The US immigration process can be highly frustrating, and to add to it, processing times are very unpredictable. It can take weeks to months to file an immigration case and to receive confirmation from the US immigration agency that your case is processing. Once your application is in processing, it can take months to years to receive a final decision on your case. Even then, it cannot be easy to get a clear answer about where your application stands. Below, we discuss your options if your immigration case takes longer than usual.
Is your case within the normal case processing time?
When your application is received for processing, a receipt number is assigned that can be used to track the progress of your case against listed processing times. These processing times are referred to as “normal processing time.” Normal processing time is the typical processing time the government agency handling your immigration matter usually takes to decide on your application. Some cases can take years to process, which can be considered normal for the application type. Just because you haven’t heard back on your case for months or even years, that doesn’t always mean your immigration case is stuck or delayed. If your case is within the normal processing time, no action can be taken. Your case is in line, waiting and processing normally. The waiting game can be very frustrating, and the government does not typically take action on cases within normal processing times.
What do I do if my case is outside normal processing times?
If you have checked the processing of your case against regular processing times, and it is outside regular processing times, you can take the following steps. Make sure to have your receipt notice, receipt number, and the details of your case handy:
- Call a USCIS Customer Service Representative. You can call a USCIS customer service representative. This process can be very frustrating and can take a lot of time. The typical USCIS customer service representative is not able to answer detailed questions, and the information they provide is often the same as you already have received by mail or through the online case status. Calling USCIS is a step that should be taken as it can lead to notifying the officer handling your case of the inquiry.
- Inside the United States, Call 1-800-375-5283 Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST).
- Outside the United States – Call 1-212-620-3418
- Ask Emma. USCIS offers an online chat function through “Emma.” Emma answers general questions about your immigration case. Ask Emma
- Submit an Online Case Inquiry. If your case is taking longer than normal processing times, you might qualify to submit an online case inquiry. Case Inquiry – Outside Normal Processing Time
- Make an Infopass Appointment with USCIS. Only certain cases qualify for in-person assistance through an Inforpass appointment. USCIS will only schedule in-person appointments for applicants who need a service that CAN NOT be provided by phone or email. For example:
- If someone needs proof of their immigration status to work or travel
- Emergency travel documents
- Call the Contact Center at 1-800-375-5283 to request an appointment.
- Write a letter to USCIS asking for clarification on your case. The tools provided by USCIS are not always practical and can lead to even more frustration. Another option to obtain information about your case is to write a letter directly to USCIS. The letter should be addressed to the supervisor of your USCIS jurisdiction. You should provide your personal and case information and write the questions you need answered. The more concise you are, the more likely you will receive a response. Be respectful in your letter, as a poorly written letter can hurt your case. Letters are not always successful, but sometimes cases get lost in the shuffle, and writing a letter can get the reviewing officer to look at your case. If they choose to respond to your letter, it can take several weeks or even months.
- CIS Ombudsman Support – The purpose of the Citizenship and Immigration Services (CIS) Ombudsman’s Office is to improve the quality of citizenship and immigration services by providing individual case assistance, identifying systemic issues, and making recommendations to improve the administration of immigration benefits through USCIS. Here’s how—and when—to seek their help. How do I request CIS Ombudsman support?
Contact An Experienced Immigration Attorney
Filing a civil lawsuit against the government should not be taken lightly and should always be done with the advice of a skilled immigration lawyer. Suppose your case has not been adequately considered. In that case, you can request a federal judge to order USCIS to review and decide on your case, presenting evidence to show that USCIS has exceeded a reasonable timeline. This can compel USCIS to act, often prompting them to resolve your case to avoid the time and expense of court proceedings, ultimately leading to a decision on your application. Understanding common reasons for delays in immigration processing can help manage expectations and improve preparation, and for complex cases or persistent delays, consulting an immigration lawyer can provide tailored guidance.
Schedule a Consultation with an Immigration Lawyer
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We Can Help!
You may have questions regarding a delayed immigration case. We invite you to contact our team at Richards and Jurusik for detailed guidance and assistance. We aim to provide the most accurate and up-to-date information to make your immigration process smoother and less stressful. The immigration lawyers at Richards and Jurusik have decades of experience helping people to work and live in the United States. Please read some of our hundreds of 5-star client reviews! Contact us today to assess your legal situation.
