For many, how to receive a decision from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) faster is a common question. One method for obtaining a decision in a shorter timeframe is to make an expedite request to USCIS.
USCIS will consider expedite requests on a case-by-case basis and has complete discretion whether to grant the request or not.
USCIS may consider an expedite request if it meets one or more of the following criteria or circumstances:
Severe financial loss to a company or person, provided that the need for urgent action is not the result of failing to timely file the benefit request, or timely respond to any requests for additional evidence (RFEs);
A company can demonstrate that it would suffer a severe financial loss if it is at risk of failing, losing a critical contract, or having to lay off other employees.
Job loss may be sufficient to establish severe financial loss for a person, depending on the individual circumstances. However, USCIS warns that the need to obtain employment authorization by itself, without evidence of other compelling factors, does not warrant expedited treatment.
Emergencies and urgent humanitarian reasons;
Nonprofit organization whose request is in furtherance of the cultural or social interests of the United States;
U.S. government interests (such cases identified as urgent by federal agencies such as the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD), U.S. Department of Labor (DOL), National Labor Relations Board (NLRB), Equal Opportunity Commission (EEOC), U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), U.S. Department of State (DOS), U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), or other public safety or national security interests); or
Clear USCIS error.
More detailed information may be found on the USCIS Expedite Requests page.
If you believe that one or more of the situations outlined above might apply to you, we encourage you to contact our office at Powers Immigration Law at (704) 556-1156.