If it is, it is possible to make inquiries or follow-ups with USCIS. Monitor your case and processing times, to see if your case is actually outside or past the posted processing time.This could cut down on USCIS having to serve requests for evidence. Make sure all your forms are filled out correctly, are complete, and the required evidence and documents are submitted.Many applications, renewals, or extensions can be submitted up to 180 days before expiration. File your application as soon as possible, versus waiting until the last minute or when your status is about to expire.Meanwhile, here are tips you can do that can help speed up your case: In some very rare cases, a person may be eligible for expedited processing, but that is very rare. Now, with offices reopening, and officers coming back to work, we hope that USCIS can reduce the backlog and cut down on processing times. USCIS also closed its offices in March 2020 for several months for interviews and biometrics, creating an additional backlog. But the fingerprinting facilities were closed during the pandemic. Some immigration benefits, such as work authorizations, require the person to be fingerprinted. Also, when considering an extension, let’s say of H-1B visa, USCIS officers were required to conduct an in-depth review of the previous approval, rather than accepting the original approval as being done correctly. For example, USCIS was denying cases if any spaces were left blank.
This was caused by inefficient processing, understaffing, and various changes in policy due to Covid-19.Īlso, during the Trump Administration, USCIS created many new policies designed to actually restrict or delay cases. In other words, even though fewer cases were being filed, the processing times increased.Īlso the Covid-19 pandemic has contributed to these delays.
And what is more frustrating is that even though there is a dramatic increase in processing times, USCIS experienced at least a 10% drop in cases they received between 20. Between 20 USCIS’s processing times for all petitions and application forms increased by 37%. Those delays can have a severe impact on businesses, families being separated, and jeopardize lives.Įmployment based cases, naturalization, travel documents or advance parole, and employment authorizations are also experiencing delays. But in 2020 the average processing time was at least nine months. For example, in 2014, an average case took about five months to process. The American Immigration Lawyers Association, or AILA, put out a flyer explaining some of the problems or issues that are going on. What’s going on? Why is it taking so long? What can be done by petitioners, beneficiaries, and applicants who are eligible for various immigration benefits, but it is taking so long to get USCIS to approve their case? Good luck if you’re changing from visitor to student. For example, if person wants to change to student status, the California Service Center could take between 15 to 20 months.