What to do if USCIS is taking too long?
Asked by: Pascale Armstrong | Last update: May 11, 2023Score: 4.6/5 (30 votes)
Your best bet is to contact the office that should have your file, explain the situation, and if need be submit a copy of the application you sent. If that doesn't work, or you just can't wait any longer, definitely contact an immigration lawyer.
What can you do if USCIS takes too long?
The Administrative Procedures Act has a provision that says that if an immigration application has been pending for an unreasonable amount of time, then the applicant or the beneficiary of the application has a right to bring a legal action (“Writ of Mandamus”) against the immigration department (USCIS) and request ...
How do I speed up USCIS processing time?
You can generally request expedited processing by calling the USCIS Contact Center at 800-375-5283 (TTY 800-767-1833) or by asking Emma after you have obtained a receipt notice.
Can you sue USCIS for taking too long?
You may sue the USCIS if it is taking longer than usual to process or decide your case. For more information on eligibility, process and necessary documentation for these types of cases, visit our page on Lawsuits against the U.S. Immigration Service (USCIS).
Why is USCIS taking so long 2021?
This backlog is largely due to the USCIS office closures amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Form I-131 (“Application for Travel Document – Advance Parole”): Applications for advance parole saw a large increase in processing times, from 4.6 months in FY 2020 to 7.7 months in FY 2021.
WHY IS MY CASE TAKING SO LONG AT USCIS? HERE ARE SOME TIPS TO SPEED UP YOUR CASE!
Why is USCIS so backlogged?
COVID-19 restrictions, fiscal issues, a hiring freeze, and other factors have greatly exacerbated processing delays and backlogs, and placed burdens on applicants and petitioners.
Can I call USCIS to ask about my case?
The phone number you will need to call to inquire about your pending case is 1-800-375-5283. For the hearing impaired the phone number is 1-800-767-1833. Follow the prompts and punch in your receipt number on the prompt. Wait to be connected to the first level of customer service.
What happens if USCIS does not respond?
Step 3: In the event you do not receive a response within 21 days of contacting the appropriate Service Center, you may email the USCIS Headquarters Office of Service Center Operations by email at: SCOPSSCATA@dhs.gov. You will receive a response from this email address within ten days.
How long does it take USCIS to actively review your case?
How long does it take for USCIS to complete an active review case? Ideally, it takes 120 days to process if no document is missing. But it can take months (sometimes years, depending on the case to get in the hand of someone that will handle it.
How can I email to USCIS?
If you would like to notify us of a systemic operational issue, such as a pattern of potentially incorrect notices, you may contact us at public.engagement@uscis.dhs.gov. If you would like to provide feedback on this uscis.gov website, you may email us at uscis.webmaster@uscis.dhs.gov.
Why is USCIS taking so long to process 2020?
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and resource constraints resulting from the prior administration, USCIS inherited a significant number of pending cases and increased processing times.
How can we accelerate the immigration process?
Submit an expedited request. One of the first things you can do to speed up your immigration case is to ask the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) for an expedited request. However, you must be able to prove you have a compelling reason to make such a request.
How many cases does USCIS process in a day?
According to documents obtain by The Washington Post, USCIS is creating the “Organization of Professional Responsibility” to enhance oversight of the way its employees handle the more than 26,000 cases the agency decides each day.
Why is USCIS delaying my case?
Delays happen when USCIS is missing information or documents. For example, if you've filed a visa petition (Form I-130) as a parent of a U.S citizen and didn't include proof of your relationship, then USCIS may need a birth certificate or marriage certificate.
Why is I 485 taking so long?
Allow travel/work authorization based on I‑485 receipt to free up resources for final green card adjudications. The main issue that USCIS has publicly identified as a cause of the lengthy delays in processing is the lack of manpower.
Does USCIS answer the phone?
The USCIS offers multiple ways through which you can get in touch with them for any kind of help. And phone conversation with a live person is one of them. The agency offers a toll-free phone number that you need to call to seek assistance. The most recent USCIS contact number is 1-800-375-5283.
How long does USCIS take to review I 130?
Form I-130 Processing Times
For immediate relatives (spouse or unmarried child) of a U.S. green card holder (legal permanent resident), processing times for Form I-130 currently vary between 6-38 months.
How long after case is being actively reviewed by USCIS I 485?
Form I-485 Processing Time Summary
After filing Form I-485, Application to Adjust Status, and related forms, your I-485 processing time can take anywhere from 8 to 14 months. The basis of your adjustment of status (e.g. family, employment, asylum, etc.) will be a significant factor. This is an approximation.
Can I chat with USCIS online?
Emma, the online virtual assistant on the USCIS website, has a “Live Chat” feature that enables you to reach live assistance Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Eastern Time in certain instances if Emma cannot answer the question. You can also submit a case inquiry or service request using e-Request.
How do I file a complaint against USCIS?
- Online: DHS OIG Allegation Form.
- Mail: DHS Office of Inspector General/MAIL STOP 0305. Attention: Office of Investigations – Hotline. 245 Murray Lane SW. Washington, DC 20528-0305.
- Phone: 1-800-323-8603.
- Fax: 202-254-4297.
How do I know if my case is USCIS approved?
With your receipt number, you can check the status of your case on www. uscis.gov and also register on our Web site for automatic case status updates while we process your case.
Is USCIS on backlog?
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services' backlog has nearly 5.2 million cases and approximately 8.5 million cases are pending, according the CIS Ombudsman Phyllis Coven. By comparison, the backlog was around 2.7 million in July 2019.
How long is the immigration backlog?
At USCIS, the backlog has surged from 5.7 million applications at the end of FY 2019 to about 9.5 million as of February. And at the State Department, waits for in-person consular interviews for immigrant visas rose to a high of 532,000 last July, up from an average 60,900 in 2019 before the pandemic.
How long does it take USCIS to make a decision after interview 2022?
Technically, the USCIS has to provide you with a decision on your naturalization application within 120 days of your naturalization interview. In a green card application, the USCIS is supposed to provide you with an official notification of their decision within 30 days of your interview.
How long does it take USCIS to make a decision after interview 2021?
It is common for United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (“USCIS”) to take quite some time to issue a formal decision in a Naturalization case after the applicant has his/her interview. As a matter of regulation, USCIS has 120 days to issue a decision.