An Expedite Request is a “special” request that MAY or MAY NOT be granted. It is assessed on a case-by-case basis. The fact that a case may be expedited, it does not mean that the overall immigration filing will be approved. Similarly, if a case is expedited by one Agency (e.g. USCIS), a new request must be submitted to the new agency (e.g. NVC).
This post will specifically focus on Government Interest Requests and what is recommended to be provided based on different common situations.
Additionally, please do not confuse this post with “Automatic Expedite Filings” due to Government Service, examples being:
Please select your applicable situation Below in the Drop Down Section:
First thing to note: The Immigration Agency WILL NOT expedite your immigration filing merely because you are Active Duty. There is NO BASIS to expedite just because of service.
Second thing to note: PCS-ing domestically, within the US, is NOT a grounds for expediting, that is just a change of address and change of Jurisdiction/USCIS Office.
Third thing to note: Mere deployment (going to a warzone or desert) would not be able to expedite an immigration filing, since the Immigrant is NOT expected to leave the US or have any change whatsoever, but if the immigrant is expected to accompany the active duty service member abroad, this MAY allow expediting.
In order to request an expedited filing for a pending immigration case, it is our office’s recommendation that an active duty service member provide to USCIS the following items:
The Official Orders are generally issued 180 to 120 days PRIOR to the Report Date Abroad. This provides a “deadline,” a “date of urgency,” a date to argue against how the “normal processing time would NOT be in the Government’s Interest.” This date is mandatory, meaning unofficial orders or knowing that you may PCS at the end of the year or sometime next year, the date range WOULD NOT be sufficient.
Please Note: If the immigration filing will cause a hardship, the service member may need to look into Deferment.
Also Please Note: EXPEDITE REQUESTS usually occur when you are in a time crunch. Since you have to wait for the Official Orders, the 4 to 6 months prior to deployment are very stressful, BUT USCIS requires the urgency in order for you to “skip in line.”
For Active Duty Service Members, the US Government has a strong interest in the service members:
Below is a Template the Command or Security Officer can write/sign in support of the expedite request and expressing their/the Government’s interest in expediting the immigration case:
[DATE]
Attention USCIS,
First thing to note: The Immigration Agency WILL NOT expedite your immigration filing merely because you are a “Fellow Government Worker.” There is NO BASIS to expedite just because of government service.
Second thing to note: The Contractor Position MUST be Abroad, and it MUST connect to the Security Clearance. If it is DOMESTIC, then regular processing times shouldn’t be of concern.
In order to request an expedited filing for a pending immigration case, it is our office’s recommendation that a Contractor provide the following items:
Simply put, maintenance of the Security Clearance.
Below is a Template the HR or Service Officer can write/sign in support of the expedite request and expressing their/the Government’s interest in expediting the immigration case:
[DATE]
Attention [Agency],
Based on the type of USCIS Filing, Request Options might change. Here are the most common:
I-130:
I-130/I-485 AOS:
I-765:
Not normally available to be expedited. More Infor Here: /immigration/adjustment-of-status/can-i-expedite-the-i-765-employment-authorization/
I-612:
I-129F:
Not Available since Fiance Relationship is not a qualifying civil status.
I-751:
N-400:
Email a scanned request letter, with all relevant biographical information and case numbers, and with supporting documents to NVCExpedite@state.gov.
Email a scanned request letter, with all relevant biographical information and case numbers, and with supporting documents to 212ewaiver@state.gov.
Email the Consulate/Embassy Directly.
If you require assistance with an immigration filing, please consider contacting our office to set up a consultation with our Immigration Attorney.
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