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As you know, depending on the nature of your application and the workload at USCIS, the processing time for your application may change. I understand how hard and difficult this process is for many of you, so today we’re here to discuss how to quicken the processing time. So in this video, we will talk about common ways to expedite the processing of your immigration case so that you don’t experience long wait times for your application to be processed. Expedited case processing is when USCIS makes a decision on your application faster than the standard processing time.
Expedited processing is very useful when you are dealing with an emergency or a significant change in your personal life and need to hear from USCIS on your case as soon as possible.
Most requests for immigration benefits go through USCIS. Depending on the nature of your application and the workload at the USCIS office in charge of making the adjudication (determination to grant or deny) of your case, the processing time for your application may change. The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 has extended the typical case processing timelines for USCIS. Unfortunately, you will encounter annoying delays in case processing; given that the USCIS takes months, if not years, to make decisions on immigration-related applications.
The most common way to expedite your case is to file immigration form I-907 which requires USCIS to process the case faster, or submit a discretionary expedite request to USCIS.
Form I-907 is a sure way to get your case expedited in 15 days upon receipt of application for certain case types. Specifically, filing Form I-129 for certain E-1, E-2, E-3, H-1B, H-3, L, O P, Q, or TN are nonimmigrant forms that can be placed in premium processing for $2,500. For H-2B and R visas, the fee to place the case in premium processing is $1,500. For immigrant forms such as Form I-140 for certain EB-1, EB-2, and EB-3 categories, the fee to place the case in premium processing is $2,500.
With other cases, USCIS considers expedite requests on a case-by-case basis and at the discretion of the officer reviewing the case. Every applicant is welcome to request that USCIS expedite their case. You must, however, be able to demonstrate that you have a compelling reason to make such a request. USCIS uses particular criteria to determine whether an expedite request is acceptable for the applicant’s situation.
1. The following conditions apply:
⦁ A person or business suffers a significant financial loss.
⦁ A humanitarian reason like an outbreak of war, a critical illness (such as a life/death situation), or a dire financial situation
⦁ If your application has an impact on U.S. national interests, government interests, or public safety in some way, USCIS is very likely to approve your expedited case request.
⦁ A USCIS error. There are times when USCIS makes a mistake while processing an immigration application and causes you to lose time in status.
Congress Members have the authority to contact federal agencies on behalf of their constituents. Although they will not be able to reverse or change any decisions, they will be able to bring attention to a specific issue.
Hire an Immigration Lawyer: Many applicants try to file their petitions on their own to save money. However, this increases the likelihood of them being rejected, delayed, or denied. The immigration process is not always simple and necessitates the assistance of an expert to help navigate the various shortcuts, exceptions, and policy changes. A reputable immigration attorney is familiar with the rules and regulations governing your case, and they are kept up to date on any developments that may affect your petition.
While case processing delays are all too common when dealing with USCIS, you don’t always have to sit around waiting for them to act on your case. You can help speed up your case by using this information.
I hope you found this video helpful. Subscribe if this content or information helps you in any way, schedule a consultation if you have a specific question, comment below if you want me to talk about something in specific, and share this resource because you never know who needs answers to these questions. If you have a question specific to your unique circumstances, please schedule a consultation through the link below. I’ll see you in the next video.
