In this episode of Immigration Law for Tech Startups, I discuss seven options you can potentially use to speed up a decision on your case.

Not all of the seven options I discuss in this episode may apply to your case. Many of these options only apply to individuals currently residing in the U.S. since consular processing remains stalled in many countries due to presidential proclamations, COVID-19, and travel restrictions. I recommend discussing these options with your immigration lawyer if you need a quick decision on your immigration matter.

Keep in mind that talking directly with a U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) officer to explain your situation and why you need to get a decision on your case can make a huge difference. Oftentimes people forget that USCIS officers are just like us: compassionate and understanding individuals who have children and families that they care about. We have found that if you need to get your case expedited, USCIS officials are open to discussing your situation and taking that into consideration.

 

The seven ways to expedite your case are:

1. Applying for premium processing
2. Filing an expedite request
3. Setting up an interview with a USCIS official at your local USCIS field office
4. Submitting a service request to USCIS
5. Requesting a congressional inquiry
6. Registering a request for case assistance from the USCIS ombudsman
7. Filing a Writ of Mandamus in federal court

 

I discuss each option in more detail, including when and how to pursue each option, and what to expect. Please reach out to the Alcorn Immigration Law team if we can assist you with your case.

 

In this episode, you’ll hear about:

• How to check USCIS processing times for cases like yours
• How to get a status update on your case from USCIS
• What is premium processing, when you can use it, and what you should be aware of if you do use it
• What is an expedite request, how to qualify, how to start one, and what to expect
• How to make an appointment to meet with a USCIS officer to discuss your situation, how to make your case, and what to expect
• What is a service request, how to file one, and what to expect
• What is a congressional inquiry, how to start one, and what to expect
• What is a request for case assistance, how to file one, and what to expect
• What is a Writ of Mandamus, when to file one, and what to expect

 

Starting this month, a star-studded list of Silicon Valley venture capitalists, startup founders, professors, futurists, and thought leaders will join me on Immigration Law for Tech Startups to share their stories and expertise.

Don’t miss out on these exciting episodes. Subscribe to Immigration Law for Tech Startups on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, or your preferred platform. And please let us know what you think of the podcast. We appreciate your ratings and reviews. Please remember to share this episode with anyone you think can benefit from it.

 

Resources:

USCIS pages on:

• Case Processing Times
• Tools and Resources page, which includes creating a USCIS online account and checking the status of your case online
• Filing an electronic request for case status or service
• USCIS Contact Center
• Premium Processing
• How to Make an Expedite Request

List of U.S. Senators and finding your U.S. Representative

U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Office of the Citizenship and Immigration Services Ombudsman

Alcorn Immigration Law’s page on Writ of Mandamus

Get Alcorn’s Immigration Law for Tech Startups eBook

 

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EPISODE CREDITS:

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He helps thought leaders, influencers, executives, HR professionals, recruiters, lawyers, realtors, bloggers, coaches, and authors create, launch, and produce podcasts that grow their business and impact the world.

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