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How to make USCIS Expedite Request? Expedite Criteria, Process, Call

USCIS Case processing times can be very long at times. When you file an application with USCIS like for EAD(I-765 form), Adjustment of Status(I-485 form), or any other kind of application, many a time, you are stuck waiting for the USCIS response for a long time. Many of these forms do not have the premium processing option to pay a certain fee and get a faster response.

Also, sometimes, your situation may change, and you may need a faster decision from USCIS. This is where the USCIS expedite request process comes into the picture. In this article, we will look at what is an expedite request with USCIS, what are the USCIS criteria for it, what is not eligible for the expedite process, how to submit an expedite request, and how to track the status of the same, including some common FAQs.

What is USCIS Expedite Request for Applications or Petitions?

While someone is waiting for a decision on an application or petition pending with USCIS, sometimes, those individuals’ circumstances may change due to family, work or health, etc…and, they may need a decision from USCIS sooner than the normal processing times. To address such situations, USCIS has given a provision called “Request to Expedite Application or Petition”.

The goal of the expedite request process with USCIS is to get a decision faster on their application or petition without waiting further. This is primarily used in cases, where there is no premium processing option available for that particular form.

What is USCIS Expedite Request Criteria? Requirements?

In general, any applicant with a pending petition or application with USCIS can submit an expedite request, but it is up to USCIS to approve it or not. USCIS considers all expedite requests on a case-by-case basis. They look at the documentation supporting the expedite request and use their discretion to consider a case for expedited processing.

USCIS updated its expedite request criteria in May 2019 and it is much for stringent now. Below are the current Expedite request Criteria as listed by USCIS that they may consider.

List of USCIS Expedite Request Criteria/ Requirements

  • Severe loss to a company or person:
    •  To be eligible under this criteria, USCIS will first verify, if you have filed the application or petition on time and if the reason for expediting the request is not because of your last-minute filing.
    • Also, if there were any requests for evidence (RFE) issued, they will look at your response times, and whether you have provided the details on time or not.
    • Once they believe, the application was filed properly and you responded well, then they will look at the circumstances of the individual filing it and the loss to the individual or company.  
    • You need to provide all the documentation and proof indicating that there will be a loss to the person or company.  
    • The person requesting should provide genuine proof and documentation stating the loss and details of the same, if USCIS were to process the application in normal processing time.
  • Urgent Humanitarian reasons:
    • There is no regulatory definition for humanitarian reasons given by USCIS. They typically look at aspects of the situation of the individual and how pressing their need is for the decision of the application that is pending.
    • Some common examples are the need for critical medical treatment with time-sensitive action, assisting a family member who has severe illness or disease, the degree of suffering of the individual or family member, natural disaster, the need for a hospital stay, health care workers helping with a national emergency such as COVID-19 pandemic, etc. Again, this is very broad and totally up to the USCIS’s discretion.
  • Nonprofit Organizations (as designated by IRS) :
    • Firstly, the organization seeking the expedited request has to be designated by Internal Revenue Service(IRS) as a non-profit to use this criterion.
    • Nonprofit Organization requests, that there is an urgent need for their members to work on a project that is focused on the development of cultural and social interests of the United States. Examples like medical research for COVID-19, participating in mandatory cultural interest programs, etc.
    • Any of these non-profit organizations, even if they have premium processing available for the forms they filed, can still request expedited processing without paying the premium processing fee for getting a decision faster.  This new criterion was added by Biden administration as part of policy update in June 2021.
  • Compelling US Govt. Interests :
    • If the adjudication of the application or petition is tied to US national or Govt. interests. It could be urgent cases for the US Dept of Defense, DHS, or any national security or interest.
    • Also, any federal agency that sees the need to expedite for public safety or national security interests, should send the request from a senior-level official of that agency.
  • USCIS Error: 
    • If there is a clear USCIS Error, then they may consider it for expedited processing well.
    • An example could be if you got the wrong dates in your petition decision and you would lose status due to the mistake of USCIS or some critical errors tied to your status or EAD application.
    • You need to demonstrate the same that it is a USCIS error and not your mistake in filling out the application.

Common USCIS Expedite Request criteria for EAD Applications

 One of the very common expedite requests that are raised with USCIS are tied to the processing of EAD (Employment Authorization Document) applications. There are many USCIS EAD Category Codes and many of them end up in situations, where they feel the need to expedite their EAD application processing.

For instance, delays in H4, and H4 EAD Processing with Biometrics. The criteria are no different from the above-listed general criteria for EAD. Some of the key criteria that are typically considered by USCIS are listed below

  • EAD Expedite Request for Extreme Loss to Business or Person: Similar to the above general guidance, you need to prove that, if you do not have EAD adjudicated on time, there will be a loss to the company like losing a lot of revenue and impact them very badly, or it could be aspects like the person will suffer due to not having EAD, could be insurance, health conditions, etc.  Anything business related that is pre-planned based on normal processing times and if you do not go or attend, and it will cause loss to the company or person can be put in for this criteria. You will need to submit proofs to USCIS supporting the same.
  • Urgent Humanitarian Reason EAD Expedite: This is very subjective, but situations could be that, if you do not get EAD on time, you may lose your job and say, if you have a critical illness for you or your family has the same and you would end up in a very dire situation if EAD is not approved on time…again, very subjective and vary by case.

It totally varies case by case and the only you would know is to try and apply for it. If you have a valid reason and you are at loss, they may consider the expedite request. Again, it is up to the discretion of USCIS to take it or not.

What does NOT fall under USCIS Expedite Criteria?

  • Premium Processing: USCIS does not consider any of the above-listed expedite criteria if there is a premium processing option for the application for a petition. In such cases, the applicant or beneficiary needs to use the premium processing option, instead of the expedite request.  Example: For an H1B visa petition, there is premium processing, so you cannot use the expedite request for the same.
  • Outside of normal processing times:  USCIS does not generally consider an expedited request if the filed application or petition’s processing time is beyond the normal processing time for that form/application. If the processing time of your petition or application is outside of the normal processing times, you can only raise a service request with USCIS. If you just raise an expedited request without documentation that meets the expedite request criteria, it will be denied.
  • EAD Application alone: USCIS will not consider an expedite request, if you just filed a request stating that you filed an EAD application as a student or other visa type and want it for status or other benefits like getting a job, etc. Just the EAD application alone will not get expedite request approval, you need to explain your compelling circumstances for expedited processing. Even users stating that they will lose their job, if no EAD,  does not always get them to expedite processing approved, it all is up to the discretion of USCIS.

How to make an Expedite Request with USCIS?

Below is a step-by-step guide to raising an expedite request with USCIS for an application or a petition pending with them.

  • Step 1 – Get Receipt Notice:  The first step before you call to expedite is to make sure you have the receipt notice of the pending application or petition. You cannot expedite without having the receipt notice for the application or petition.
  • Step 2 – Call USCIS Contact Center :  Contact USCIS Contact Center at 1-800-375-5283 ( for TTY disability call  1-800-767-1833). Depending on your case receipt notice, you would be forwarded to the appropriate office that has jurisdiction over your case.
    • These call options might change. But, for now, here is the sequence.
    • Call the toll-free number 1-800-375-5283 and press 1 –> 1 –> 2 –> 2 –> Call goes to a representative. Also, press the option where you get to hear your case status (where the automated machine reads the same status which you see on the website). Let the message run completely and, in the end, they will ask you if you want to expedite the case. Once you do that wait for 15 to 40 mins to speak to an operator.
    • Do not hang up after 5 or 10 min, the wait times can be long, you may need to wait anywhere from a few minutes to 40 minutes to speak to someone.
  • Step 3 – Speak to Operator / Tier 1 or 2 Officer: When you get connected, you need to make sure you get connected to at least Tier 1 or Tier 2 officer. Sometimes, the customer service rep may forward, and sometimes they may not…so, it is a hit and a miss. Anyways, when you speak to customer service, try to explain your situation and the reason for expediting the case.
  • Step 4 – Get Expedite Service Request Number:  They will take all your details like receipt number, email id, etc. Once done, customer service will give you Expedite Service Request Number, it will be the one that you will use to track your expedite request.  You will get an email with the details of the expedite request.
  • Step 5 – Expedite Request Tracking: Usually, when you raise an expedite request, your general case status on the USCIS website gets tagged to this and you can track the status of your expedite request there. You can use your same Receipt Number to track the status. It is better seen, if you have an account. You can create an account at  https://myaccount.uscis.gov/ or https://egov.uscis.gov/casestatus/landing.do and track it. Sometimes, the status may be slightly different in both, due to sync issues…
  • Step 6 – Get Email to Submit Details: If there is documentation needed, you will get an email with the details of the expedite request and the details of the email ID, where you would need to submit documents and supporting information for your expedite request. In some cases, some users do not get this email, so it all depends.
  • Step 7 – Send Documentation for Expedite Request: You will need to submit all the required supporting documentation in one email to the email address that is given to you in the expedite request. You should not send multiple emails, you need to send everything in one big email. Try to put all the supporting documents one PDF file and send the same. The email will give you directions on how many pages are allowed ( 15 pages or less) and how to send.
  • Step 8 – Expedite Request Tracking, Decision: Usually you will get a response from them in less than a week, sometimes few days. If the expedite request is approved, they will inform the same via email. If it is denied, they will inform the same too via email.
    • You can track the status of the same on USCIS case status by creating an account there or check USCIS Case Status on their website .
    • You will see the statuses “Expedite Request Received” followed by “Expedite Request Approved”, if the request was approved. If denied, then you will see the status “Expedite Request Denied”. Check next section on what you would see online and what each status means.
  • Step 9 – Decision on the Petition or Application : If the expedite request was approved, based on the documentation you submitted, then you would see the decision on the application or petition soon, within a week or so. You can call customer service to confirm as well on the status.  

Track USCIS Expedite Request Status, Meaning

You can check the status of your expedited request on the USCIS Case Status page by entering your receipt number. You will typically see three main statuses after you submit an expedite request with USCIS as listed below.

  • Expedite Request Received
  • Expedite Request Approved
  • Expedite Request Denied

Expedite Request Received: You will see the status, “Expedite Status Received”, soon after your request was accepted by the USCIS. It means that your request to expedite your pending application/petition with USCIS was received by them. You will see this status online on USCIS case status website, when you enter your USCIS application or petition case number. It looks like in the below screenshot.

Expedite Request Received Status
Expedite Request Received Status

Expedite Request Approved: The status will change from “Expedite Status Received” to “Expedite Request Approved”, if the request you submitted was approved by USCIS. It means that your request to expedite your pending application/petition with USCIS was approved based on the supporting info you submitted and it will be processed in an expedited fashion immediately. You will see the updated status online on USCIS case status website, when you enter your USCIS application or petition case number. It looks like in the below screenshot.

Expedite Request Approved Status USCIS
Expedite Request Approved Status USCIS

Expedite Request Denied: The status will change from “Expedite Status Received” to “Expedite Request Denied”, if the request you submitted was not approved by USCIS. It means that your request to expedite your pending application/petition with USCIS was denied as the supporting info you submitted did not fulfill the expedite request criteria. You will also see the updated status online on the USCIS case status website and looks like in the below screenshot.

Expedite Request Denied by USCIS Sample
Expedite Request Denied by USCIS

USCIS Expedited Processing Time

The processing time for an expedited request with USCIS is anywhere from 30 to 45 days. Sometimes, users see a response within 10 to 15 days, but it all varies by case and situation. Once your request expedited is accepted, it will be assigned to an officer and you will get an email from USCIS that states like below. It clearly tells that you should get a response from them within 45 days.

“…Your documents submitted meet the requirements for expedited processing of your application. You should receive a decision or notice of further action within 45 days….”

USCIS Expedite Request with Members of Congress  

Sometimes, if you follow the above process, you may or may not get expedite request approved as it all depends on the Customer Service Rep or Tier 1 or Tier 2 officer. You can also pursue the expedite request using Members of Congress. This has worked for few users trying to expedite their application.  For this you need to reach out to your members of congress/ congressman in your area. Check Find members of US congress to get their contact details and website info.

You can contact the members of US Congress using email or phone, and explain your situation just like you would do to a tier 2 officer. Usually, they would have a form on their website so that you can fill it out and someone from the Congressman’ss office would contact you. You would need to submit all the same supporting documents that you would typically submit to USCIS for expediting the case.  

There is a Congressional Liaison Specialist from USCIS who will work with the members of congress and give them an update. Again, even, if you submit using members of congress, it will rest in the hands of USCIS and their discretion. Just expediting a petition because you will lose job may not be compelling enough for qualifying for expedite request…

USCIS Expedite Request with Ombudsman

You can also try to expedite with Ombudsman.  The office of the Ombudsman is there to help in situations where an applicant is not able to directly get support from USCIS, despite their situation. Before you contact Ombudsman, you need to call USCIS directly and try it out once or twice and then only come to Ombudsman.

If you could not resolve or expedite your case despite your situation directly with USCIS, then you can contact the Ombudsman’s office. You can reach out to them directly by filling out the Request on Ombudsman Office Webpage. You will need all the supporting documentation just like above. This has worked for a few users.

Check out a few H4 Expedite Request Experiences by 3 Users for the above-listed options.

Common FAQs on Expedite Request

Can I try to expedite more than once, despite expedite request denials by USCIS?

Yes, there is no rule as such that you can only try to expedite once.  Some users have tried USCIS customer service first, then they tried Senator, then finally after two rejections, they went to Ombudsman and got it solved. So, there is no restriction.

Is Loss of Job a reason for Expediting EAD processing? Does it work?

Well, just loss of a job on its own does not qualify for the expedite criteria to expedite EAD application. It needs to meet other general criteria of loss for individuals or company.  

How long does USCIS expedite request processing take? Approved?

There is no set timeline as such. It can take a few days to a few weeks. Usually, you will hear about the decision to the expedite request within 10 days or so. If your expedite request is approved, you would see a decision on your application within a few weeks. Many users have seen decisions in a few days to 10 days.

Can I appeal, if my expedite request continues to be denied?

Yes, you can appeal using the Administrative Appeals Office (AAO), but it may take a very long time…Check USCIS.gov AAO Processing Request for full details on the process.

Where is the official guide or info on the USCIS Expedite request?

You can check the USCIS.gov website Expedite Request

Does USCIS need to give an explanation on why they denied your expedite request?

No, they do not need to give you any explanation on why they denied an expedite request. As per the guidelines, it is their discretion and there is no mandatory rule for them to give an explanation to anyone why they denied an expedite request.

What has been your experience with Expedite Request with USCIS? Share your experiences in comments section below.

   

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110 Comments

  1. I765 what is this mean

    The status of this service request is:

    Your expedite request has been forwarded to the proper division for further review. You will receive a notice on your request as soon as possible.

    We hope this information is helpful to you.

    Reply
  2. Hi,
    I am writing to request expedited processing from USCIS for my I-539 change of status from F2 to F1 (Student Visa). The university requires my presence for a Research Assistant (RA) position in the upcoming fall semester (starting in August 28). Additionally, I am at risk of losing my admission and scholarship if my status is not changed by August.

    I am uncertain about the proper procedure for submitting an email to have my request considered. I would greatly appreciate your guidance in this matter.
    Thank you.

    Reply
  3. Hi,
    I am writing to request expedited processing from USCIS for my I-539 change of status from F2 to F1 (Student Visa). The university requires my presence for a Research Assistant (RA) position in the upcoming fall semester (starting in August 28). Additionally, I am at risk of losing my admission and scholarship if my status is not changed by August.

    I am uncertain about the proper procedure for submitting an email to have my request considered. I would greatly appreciate your guidance in this matter.
    Thank you.

    Reply
  4. Hi, my husband and I have been married for 4 years. My husband had a son before we were together. My stepson is 7 and his mother and died. He is currently living with his Uncle and other family members in Nigeria. I completed and i-130 for him but I was told I could complete an expedite request for this. Is this true? If so what proof(s) would I need to provide? I imagine I need a death certificate. Would I need anything else and would I just upload it to my file? Even if I have to call USCIS would I also upload a letter on my file (on the USCIS site)? Any help would be appreciated.

    Reply
  5. I sent my documents for the EAD Expedite Request a week ago (6/8/2023) through FAX as mentioned in the USCIS email. But my Case Status (EAD Receipt Number) on USCIS Website is not updated as “Expedite Request Received”.
    Should I call USCIS and inquire?

    Reply
  6. If I have a job offer and an approved I140, can I request for expedited I-765 EAD based on the pending I485 case?

    Reply
    • Hello Ritesh.
      I have the same unanswered question. I will let you know if I find an answer. Likewise please do let me know.

      Reply
  7. Hi,

    Good day,
    My case number in 2014, my mother who petitioned me is already 92 years old, can I request to expedite my petition.

    Please advise.

    Thank you

    Reply
      • Hi. Same here. My mother in law who filed the petition for US citizenship needs to undergohipe replacement. Her son who is my husband is her only child. My mother in law is widow. No one will take care of her when she goes for hip replacement. What shall we do to expedite the petition?

        Reply
  8. Hi!, I would like to know if I can apply for an expedite of an I-130. Our priority date of F3 is 1997 because we are Mexicans, and we received the acceptance letter on July 25th, 2014 , as you can see it will take a lot of time to get the green card, more than 10 years. We are actually in the US with an E-2 for 4 years and it will be finish in October 2026. How can we do to get an expedite for an I-130 or try to get faster the green card??.

    Thanks in advance
    Karla Fuentes

    Reply
  9. Hi I am petitioning for my Indian citizen husband with I-130. My PD is 12/5/22 and I requested an expedite on 1/20/23. I got an email stating that my expedite request would be accommodated on 1/23/23. It’s been 1 month since that email. I’m just concerned with how long it takes once the expedite request is approved, that any action is taken on my case? There is no update in my USCIS account with my receipt number. Any help is appreciated. Thanks.

    Reply
    • Samantha,
      Usually it takes about 20 to 30 days for the decision to come. You can follow up on the request again, sometimes, some info can get lost in cracks. The online status can be very misleading, so do not rely on it 100%

      Reply
  10. I keep calling USCIS to ask about getting my I 130 expedited. The answering machine emailed me a website that only gives you the same phone I called. I received a IOE number 6 months ago. I have not heard anything more from USCIS

    Reply
  11. Does the expedite denied interferes on the regular processing time for the 765? my husband had his expedite denied 2 months ago, and mine is already approved (he is dependent on my process )

    Reply
  12. my expedite request for an i-130 petition was approved on 5th/05/ 2022 and the approval said i would get a decision in 45 days but up to now i haven’t heard from them. What could be the problem and what do i do.

    Reply
  13. I (simply a legal assistant) have a client who is a Honduran foreign filer waiting on i-601 approval.
    Before she left the country she DID NOT arrange custody agreements in regards to her 2 US born minor children. She simply left them in the care of her sister (not even with her current husband for reasons I don’t know).
    Now the father of the children (ex of the applicant) is having the court summon the sister to hand over the kids, as of right now she still cares for them and court date is in a month. Simply showing court summons for the case is not an enough to grant an expedite correct? I can’t find it anymore, but could’ve swore that somewhere on the USCIS website it stated that they would not grant expedites on matters that the client is at fault for. Applicant NOW got an attorney of power in her country, but still can’t see how USCIS would grant an expedite at all. This doesn’t seem urgent to me but would like some advice on it.
    Clients application was filed in December, I’m just hoping maybe she can get approved soon.

    Reply
    • diana,
      Sorry to hear about the situation.
      Well, showing the court summon may help as it can be classified as humanitarian grounds. Only USCIS can tell, you should try to give it a shot and go for it. Worst case, they may not grant it…but, what do you lose by trying few times. You can reach out to the Congressmen closer to you as well.

      Reply
  14. Thank you for this excellent article! I have a quick question, if I may. I’m sponsoring my parents (IR5). My lawyer submitted an expedite request on their behalf because my Mom was diagnosed with cancer and I’d like her to come to the US to receive treatments (she already started getting treatment back home). The request was approved in 48 hours. CEAC now says their applications are “In Transit” to the embassy. How soon can we expect to hear from the embassy about an interview date? Their I-130s and my I-864 were already approved. Thank you

    Reply
    • Martin,
      Sorry to hear about your mother’s situation.
      I am not familiar with this process and am not sure how long it can take. My guess is within a week to 10 days. Take care of your mother. Hope she recovers soon.

      Reply
  15. I can’t for the life of me figure out what the receipt notice of the application or petition is. Where do we get it? DO we need to fill out a form or pay a fee to get one? please help…

    Reply
    • Laura,
      You would get a receipt notice after submitting an application/petition with USCIS. USCIS will send it after they accept your application or petition.

      Reply
  16. Hi,

    I need to expedite my advanced parole application. Do you recommend mentioning in the application that it needs to be expedited (and why) or should I just wait for the receipt notice to put in the request? Does having a minor medical procedure schedule count as an emergency for needing expedited travel permission, in your experience?

    Thank you in advance.

    Reply
  17. I have an approved I140. I have a valid medical reason. Can i apply for expedite request for my Green Card even if my priority date is in 2017?

    Reply
  18. I called USCIS and they mentioned usually take within one week to receive an email notice, so if not, you must want to call them again to find out what is going.

    Reply
  19. How long does it take for the expedite request to appear on my USCIS online account?
    So I request an expedite through Emma this afternoon, she provide me a referral number. I’ve no idea where to track the status.
    My I765 case starts with IOE so I do have an online account, but right now it’s not showing my request.

    Reply
      • Hello,

        My wife has Applied for H4 EAD Expedite request 3 weeks back. We did not hear anything from USCIS yet. What is the usual timeline they reply when we raise an SR request. She is checking her email everyday and did not get any reply.

        Reply
        • SR requests have issues. I put in 2 different SR requests and for both I never received response. I ended up calling USCIS and they put in a T1 request directly with the USCIS office handling my case and I got a response within a week. T1 officer told me “it looks like both of your requests were never assigned to any office. First request was closed because a new request was created”.

          You might wanna give USCIS call and reach the T1 or T2 officer and tell them your issue.

          Reply
      • God bless you i did my expedite request for EAD and AP as a VAWA petition December 16th 2022,I haven’t received a email or anything as yet,do you think they received my request, all I need to work the right way,so people that know I don’t have status in this country stop abusing me,my IRS payments is very late with alot of interest ,it’s just really hard, depressed my grandmother passed away in my birth country and it’s very sad because I don’t know if am able to make to her funeral 😢, everything is just depressing,

        Reply
  20. I had filed an expedite request and USCIS representative gave me a tracking number that is like “T1N**********” and ends with 3 letters so totally 16 digits instead of usual 13 digits that USCIS website accepts. When I try to check status of that it says “The application receipt number entered is invalid. ” Is there any specific way I have provide this?

    Reply
    • You need to check the status with your 765 case number and not with the rep tracking number. As the article says, most of the cases over the phone are gone to denials.

      Reply
      • God bless you, first I called and they took my expedite request information, the lady to check back within 7 days time and check my email (which i did) when did call back another lady told me they don’t take expedite request by phone, I would have to mail,(which I did) I mailed December 16th 2022 with my additional supporting evidence for my request, haven’t heard anything as yet checking my email ever since,can you please give me words of encouragement because it’s really rough and depressing

        Reply
        • Alicia Allen so sorry,did you already received any answer from USCIS? My husband is waiting for his work authorization for 6 months already,which address did you sent the request ? Thank you

          Reply
  21. Is it possible to expedite H4 extension? My husband H1B was approved back in Mar 2021. And my H4 & EAD extensions were filed on Mar 11. I tried expediting my EAD ext req in July. They denied it saying the pre-req of H4 ext approval was not complete. But, my H4 ext case status now shows “On July 14, 2021, we received your request for expedited processing on your Form I-539”. Its been almost a month, but nothing has moved. Will they even consider H4 ext for expedite request? Expedite req processing time is usually 10-15 days. Any advice what I should do from here? My EAG expires mid Oct. I will lose my job then if things dont work out by then.

    Reply
    • Nevermind. My cases were approved. My local congresswoman’s office helped me with the process. I am really glad it worked out in time.

      Reply
      • Hi,
        Can you please let me know, how many days it took to get the approval after you reached out to congresswoman office? I rea he’d out to my local co gresswown office and they requested the USCIS and its been two weeks still no update.

        Any info you can share that would be great help for me.

        Thank you,
        Vasu

        Reply
  22. I have able to request expedited service for my H4 EAD extension through the EMMA chat. It took all of 15 min and was extremely convenient. I mean although not sure if it will get approved or not but still the process was easier compared to being on phone for over an hour and hoping. the person on the other end understands your case.

    Reply
    • Thanks Arshi for sharing. Could you please elaborate on the information you provided to get it expedited through EMMA chat?
      What was the outcome of your expedite request?

      My H-4 extension was filed along with my spouse H-1B application and it got approved in Apr 2021. My H-4 EAD was filed separately in March 2021 and is pending approval.

      Reply
    • Hi Arshie,

      Could you please elaborate on the information you provided to get it expedited through EMMA chat? I am trying but I can not. I am considering to call on monday.

      Thank you.

      Reply
  23. Does anyone know if submitting an expedite request for H4 H4 EAD slows down the processing if it gets rejected. My expedite request was rejected and was wondering what to do. There’s only one more month left.

    Reply
  24. I submitted an I-539 for a F-1 SEVIS reinstatement in Sep 2020. My STEM degree program ends in May 2021, and processing will take longer than that. If I don’t get a decision before end of May, I lose my eligibility for OPT/EAD and my job offer. I submitted an expedite request and got denied without a chance to show any documentation for my case.

    Does my case qualify for financial loss? If so, how can I submit another expedite request?

    Reply
  25. USIS is just one of least effective government offices that needs a complete reset. The processing times are extended for no reason, especially when many people is sending their documents electronically. The responses are almost NONE, expedited requests are NOT WORKING and possibly extend the application itself. Someone who is working or his case is about to expire or already expired has NO SUPPORT from USCIS or US government. USCIS only makes cases worst and cause people big trouble and extra expenses. If this service is free of charge, then OK, but how they can charge that much money for NOT WORKING ? Then approve case one month before it expire again ? This is ridiculous.

    Reply
  26. I raised an expedite request for my I-485 processing with USCIS sighting a USCIS mistake, Its been more than 19 days and no response. I was informed by a Tier 2 Officer today that the request is under review and neither been accepted or denied and I should wait for another 10 days for response. I was under the impression that the SLA for USCIS to response was at the MAX 15 days.

    From your experience do you feel that it is a good sign as they did not reject the request out of hand.

    Time Line:
    Expedite Request Raise Nov 02,2020
    Additional Information Sent Nov 05,2020
    Request for Additional Information Received Status Change Nov 06,2020
    Talked to a Tier 2 officer Nov 25,2020

    Reply
    • Nishaad,
      There is no SLA unless it was filed in premium processing. The expedite processing is on a case by case basis and has no SLA.
      It could be, but cannot take it for granted until you see the approved request.

      Reply
    • How did you make the expedite request? I have been trying to call USCIS but the voice prompt doesn’t give me any options and the steps outlined above are not working for me during the call??

      Reply
      • Yes. Same happened with me initially and voice prompt just threatened to disconnect my call if I asked for agent :). When the voice prompt asks you to speak you need to say “raise expedite request”. Only then will you be redirected to agent.

        Reply
  27. I recently obtained my naturalization certificate but social security lost my certificate, they told me to send them the original due to covid-19, luckily for me this office lost my certificate claiming that they sent it by usps, but the mail office indicated that they do not have any shipping record. Finally after 2 months of waiting I decided to start the process of replacement of the naturalization certificate (n565), as I saw the waiting times range from 15 to 19 months 🙁 but I don’t have proof of my us citizenship and need urgently to work to pay my rental and expenses, my husband recently passed away. 🙁

    Reply
  28. We requested expedited processing of I-129F 9 weeks ago and still no response. We’ve requested updates but haven’t heard anything. Any suggestions on how to prompt action?

    Reply
  29. Kumar,

    What if the spouse’s H1-B is approved under premium and my H4 & EAD doesn’t require biometrics, it’s confirmed with the call center. Assuming they have everything, how long will they take to approve these cases ?

    Thanks…

    Reply
  30. Thanks Kumar,

    As per the suggestions here, I called USCIS & raised a service expedite request. I mentioned since my company is a startup, it’s a huge loss to my company as i work on 3 clients projects.

    Can you please tell me if we have to include any numbers specifically to make it a more stronger case? What else can be included along with employer letter?

    Thanks in Advance..

    Reply
    • Sea Bass,
      You could include financial loss and how critical you are for the company. Anything that helps prove that it is important will help your case.

      Reply
  31. Hi,
    I called USCIS for expedite request for my I539 change of status from F2 to F1(student Visa). I talked with an agent and explained that the university needs me for RA position in this January and in addition I will lose my admission and 2 fellowships if my status will not change by January.

    I asked her to give me a chance to send university’s letter to proof my claim but 5 days latter I received deny email!

    I am living in TX and the university is in TX too, but unfortunately my application had sent to California center which has longest processing time!

    I want to ask a Senator to help me and I think I should ask TX Senators not California Senators. Is it true?
    and do you have any additional advises for me?

    I think if the USCIS let me to send the letter of university for them, they will accept my expedite request as “Financial loss” criteria.

    Reply
    • Farzane,
      You should ask senators where you currently live.
      Try other routes like ombudsman as well.

      Again, these may or may not work. Try your best.

      Reply
  32. First time I submitted Expedite Request on I 765 they rejected it saying biometrics not done and I 539 not yet approved. After biometrics completed on Oct 9th, I again created an ER on Oct 12th – also reached out to senator and ombudsman. Today received email saying ER is rejected – no reasons provided. What are my options now?

    Reply
  33. I applied for my EAD on 05/15/2020 (through I-130), and my current EAD (student OPT) expired on 07/22.

    I have requested expedited processing on 09/15/2020 and received an email asking for proof on 09/22/2020. The only option was to fax the documents which fortunately I was able to do. I checked my case status on my EAD on my case status check and saw that they have approved it on 09/23/2020, which was way faster than I have expected.

    In regards to the documents, I had my company write a letter detailing that they will have projects delayed due to my absence. We also included medical bills and debt that my spouse has along with our shared rent and insurance bills. My experience is get as much documentation as possible to convince the officer that you are in need and they will approve it. We also had simplecitizen (the service we used to file) review our documents. Hope this helps people who are struggling with this process.

    Reply
  34. I requested for expedite request for my I 765 form and got denied. Can I please know if I can request it again? And what is the minimum number of days I should wait to apply for another expedite request.

    Reply
  35. In their email USCIS didn’t include email address, only fax. Is this normal? I am reading online the fax number doesn’t work for many people.

    Reply
  36. In order to track my expedite request, do i enter my original receipt number on https://egov.uscis.gov/casestatus/landing.do

    or will i need to enter Get Expedite Service Request Number on the same website?

    Reply
    • Ameet,
      You sign up for an account in USCIS and put in option to track your case, there you will see the status. You will just put in your USCIS Case number to track.

      Reply

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