If you’re dealing with an urgent immigration situation, waiting months for your USCIS case to move forward may not be an option. Fortunately, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) offers a pathway called expedited processing. This option allows certain petitions and applications to be reviewed more quickly—if you qualify.
In this article, we’ll walk you through how to request expedited processing for your USCIS case, what qualifies as an emergency, and how to improve your chances of approval. Whether you’re waiting on a work permit, green card, or visa petition, knowing when and how to ask for speed can make a big difference.
What Is Expedited Processing and Who Qualifies?
Expedited processing is not the same as premium processing (which requires a fee and only applies to specific forms). Instead, it’s a free service available to applicants who meet very specific criteria.
USCIS may grant expedited processing if you can prove one or more of the following:
- Severe financial loss to a person or company
- Emergencies or urgent humanitarian reasons
- Nonprofit organization activities related to cultural or social interest (e.g., COVID-19 response)
- U.S. government interests (e.g., urgent requests from federal agencies)
- Clear USCIS error
- Compelling national interest or public safety concerns
Important: Just saying your case is urgent or delayed won’t be enough. You’ll need solid documentation to support your claim.
Examples of Eligible Situations
- A healthcare worker on a visa who needs an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) renewal to avoid job loss
- A U.S. company set to lose a contract unless a foreign national’s work visa is approved
- A family member facing life-threatening medical issues abroad and needing a visa appointment
- A nonprofit organizing emergency relief efforts and requiring a foreign worker’s participation
How to Submit an Expedite Request to USCIS
There are two common ways to request expedited processing:
1. After Filing (via USCIS Contact Center)
If you’ve already submitted your form and received a receipt notice, you can contact USCIS to request expedited review.
Here’s how:
- Call the USCIS Contact Center at 1-800-375-5283
- Explain your situation to the live representative
- If they find your reason meets basic criteria, they’ll create a service request and give you a confirmation number
- You may be asked to email supporting documentation to a USCIS email address
2. Through an Online Account (if available)
If you submitted your form through a USCIS online account, you can sometimes file an expedite request directly online:
- Log in to your USCIS account
- Go to your case and select “Ask a Question About Your Case”
- Choose “Expedite Request” as the topic
- Upload supporting documents directly
Tip: Always keep a copy of everything you send.
Timing and Response
After your request is submitted, here’s what typically happens:
- You’ll receive an acknowledgment within 1–2 weeks
- If documentation is requested, you’ll have a short window (e.g., 7 days) to respond
- Final decision usually comes within 15 to 30 days, depending on the case type
What Supporting Documents Should You Include?
Strong evidence is critical. USCIS won’t approve a request without clear, objective proof that meets their expedite criteria.
Here’s what to include, based on your situation:
- Severe financial loss: Bank statements, employer letters, termination notices, or revenue reports
- Medical emergency: Hospital records, physician letters, or treatment plans
- Nonprofit urgency: Documentation showing your organization’s role and the specific event or need
- U.S. government interest: Official letters from a federal agency
Note: All documents must be translated into English if originally in another language.
What If Your Request Is Denied?
Getting denied isn’t the end of the road. Here’s what you can do:
- Wait for normal processing – Most cases will still move forward as scheduled
- Reapply with stronger evidence – If you can gather more compelling proof, you may try again
- Contact your U.S. Senator or Representative – Many congressional offices can make formal inquiries on your behalf
- File a formal complaint with the USCIS Ombudsman – Especially if the delay was caused by USCIS error
Expedite Requests for Specific USCIS Forms
Here are a few examples where expedite requests are more common:
| USCIS Form | Description | Common Expedite Scenario |
|---|---|---|
| I-765 | Work permit application | Risk of job loss due to delay |
| I-131 | Advance parole (travel document) | Emergency family travel abroad |
| I-129 | Nonimmigrant worker petition | Employer risk of major project loss |
| I-130 | Family-based petition | Terminally ill relative abroad |
| I-539 | Change or extension of status | Pending legal stay issue |
Statistics on USCIS Case Backlogs and Expedite Outcomes
- As of Q1 2025, USCIS reports over 9.5 million pending applications across all categories. (Source: USCIS Quarterly Report)
- Only about 1 in 10 expedite requests are approved nationwide
- Processing delays for EADs and Advance Parole now average 90–150 days, depending on the service center (Source: AILA Liaison Committee)
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to file an expedite request?
It’s free. There’s no USCIS fee for submitting an expedite request.
Can I submit multiple expedite requests?
Yes, but avoid spamming. Repeated requests without new evidence can hurt your chances.
Is an expedite request guaranteed to speed up my case?
No. Even if your request is accepted for review, it may still be denied based on insufficient evidence.
Will expedited processing give me a result in 15 days like premium processing?
Not necessarily. Expedite review timelines vary widely by form type and service center.
Can an attorney file an expedite request for me?
Yes, a lawyer can submit it on your behalf, especially if your case is complex.
Image Suggestions
- Step-by-step flowchart showing how to file an expedite request
- Table comparing expedite eligibility reasons with supporting documents
- Infographic showing USCIS backlog and average processing timelines
Final Thoughts
Requesting expedited processing from USCIS can be a lifeline in emergencies—but it’s not easy. Approval depends entirely on your ability to present clear, credible, and timely evidence that aligns with strict criteria.
If your situation is urgent, act quickly. Gather your documents, contact USCIS or use your online account, and be prepared to follow up. The process isn’t guaranteed, but with the right approach, you may be able to speed up your case—and reduce months of waiting and uncertainty.
