The government has been dealing with a backlog in processing immigration applications for a few years now. The global pandemic has only worsened this problem. Many immigration offices and consular posts closed for several months or were operating with very limited services. Now, these same offices face a backlog of applications to process.
We understand many of our clients do not have the luxury of time to wait for the government to adjudicate their application. So, we have been successfully helping those that qualify with arguments for the government to expedite processing their applications. USCIS updated its guidance for expedite requests to clarify who may be eligible. If an individual urgently needs the benefit they are seeking and falls under one or more of the following criteria, they may be eligible for expedited processing:
- Severe financial loss to a company or person. For example, if a company is at risk of failing, losing a critical contract, or required to lay off other employees.
- Emergencies and urgent humanitarian reasons
- Nonprofit organization whose request is in furtherance of the cultural and societal interests of the United States
- U.S. government interests; or
- Clear USCIS error.
The government evaluates these requests on a case by case basis. If you urgently need an immigration benefit, such as employment authorization, you may be eligible for an expedite request. If you do not qualify – not to worry! We ensure that all of our applications are timely and properly submitted. This makes government processing as fast and smooth as possible.