Need to Expedite Your USCIS Application? New Guidance Explains How

USCIS has made some important updates to how it handles expedite requests. These changes aim to clarify how USCIS considers requests related to government interests and emergencies, including urgent humanitarian situations and travel-related matters.

Additionally, the update explains the process for making an expedite request and provides insight into how USCIS processes these requests.

Here’s what you need to know:

1. Why the Update?: USCIS is clarifying how it handles expedited requests related to government interests and emergencies, including urgent humanitarian situations and travel-related matters.
2. Government Interests: Cases identified as urgent by various levels of government in the U.S. (federal, state, tribal, territorial, or local) because they involve public interest, safety, national interest, or security will be prioritized for expedited processing.
3. Agency Requests: When a federal government agency requests an expedite based on government interests, USCIS generally follows that agency’s assessment.
4. Travel Documents: USCIS may expedite the processing of Form I-131 (Application for Travel Document) for individuals inside the U.S. who can prove they urgently need to leave the country. This applies to both planned and unplanned travel events.
5. Clear USCIS Error: There are specific circumstances where an expedite request may be considered based on a clear mistake made by USCIS.
6. How to Request: The update explains how individuals can make an expedite request, including using USCIS online tools for secure messaging and uploading necessary evidence if they have an online account.
7. Processing Expedite Requests: USCIS outlines how they handle expedite requests in general.

Background:
Individuals seeking immigration benefits can request to expedite the processing of their applications, petitions, appeals, or motions.

Each request is considered on a case-by-case basis and typically requires supporting documentation. USCIS has the final say on whether a request is granted or not.

More Information:
You can find the updated guidance in the USCIS Policy Manual under Volume 1, Part A, Chapter 5 – Expedite Requests.

This new guidance is effective immediately and replaces any previous guidance on the matter.