USCIS Updates Policy Guidance Clarifying Expedited Requests

The USCIS Policy Manual is being updated to clarify how expedited immigration requests are handled. An expedited request could be related to an emergency, an urgent humanitarian situation, or other requests, described more fully below. The USCIS updated policy reiterates that when an expedited request is made by a federal government agency or on behalf of government interests, the request is usually granted. If you have questions regarding an expedited request, speaking to an experienced Carrollton, TX immigration attorney from John W. Lawit, LLC can be beneficial.

What Are the Most Common Reasons for Expedited Requests?

USCIS can expedite certain cases based on stated criteria, including:

• Certain types of emergencies or urgent humanitarian situations, including imminent childbirth, a death in the family, or a severe medical emergency.
• Significant financial loss, including the loss of a job or the loss of crucial public benefits.
• National security interests, public safety, or cases that involve public interest.
• A request from a nonprofit organization that will further the social and/or cultural interests of the United States.
• An error made by USCIS that needs to be fixed immediately.
• A critical need to be authorized to work in the U.S.

Each expedited request is considered by the USCIS on a case-by-case basis. While the USCIS provides examples of situations that could qualify for expedited processing, those examples are not exhaustive. After filing an expedited request, an individual often receives a reply in less than a week, but it can sometimes take longer. Email and the USCIS online tool are usually used to update request status.

Expedited Requests For Travel

The USCIS Update clarifies that Form I-131 will now be expedited for processing. This form is an Application for Travel Documents, Parole Documents, and Arrival/Departure Records when there is a critical need to leave the United States. The critical need for travel could be related to a planned event or an unexpected event. If the expedited request is for a planned event, the USCIS will consider whether the Form I-131 was filed in a timely manner and whether normal processing times would result in the travel document not being issued by the planned departure date.

How to Submit Expedited Requests and How They Are Processed

Those with an expedited request must contact the USCIS Contact Center or click on the Ask Emma icon. An explanation of why the expedited process is necessary will be required. Providing a receipt number to the USCIS Contact Center allows the Center to send the request to the office that has the petition or application.

Those with an online USCIS account who have access to secure messaging can select “expedite” as the reason for the inquiry, submitting the request there. Evidence and supporting documentation can be uploaded through the online account. The USCIS update clarifies how online tools with secure messaging can be used to submit and track an expedited request. The new expedited request page can be found here.

Need Help with an Expedited USCIS Request?

When you choose an Irving, TX immigration lawyer from John W. Lawit, LLC, you have taken an important first step in reaching your immigration goals. We help immigrants worldwide in all types of immigration law matters – from visas to deportation defense and beyond. Attorney John Lawit was instrumental in establishing the Immigration Section of the Dallas Bar Association. Se Habla Espanol, and we speak Korean. Call 214-609-2242 today to schedule a meeting to discuss your immigration issue.