member of Congress to assist you in speeding up your petition. This works by explaining the issues of your case to the member of congress. While they cannot alter any decisions, they can bring necessary attention to your case so that it may move along a bit faster.
File an Expedited Request
If you meet the qualifications, then one of the possible ways you can speed up your U.S. immigration case is to file an expedited request. These are some of the circumstances that might qualify you for an expedition:
- Humanitarian Crisis
- Furthers U.S. Government Interests
- USCIS Error
Keep in mind that you will need to provide a compelling reason with additional documentation supporting your request. You should expect to hear from the USCIS on your submission within two weeks.
Work With an Attorney
Applications can face unnecessary delays if the requestor fails to provide accurate documentation or incorrectly fills out their petition. It’s incredibly helpful to work with a federal immigration attorney to ensure you follow every rule and requirement with precision. At Gahagan Law Firm, we are happy and able to assist you with navigating the often confusing and ever-changing immigration process.
CIS Ombudsman
If you have already spoken with the USCIS for help to no avail, you can request assistance from the Office of the Citizenship and Immigration Services Ombudsman (CIS Ombudsman). You should know that only the USCIS has the capability and ultimate say in approving or denying all requests. Depending on the case, CIS Ombudsman may be able to assist you with resolving issues you have with the USCIS.
Premium Processing
You could request premium processing on your application if you are seeking approval for an employment visa, but it’s not optional for family visas. If you qualify for premium processing, it is guaranteed to process, and you will receive an update within two weeks. However, applying for this application also involves a service fee of around $1440 to $2500, depending on your form.