How to Expedite USCIS or NVC Applications and Interviews
If you’re facing delays in your immigration process, you may be eligible to request expedited processing. Both USCIS and the National Visa Center (NVC) allow expedited requests under certain conditions. This guide explains how to speed up your case, including interviews, applications, and document delivery.
USCIS Expedite Request Criteria
You can essentially expedite any application at USCIS. What’s more, you can also expedite any interview at both the USCIS and NVC levels. USCIS may consider an expedited request if it meets one or more of the following criteria or circumstances:
1. Severe financial loss to a company or person
2. Emergency or Humanitarian reasons
3. Clear USCIS Error
4. U.S. Government Interests
USCIS requires that the requester present their case initially over the phone. If the officer decides that the case is worth considering, the requestor will then receive an email from USCIS requesting evidence to support their request. After five days following receipt of the email, USCIS will notify the requestor of its decision to expedite the application or not.
NVC expedites requests are significantly less formal. All you have to do is make your case in writing and send it via email to [email protected]. NVC allows the requestor to attach evidence in support of their request. Both USCIS and NVC consider expedite requests on a case-by-case basis.
How to Expedite with the NVC
The NVC expedite request process is less formal. Send an email to [email protected] explaining your reason and include supporting documents. NVC reviews each request individually and typically replies via email.
Contacting Your Congressman
Reaching out to your local U.S. representative can also help. Congressional offices can submit a liaison inquiry to USCIS or NVC and advocate for your case.
Submitting an Online Inquiry
USCIS allows online inquiries if:
- Your case is outside normal processing times
- You didn’t receive your card, notice, or document by mail
You can submit a request on the USCIS Case Inquiry page.
NVC accepts online inquiries for any reason through AskNVC.gov. Responses typically arrive within 1–2 weeks.
Final Tips
If you have a valid reason, these tools can help speed up your immigration case, whether through expedited interviews or faster document processing. Always include strong evidence and clear communication to improve your chances of success.
