Delays in receiving a visa application or adjustment of status petition decision can feel emotionally exhausting. This is especially true when you feel like you are running out of time or need a quick response from the immigration authorities because you are about to be out of status or have set a date for an event, such as a wedding.
While there are multiple reasons for these delays, it is best to have an experienced Tempe immigration delay lawyer review the details of your case to determine your options. At New Frontier Immigration Law, our local immigration attorneys can help with documentation audits or reviews, check for errors in your applications, or find out why you have not received a decision.
Sometimes, there are minor holdups, which only require a bit of patience from the applicant. Other times, the delay is prolonged, thus requiring an inquiry into its cause. Some common reasons why an application can take so long include:
Additionally, applicants sometimes miss new notices from immigration officers requesting new documentation or information from USCIS. Because they did not provide those, their application or petition can be put on hold.
A solid understanding of why a case is taking so long can help determine the next step in an applicant’s immigration process. At New Frontier Immigration Law, immigration attorneys serving Tempe residents can check for all issue to determine why an applicant’s petition has been delayed.
When there are delays in a Tempe immigration case, several options are available for identifying the problem and fixing the situation. The first is to check USCIS for new information requests or confirm local processing timeframes. Sometimes, candidates may have missed a notice for new information. Until that additional detail is provided, their case will be on hold. Also, if the processing timelines have changed, that information would be readily available on USCIS website.
Candidates can also use the USCIS “Case Outside Normal Processing Time” tool to file an e-request for an update. If there is no response within a reasonable timeframe (usually 15 to 30 days), or the response is generic, applicants can either wait or file a Service Request, which takes another 30 to 60 days to hear back. If the request is taking too long or a change in circumstance warrants the need for a faster response, a candidate can file an expedited processing option if their situation meets specific criteria.
While there is a general definition for what qualifies for an expedited case, it is largely discretionary, and the immigration officer will determine if the case qualifies for one after reviewing the evidence provided by the applicant. Responses to expedited cases typically take 3 to 14 days.
Depending on the type of application and the nature of a case, additional reliefs and strategies may exist for applicants whose cases are on hold or unreasonably delayed. At New Frontier Immigration Lawyer, our experienced Tempe immigration delay lawyer can help you review your case and recommend the best next steps. Call now to consult an attorney about how we can help your immigration delay.
