Expediting Visa Processing: Methods

Introduction

If you need to travel urgently but your visa is still being processed, don’t worry. There are ways to speed it up in emergencies.

The U.S. Department of State offers an expedited visa processing service for individuals who must travel immediately due to unforeseen circumstances such as a medical emergency, critical business obligations, or humanitarian reasons. By following the appropriate procedures and providing the necessary documentation, you can request faster processing to ensure timely travel.

Why Does Visa Processing Take Time?

There are various reasons that cause delays in visa processing. Some of them are discussed below. Make sure you understand these to avoid them in the first place:

  1. If you fail to include all the required documents, USCIS will contact you with a Request for evidence, increasing the processing time.
  2. If your sponsor is causing delays in completing the form that he is required to file, this will also add to the processing time.
  3. If you are applying during the peak season and USCIS is burdened with visa applications, your application will be delayed due to the increased number.
  4. If any errors or misinformation are provided, then USCIS might contact you to clarify, causing the delay.

What Are the Methods You Can Follow to Expedite the Process?

Now, let us discuss the ways to get your visa processed faster. The following will walk you through the most effective methods:

Apply As Early As Possible

You should apply for your visa as soon as possible to have a better chance of getting a quicker approval or decision. USCIS handles thousands of applications, so the earlier you file, the sooner your case gets in line and ahead of others.

Submit a Strong Application from the Start

Some common reasons that can cause delays or may lead to rejection are:

  1. Missing document, 
  2. Incorrect filing fees, 
  3. Incomplete information, 
  4. filing the wrong edition of the forms.

Some mistakes and errors can lead to the rejection of your application. If your application is not accurate or complete, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) may issue a Request for Evidence (RFE). You will then be required to respond with the correct information and appropriate supporting documents.

However, this will add weeks or even months to your wait time, increasing the delays. Therefore, it is suggested that you ensure that your application is free from errors and any other mistakes to avoid delays.

Use Premium Processing

Certain types of visas, such as employment-based visas, can pay extra for premium processing. This guarantees that USCIS will respond within a specified time frame. 

This service is available for various types of visa categories. Therefore, you must check and ensure in advance that if your visa category provides premium processing, then you should avail yourself of this feature. 

The following are the forms eligible for premium processing:

FormPurposeProcessing Time
Form I-129Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker15 business days
Form I-140Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker15 or 45 business days (depending on classification)
Form I-765Application for Employment Authorization30 business days
Form I-539Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status (for F-1, F-2, M-1, M-2, J-1, J-2 applicants)30 business days

To utilize this premium processing, the petitioner is required to submit Form I-907, Request for Premium Processing Service, at the correct filing address, along with additional fees. It might sound expensive, but it gives you the benefit of faster processing.

File an Expedited Request with USCIS

USCIS may, at its discretion, even without a premium fee, consider your case for expedited processing if you fulfill the relevant criteria or circumstances that may be considered in determining whether to grant an expedited request, including the following, but not limited to:

  1. Severe financial loss to a company or person
  2. Emergencies or urgent humanitarian situations
  3. Nonprofit organization in furtherance of the cultural or social interests of the United States
  4. Government interests
  5. Clear USCIS error

Request a Visa Interview Expedite with the U.S. Consulate

If your case is already at the National Visa Center (NVC) or a U.S. consulate, then you may be able to expedite your visa interview process. However, consulates only approve expedited requests for urgent situations, such as medical emergencies. 

Contact Your U.S. Representative

If you know any U.S. congressional representatives, you can ask them to speed up your visa processing. If your application takes too long, they can submit an inquiry to USCIS or the National Visa Center on your behalf. While they can not guarantee approval, they can help draw attention to your case.

Visa processing delays can be nerve-wracking, but you have options! At FileRight, we simplify your visa application process so that you get it right the first time without any delays.

How Does FileRight Help?

We are dedicated to ensuring your visa application gets approved. FileRight believes in making immigration paperwork easy, getting things right the first time, and providing you with the help you need. We assist you in the following ways:

  1. We ensure your application is error-free, considering USCIS rejects applications even with small errors. 
  2. We use updated versions of the forms required for the application to avoid rejection.
  3. We will provide you with a list of all necessary supporting documents.
  4. We guide you through the costs associated with it, and if your application is eligible for premium processing.

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