How to Request a USCIS Case Expedite
Is your immigration case stuck? You might qualify for a USCIS expedite! Learn how.
Delays with USCIS are stressful, especially when your case affects your ability to work, travel, or stay safe. While there’s no guaranteed way to speed things up, USCIS does allow expedite requests in limited situations — but only if you provide strong, well-documented reasons.
In this post, we break down:
When expedite requests are considered
What kinds of compelling evidence you need
How to submit it correctly
A sample cover letter you can copy
When Can You Request an Expedite?
USCIS considers expedited processing for pending cases only under specific criteria. Your situation must fall into one or more of the following:
Severe financial loss to a person or company
Urgent humanitarian reasons (e.g., medical crisis, family emergency, threat to safety)
U.S. government interest or public benefit
Nonprofit organization (as designated by the IRS) requesting in furtherance of cultural/social interests
USCIS error that caused an unreasonable delay
Military-related needs (e.g. upcoming deployment)
Expedite decisions are fully discretionary! You must clearly explain your situation and back it up with credible evidence.
What Counts as “Compelling Evidence”?
Your expedite request will only be considered if you submit specific, verifiable documents that support your claims. Examples include:
Medical letters from licensed professionals
Employer statements showing potential job or business loss
Government or nonprofit letters detailing public interest involvement
Proof of USCIS error (e.g. incorrect notices, lost documents)
Documentation of time-sensitive events (travel tickets, court summons, birth certificates)Pro tip: Avoid emotional language or vague explanations — let the facts and documentation speak for themselves.
How to Submit an Expedite Request
The method depends on how you filed your case:
Online USCIS Account:
Log in → Go to “Case Inbox” → Upload your documents under Unsolicited Evidence → Select “Expedite Request”By Phone:
Call the USCIS Contact Center: 1-800-375-5283
You’ll need your receipt number and may be referred to a Tier 2 officer.By Email:
Some service centers accept expedite requests via email (check your receipt notice or USCIS contact list). Attach a clear cover letter and all supporting documents.In Person (InfoPass):
If you have a scheduled appointment, you may explain your situation and submit documents on-site.
Expedite Request Cover Letter *SAMPLE*
[Your Full Name]
[Street Address]
[City, State ZIP Code]
[Phone Number]
[Email Address]
[A-Number, if applicable]
[Date]
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
[Service Center Name or Address]
[City, State ZIP Code]
Subject: Expedite Request for [Form Type]
Receipt Number: [ABC1234567890]
A-Number: [A###-###-###] (if applicable)
To Whom It May Concern,
I am writing to respectfully request expedited processing of my pending [Form Name] application, filed on [Date], due to [briefly state the reason — e.g., urgent humanitarian need, severe financial loss, USCIS error, etc.].
Basis for Expedite Request:
My situation meets the criteria outlined by USCIS for expedited processing under the following category: [select one — e.g., "severe financial loss," "urgent humanitarian situation," "nonprofit interest," "government interest," or "USCIS error"]. Specifically, [provide a short paragraph explaining your situation and why expedited processing is necessary].
Supporting Documentation:
Enclosed are documents supporting my request, including:
- [Document 1 – e.g., Physician letter regarding medical urgency]
- [Document 2 – e.g., Employer letter regarding financial impact]
- [Document 3 – any additional documents as needed]
These materials demonstrate the seriousness and urgency of my circumstances and align with the criteria used by USCIS to evaluate expedite requests.
I kindly ask USCIS to consider this request and notify me if further information is needed. Please find my contact details above for any questions or correspondence.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
[Signature if mailing a hard copy]
[Full Name]
[Date of Birth: MM/DD/YYYY]
[A-Number: if applicable]
Final Tips
Be concise, professional, and factual
Organize your documents clearly — labeled PDFs are best for online submissions
Include your receipt number, name, and contact details in all correspondence
Keep copies of everything you send
Need Help Preparing an Expedite Request?
Our team at We Consult can help you draft a strong cover letter, organize your evidence, and guide you through the submission process. Especially if you're unsure how to present your situation.
