Immigration Law FAQs

Yes. Ways to Expedite Your Case

1. USCIS Expedite Request (Discretionary)
You can ask USCIS to process your application faster than usual. These requests are granted on a case-by-case basis and require strong supporting evidence.

Common Criteria:
Severe Financial Loss: To a person or a company (e.g., risk of a business failing or losing a job).
Emergencies and Humanitarian Reasons: Urgent medical treatment, death of a family member, or extreme living conditions.
Government Interests: Requests from a U.S. federal agency (like the DoD or DHS) due to public safety or national security.
Clear USCIS Error: When a mistake by the agency has caused an urgent need for correction

How to Apply: Generally, you must call the USCIS Contact Center (1-800-375-5283) or use the "Ask Emma" chat tool after you have received your receipt notice.

2. Premium Processing Service (Fee-Based)

For certain employment-based forms (like Form I-129 or I-140), you can pay an additional fee to guarantee a decision or action within 15 to 45 calendar days (depending on the form type).

Pros: It is a guaranteed timeline.
Cons: It is expensive and only available for specific visa categories.

Requesting Emergency Relief
1. Emergency Travel Documents
If you have a pending Form I-131 (Advance Parole) but need to travel in less than 15 days for an emergency (like a funeral or urgent surgery):

Process: You can request an "Emergency Advance Parole" appointment at your local USCIS field office.

Requirement: You must bring a completed I-131, the filing fee, two passport photos, and proof of the emergency.

2. Humanitarian Parole
This is for individuals outside the U.S. who need to enter temporarily for an urgent humanitarian reason but do not have a visa. This is an extraordinary measure and is not a shortcut for regular visa processing.

3. "Compelling Circumstances" Work Authorization
In rare cases, nonimmigrants (like those on H-1B or L-1 visas) who are facing a job loss and have an approved immigrant petition can apply for a specialized EAD if they can prove "compelling circumstances" (e.g., serious illness or significant disruption to their life).

Alternative Solutions for Delays

If your case is simply stuck and beyond "normal processing times," you have other options:
Congressional Inquiry: Contact your local U.S. Senator or Representative. Their office has a "constituent services" team that can check on your case.