What Is an Expedite Request?
A USCIS expedite request asks the agency to process your immigration application faster than normal. This is separate from premium processing (which is a paid service for specific form types). Expedite requests are free and available for most pending applications, but approval is discretionary.
USCIS Expedite Criteria
USCIS will consider expediting a case if one or more of the following criteria apply:
- Severe financial loss to a company or person if the case is not processed quickly
- Emergencies or urgent humanitarian situations
- Nonprofit organization requesting expedite in furtherance of U.S. cultural or social interests
- U.S. government interests (including cases identified by a government agency as urgent)
- USCIS error that caused unnecessary delay
- Compelling interest of USCIS to process the case more quickly
The most commonly approved grounds are severe financial loss (especially for EAD renewals when current authorization is expiring) and humanitarian emergencies.
How to Submit an Expedite Request
You can submit an expedite request through the USCIS Contact Center by calling 1-800-375-5283, through your USCIS online account by sending a case inquiry, through the USCIS Emma virtual assistant requesting a live agent, or by contacting the USCIS Ombudsman if previous requests were denied.
Include your receipt number, a clear explanation of which criteria you meet, and supporting documentation. Vague requests without evidence are almost always denied.
Which Cases Can Be Expedited?
Almost any pending form can be expedited, including I-485 (adjustment of status), I-765 (EAD), I-131 (advance parole), I-140 (immigrant petition), I-130 (family petition), and N-400 (naturalization).
What If Your Expedite Is Denied?
If USCIS denies your expedite request, you can submit another request with additional evidence, contact the USCIS Ombudsman for case assistance, reach out to your Congressional representative for a congressional inquiry, or in extreme cases, consider filing a writ of mandamus in federal court.
Pro tip: When requesting an expedite based on financial loss, provide specific dollar amounts, contracts at risk, pay stubs showing income disruption, and employer letters. Generic claims of "hardship" without evidence are routinely denied.