Facing delays on your U.S. employment visa application can happen for many reasons. Sometimes, you may have missed specific requirements crucial to the process. Other times, the issues are beyond your control, and you have no choice but to wait for an update or a resolution.
You are not alone in experiencing these setbacks. Other applicants likely have the same problem as you. Still, they might not face the same repercussions as you if you do not receive a response in time. Under specific circumstances, it is possible to make an expedite request to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
When is it relevant?
An expedite request is a way to ask the USCIS to facilitate an application, petition or other submissions. However, the agency might only accept requests after determining the eligibility and merit of each case. For example, the agency may expedite for safety risks or humanitarian reasons. It can be appropriate, if necessary, to keep someone safe during an emergency.
The same may apply to employment-related visa applications if the consequences are grave enough to warrant a request. If an organization or individual risks losing significant amounts of money, making a request could be possible only if they had no part in causing the delay. The request can also be valid if the delay happened because of the agency’s mistake.
Knowing how to approach unpredictable situations
Like most causes of employment visa application delays, the contributors can be unpredictable, such as holdups due to sudden events or threats to national security. But if the situation meets specific conditions, these measures, such as an expedite request, might be applicable. Before taking any action, consider seeking legal counsel. It can help determine eligibility and other more appropriate options.