Applying for a visa or green card in the United States can be an incredibly time-consuming process. It may be impossible to guarantee that your application will be processed quickly. But there are a few strategies you can use to expedite USCIS processing times and get your documents faster.
Let us take a look at some of these strategies and how they may help speed up USCIS processing times.
1. Check Your Eligibility
The first step in speeding up your application process is to make sure that you are eligible for the document or permit you are applying for.
The USCIS website provides a list of eligibility requirements that must be met before submitting an application.
2. Be Prepared and Have All Necessary Documentation on Hand
When applying for any type of visa, green card, or other status, make sure that all paperwork and supporting documents are in order before submitting your application.
If there are any errors or omissions on the application, this could cause delays in normal processing time. It may also entail additional paperwork requests from USCIS.
So, gather all required documents before sending anything off to USCIS. And double-check that they are complete, accurate, and up-to-date.
3. Pay Attention to Deadlines
USCIS has established deadlines for many different types of applications and petitions. Familiarize yourself with these deadlines. And make sure that any applications or petitions are submitted well ahead of their due date.
Failing to submit an application by its deadline could result in costly delays or even a denial. So, pay close attention when dealing with deadlines!
4. File Online
The majority of applications can now be filed online via USCIS’s website. This method is generally faster than filing by mail as it reduces the amount of time it takes for your application to reach its destination (and receive a response).
Additionally, filing online allows you to stay well-informed about the status of your application.
The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has an online system that allows applicants to track their applications and check their status from anywhere with an internet connection. By regularly checking your application status, you can ensure that any issues or delays are addressed promptly.
5. Make Copies of Your Documentation
Before submitting any documentation to USCIS, make copies of everything for your own records. This includes supporting documentation such as:
- medical records
- birth certificates
- passports
- driver’s licenses
Having copies of all relevant paperwork, including your receipt notice, is always a good idea because if something goes missing during processing or if more information is needed from you later.
6. Expedite Your Application
Make an expedite request if you need your document sooner than expected due to special circumstances or urgent humanitarian reasons, such as an upcoming travel event or job offer deadline.
Certain criteria must be met to qualify for expedited or premium processing. But once approved, your application will typically be processed much faster than normal applications – but you may need to pay for a premium processing fee.
7. Hire Immigration Attorneys
An experienced immigration lawyer can help you navigate the process, ensuring accuracy and reducing the amount of time it takes for a response from USCIS.
Here’s how they can make a difference.
Knowledge of the system
Immigration attorneys are highly knowledgeable about the system and its rules. They understand:
- what forms to submit
- when to submit them
- where to send them
This knowledge means they can quickly identify any obstacles in your case. They will also be able to answer your questions and act on any changes that need to be made.
The processing of Employment Authorization Document applications, for instance, is among the most common requests raised with USCIS. By knowing what documents are needed and understanding the nuances of each form involved, an attorney can help get your AED application processed faster.
Faster response times
When filing with USCIS, a slow response time is common—but not inevitable.
An experienced immigration lawyer will know how to work with USCIS to expedite processing times. This could include:
- having your case moved up in line for review
- working directly with a USCIS officer or the USCIS contact center if there is a clear USCIS error
Immigration attorneys also have insider information. They know the processing times for different types of service request cases throughout the country. And this can be invaluable in helping you get your paperwork processed faster than ever.
Expert advice & representation
Immigration lawyers have extensive experience dealing with USCIS and other related entities. They know what must be done to successfully complete an immigration process.
They can advise you on all aspects of your case – and even when to request expedited processing. You don’t miss out on important opportunities. Or waste valuable time waiting on something that could have been avoided altogether by getting expert advice first.
And if there’s ever an issue with your case, an experienced immigration lawyer will know who to contact to resolve it quickly and effectively. You don’t have to worry about getting lost in bureaucratic red tape. You don’t need to spend too much time waiting for something that could have been handled within days instead of weeks or months had you sought professional help.
Final Thoughts
No one wants their immigration process to drag on longer than necessary. Unfortunately, this happens more often than not due to:
- incorrect paperwork submissions
- lack of communication between applicants and USICS officials
However, by following the tips outlined above, you can significantly reduce the risk of unfortunate delays in USCIS processing times. With diligence and attention to detail being key components here. Taking steps now towards ensuring quick turnaround times later should prove beneficial in the long run!
