You filed your forms. You waited. Your case is still pending. Long waits and confusing rules block your life.
Waiting can cost jobs, travel plans, and reunions with family members. You miss chances to obtain employment authorization. You worry about medical treatment, school, and bills. Every delay feels like a door that will not open.
A lawyer practicing immigration law can help. They spot mistakes, fix errors, and push for quicker decisions. They can help you request expedited processing and submit strong expedite requests when you qualify. With the right legal services, you can speed up your immigration process and reduce stress.
Quick Facts
- A skilled immigration attorney assists with filing, provides support for necessary documents, and handles immigration appeals.
- They can request expedited processing or request expedited processing directly with Citizenship and Immigration Services.
- Lawyers check USCIS forms, clear USCIS errors, and can pursue expedited adjudication when eligible.
- In certain cases, lawyers may file a Mandamus (delay lawsuit) or request that the National Visa Center review an immigrant visa case.
Understanding How Long Immigration Cases Take
The U.S. immigration system can feel very slow. How long it takes depends a lot on the type of application and your location. For example, U.S. family-based green cards can take from 8 to 33 months to process. Green cards based on a job can take 8.5 to 33 months, with the EB-1 type being the fastest. These long waiting times highlight the importance of finding ways to expedite the immigration process.
Why Cases Get Delayed
Delays happen for many simple reasons. These include:
- Missing supporting documents or civil documents (causing 53% of U.S. immigration delays)
- Errors on USCIS forms or a clear USCIS error.
- Long processing times at a USCIS office or the National Visa Center.
- Background checks, submitting biometrics, or transfers between centers.
- Visa category backlog and slow processing of immigrant visas.
- Requests for additional documentation or further immigration review.
Addressing these issues promptly is crucial to expediting your immigration process.
How Delays Affect Your Life
Delays in immigration don’t just mean waiting; they can put your whole life on hold.
- You might not obtain employment authorization on time.
- You may miss critical medical treatment.
- You can suffer severe financial loss.
- Family member reunions get postponed.
The uncertainty can be overwhelming, making it hard to plan for the future. An immigration lawyer understands the significant impact of these delays and works diligently to mitigate their effects.
Smart Solutions from an Immigration Lawyer to Speed Up Your Immigration Process
Hiring an expert immigration lawyer offers real ways to make your case faster. Having legal help has been shown to increase approval rates by 10.5 times in immigration court cases. This clearly demonstrates the value of professional guidance.
1. Using Premium Processing Services
One direct way to speed up your immigration process for certain job-based requests is through premium processing. This service streamlines the processing time, reducing it from the typical 4-6 months to just 15 calendar days. The cost ranges from $2,500 to $2,805.
While it’s an additional cost, it significantly reduces the worry and financial problems associated with long delays.
How lawyers build strong expedite requests
Lawyers know which evidence matters. They often:
- List the visa category and the exact immigrant visa case number.
- Show supporting documents: medical records, job offers, or financial statements.
- Explain why the issue is urgent: human welfare, planned event, or school needs.
- Cite the Department of Homeland Security and the Department of State practices when needed.
- Ask accredited representatives or recognized organizations for letters when helpful.
They will submit many expedite requests and follow up with the USCIS office, the National Visa Center, or the resettlement support center until the request is reviewed.
2. The Power of Digital Immigrant Visa Processing
Moving to digital application systems has also made a big difference. Countries that utilize fully digital processes experience 40-60% faster processing times compared to traditional paper systems. Just sending documents online can cut delays by an average of 3-4 weeks.
3. Filing a Delay Lawsuit (Mandamus Action)
If expedite requests and appeals fail, an attorney may file a Mandamus action. This is a federal lawsuit that asks a court to compel Citizenship and Immigration Services to make a decision. It can be the right option when:
- A pending application has been pending for an unreasonable amount of time.
- You already submitted expedite requests and supporting documentation.
- Appeals filed did not solve the delay.
Lawyers weigh the risks and benefits before practicing law in court.
This special step is a powerful tool to overcome unfair delays and expedite the decision-making process.
Firms like Hacking Immigration Law, LLC have a strong history of filing such lawsuits for clients whose cases are stuck.
Why Partner with Immigration Attorneys
Immigration lawyers, such as those from Hacking Immigration Law, LLC, offer clear, efficient, and expert federal immigration services. They understand the challenges you face. They are dedicated to guiding you through the immigration process with clarity and care.
Here’s exactly how they can help:
1) The process starts with their Intake Team. This allows you to share your immigration concerns, and they gain a comprehensive understanding of your case.
2) After this, their Communications Team will help you get started and send you to the right department.
3) Finally, you will sign a contract and begin working directly with your assigned immigration attorney.
FAQs
Q: Can a lawyer really speed up your green card or immigrant visa case?
A: Yes. They cannot promise a result. But they can fix errors, submit strong expedite requests, and, when needed, file appeals or a federal delay lawsuit.
Q: What is the USCIS expedite criteria?
A: USCIS looks for urgent humanitarian reasons, severe financial loss, medical treatment needs, or government interests. Your lawyer will match your facts to the criteria.
Q: How do I obtain employment authorization faster?
A: A lawyer can show whether you can obtain employment authorization sooner. They will request expedited processing or submit strong evidence to support expedite requests.
Q: What if USCIS made a mistake?
A: Your lawyer can try to clear the USCIS error with the agency. They may ask for expedite adjudication, file an appeal, or pursue a legal remedy.
Q: Do I need an immigration consultant or an attorney?
A: Accredited representatives and immigration consultants can help with paperwork. But for requests to expedite adjudication, immigration review, appeals, or a delay lawsuit, you should seek experienced legal services.
Final thoughts
If delays block your life, ask a lawyer to:
- Review your pending application and supporting documentation.
- Request expedited processing or request expedited processing directly.
- Prepare strong expedite requests and supporting evidence.
- Contact the appropriate USCIS office, National Visa Center, or resettlement support center.
- Pursue appeals filed or a Mandamus delay lawsuit only when it makes sense.
Good legal help can reduce waiting, avoid severe financial loss, and help you obtain medical treatment or a travel document when needed. It offers a clearer path to the life you are building.
Don’t let unnecessary delays jeopardize your future. Take control of your immigration journey and move forward with confidence.
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