Awaiting the approval of a petition or application can be a lengthy and extensive process. There is a USCIS expedite request process will deliver a decision quicker than the standard processing time but will not guarantee that your application or petition will be approved.
To qualify for an expedited petition or application, you must adhere to the USCIS guidelines. Under no circumstance is an individual granted the right to accelerate their application or petition if an individual did not file the original request on time or if a request for evidence was belated.
There are several reasons why an individual may want to expedite their request. However, because each case is unique and reviewed independently, you are more likely to have your request expedited if you meet one or more of the following criteria for urgency.
The severe financial loss of a company
If you or your business is suffering from a severe financial loss, you are eligible to submit a USCIS expedited request. Financial loss can include the risk of failing or filing for bankruptcy, the need to lay off employees, or the loss of a critical contract that is imperative to the livelihood of your business.
An inability to travel and conduct business in the United States may also suffice. Still, to garner the approval of an expedited request, you must gather evidence to prove that your failure to travel and conduct business will result in a severe financial loss for yourself or your company.
USCIS Expedite Request for Emergencies and urgent humanitarian reasons
Emergencies and humanitarian reasons are a top priority of expedited requests. Ensuring the well-being of an individual or their family can encompass seeking medical attention for disease, disability or illness.
If a USCIS expedited request is approved, this will only move the process forward more rapidly. You must still allow time for your application or petition to be approved. This process may also help individuals who are experiencing medical emergencies as a result of a natural disaster or life-threatening disease unable to be treated in their own country.
Nonprofit organizations whose USCIS Expedite request would benefit the cultural and or social interests of the United States
Nonprofit organizations, as specified by the IRS, are welcome to apply for an expedited request on behalf of a beneficiary. More specifically, a nonprofit can request to accelerate Form I-129 Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker if a beneficiary can create a positive, social or cultural impact, such as through fieldwork as a doctor or scientist.
USCIS Expedite Request For Interests of the federal U.S. government, national security, or public safety
Regarding the interests of the U.S. government, this encompasses urgent cases made known by other government agencies, such as labor and employment agencies or public safety entities. However, in expedited requests by a federal agency, the national interest must be substantial and assessed immediately. The expedited request must be immediate to prevent considerable harm to the United States or its interests.
Whether a federal or state government agency makes the request, a senior-level official of that agency must record it. Furthermore, on the authorization of employment at a U.S. government agency, it must be shown that there is a need for a person to be employment-authorized and that their role is critical to the workspace and specific task at hand, not the particular individual. Expediting employment authorization in the interest of the U.S. government can even extend to a victim or witness participating in court proceedings seeking reinstatement.
Clear error on behalf of USCIS
If there is evidence that the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services has made an error in the filing process of your immigration application or petition, you may be qualified to have your request expedited. To quickly resolve the issue, we recommend reaching out to the USCIS Contact Center at (800)-375-5283 or requesting an appointment with an immigration officer in person.
When mailing an expedited request, keep a copy of your request letter and receive a tracking number to ensure that the request has been received.
USCIS Expedite Request FAQs
How to make an expedited request with USCIS?
There is no standardized form to expedite your request, as each request is unique. You can make an expedited request with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services by requesting an appointment with an immigration officer in person, calling the USCIS Contact Center at (800)-375-5283, or mailing a letter explaining your situation in detail.
Before contacting USCIS, we encourage you to contact an immigration lawyer to discuss how an expedited request may impact your case. We also recommend that you acquire any necessary evidence, such as receipts, to further verify your need to expedite your application or petition.
How can I expedite my work permits?
To expedite your work permit, you must first verify a definitive need to expedite your work permit by showing a severe financial loss on behalf of yourself or your business. This financial loss must show that it has occurred as a result of being unable to conduct business in the United States. Providing additional documentation or evidence may strengthen the chance of your expedited request being approved, not the work permit itself.
Even if you are experiencing a financial loss, there is no guarantee that you will have your permit or expedited request approved. If your expedited request is accepted, this will move the processing time for your application or petition along more quickly. As with any expedited request, you must either call, mail a letter explicitly explaining your unique situation or speak with an immigration officer in person. Before pursuing further action, we recommend you find a knowledgeable immigration attorney to help guide you through the process.
