Urgent Humanitarian Reasons USCIS Expedite Request relates to issues concerning human welfare, with examples such as illness, disability, extreme living conditions, bereavement within the family, a pressing need to travel urgently for medical treatment, and more.
Note that "Urgent humanitarian reasons USCIS expedite request" is separate from the "USCIS premium processing" service where you have to pay a fee upfront to speed up your visa application and get the result in certain calendar days.
If your situation qualifies for human welfare, you might be eligible to submit a USCIS expedite request based on humanitarian reasons and there are no fees for this.
Table of Contents: Urgent Humanitarian Reasons USCIS Expedite Request
USCIS Expedite Request vs. Premium Processing
Both, USCIS expedite request and premium processing are options to speed up your visa application. But it's important to note that USCIS does not consider expedited requests for petitions or applications where premium processing service is available except few specific circumstances.
USCIS premium processing provides expedited processing for Form I-539, Form I-129, Form I-140, and Form I-765 (EAD) for a fee that varies between $1500 to $2500. Form I-907 is used for filing premium processing requests. To see how you can request premium processing refer to this blog.
Related: How to request USCIS for premium processing?
A premium processing fee of $2,500 applies to Form I-129 requests for E-1, E-2, E-3, H-1B, H-3, L (including blanket L-1), O, P, Q, or TN nonimmigrant classification.
A premium processing fee of $1,500 is applicable for Form I-129 requests for H-2B or R nonimmigrant classification.
For Form I-140 requests for EB-1, EB-2, or EB-3 immigrant visa classification, a premium processing fee of $2,500 is required.
Form I-539 requests seeking a change of status to F-1, F-2, M-1, M-2, J-1, or J-2 nonimmigrant status are subject to a premium processing fee of $1,750.
Premium processing of Form I-765 with eligibility category (C)(3)(A), (C)(3)(B), or (C)(3)(C) entails a fee of $1,500.
USCIS Expedite Request Reasons
USCIS expedite request reasons - Apart from emergencies and urgent humanitarian reasons which we will discuss next, USCIS may consider expediting your case based on the following reasons:
Severe financial loss to a company or person
This is one of the most common USCIS expedite request reasons and chances of getting acceptance are high if you have concrete evidence to prove it. You should have the supporting evidence ready (USCIS may or may not request it).
Related: How I expedited green card processing?
A company can show that it will face a big money problem if it is in danger of failing, losing an important contract, or needing to let go of its workers.
Losing one's job can be enough to show a significant financial loss for someone, depending on their specific situation. In either case, you have to provide sufficient documents to prove your request.
Documents like an employment termination notice from the employer, foreclosure notices, letters of request from lenders, etc. would help your request.
To be eligible, USCIS will check how promptly you responded to any requests for evidence or additional information and whether your application was submitted on time. If these aspects are satisfactory, USCIS might consider your case.
Compelling US government interests
If your case is identified as urgent by other government agencies such as the U.S. Department of Defense, U.S. Department of Labor, National Labor Relations Board, Equal Opportunity Commission, U.S. Department of Justice, U.S. Department of State, U.S. Department of Homeland Security, or other public safety or national security interests, then your expedite request has high chances of getting acceptance.
Clear USCIS error
If the individual can provide evidence of USCIS's mistake and its impact on their immigration status, USCIS may grant the expedited request to rectify the error and expedite the processing of their visa extension application.
Urgent Humanitarian Reasons Examples
There could be several types of reasons behind urgent humanitarian expediting, and it might vary from case to case. Examples include but are not limited to, illness, disability, extreme living conditions, death in the family, or critical need to travel to obtain medical treatment in a limited amount of time.
When it comes to expediting requests, the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) follows a case-by-case evaluation process. Each request is carefully considered, and in some cases, additional evidence may be required to support the request.
You should have enough evidence to prove two things for the USCIS expedite request:
Urgency (time-sensitivity), remember that NOT all humanitarian reasons are time-sensitive.
Humanitarian reason
It is important to note that USCIS holds the sole authority to decide whether to accommodate an expedited request. This discretionary power allows them to carefully assess the circumstances and make an informed decision.
So, if you are considering a USCIS expedite request, be prepared to provide any necessary supporting documents and understand that the final decision rests with USCIS.
Everyone has a unique situation and needs. You should submit USCIS expedite requests only when you have a valid reason. You can read more about the expedited requests on the USCIS website here.
Medical Emergency
If the applicant or a family member is facing a serious medical emergency that requires immediate attention in a very limited amount of time, then you can submit a USCIS expedite request.
It must be supported by documentation like medical bills, medical history, a letter from a doctor, a photo of the injury, etc.
Examples
My immediate family member has been diagnosed with a critical illness, and their condition requires my immediate presence to provide necessary care and support during their treatment.
Serious medical condition: A close relative is facing a life-threatening medical condition, and I need to be by their side to assist with medical decisions and provide emotional support.
Urgent surgery: A family member is scheduled for urgent surgery, and I am required to be present to help with their recovery and ensure their well-being during the postoperative period.
Aging parents: My elderly parents, who are U.S. citizens, are facing serious health challenges and need my assistance and care.
Death or Funeral
If a close family member has passed away, and your presence is necessary to attend the funeral and provide crucial support to your grieving family, please be prepared to provide proof confirming the need for your immediate presence. Documents like death certificates, newspaper articles, police reports, or public announcements would support your expedited request.
Examples
Emergency travel: My immediate family member has passed away, and I need to travel to the United States urgently to attend the funeral and provide support to my grieving family during this difficult time.
Funeral arrangements: A close relative has passed away, and I need to be present in the U.S. to help make necessary funeral arrangements and support my family through the mourning process.
Safety Concerns
If the applicant or a family member is facing immediate danger, such as domestic violence, war, or persecution.
Examples
I am a victim of domestic violence and need to leave the country immediately for my safety.
I am a survivor of a recent natural disaster, and my presence is crucial for my family's recovery and rebuilding efforts.
Family Separation
If the applicant or a family member is facing a situation where they may be separated from their family, a USCIS expedite request might be submitted.
Economic Hardship
If the applicant or a family member is facing extreme financial hardship, such as the loss of a job or inability to provide necessities.
Educational Opportunity
If the applicant or a family member has been offered a unique educational opportunity that will expire soon, a USCIS expedite request might be submitted.
Related: How to extend parent's visa beyond 6 months?
Natural Disasters
If the applicant or a family member has been affected by a natural disaster, such as a hurricane, earthquake, or flood.
Military Deployment
If the applicant or a family member is a member of the military and needs to be deployed urgently, a USCIS expedite request may be necessary.
Aging Out
If the applicant is a child who is approaching the age of 21 and will age out of their immigration status, a USCIS expedite request may be necessary to avoid losing their ability to immigrate.
Related: How to renew your Indian passport in the US?
Adoption or Child Custody
If the applicant or a family member is in the process of adopting a child and there is a time-sensitive deadline, it may become necessary to submit a USCIS expedite request. Read more.
If the applicant shares custody of a minor child with a U.S. citizen and needs to be present to ensure their well-being and proper care.
USCIS Expedite Request Letter Sample
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[City, State ZIP Code]
[Phone Number] [Email]
[Date]
Subject: Expedite Request based on Urgent Humanitarian Need
Dear Sir/Madam,
I am writing to request that my application be expedited due to urgent humanitarian circumstances. I am currently in an alarming situation that requires urgent attention, and I hope you can help me process my application as soon as possible.
[Insert brief background about your situation, including details about the urgent humanitarian need that requires expedited processing. Be sure to include specific details that support your request.]
Due to the urgency of my situation, I humbly request that you expedite the processing of my application. I understand that the processing of my application may take time, but I am confident that your office can help me in this difficult time.
I have attached the necessary documents to support my expedite request. Please let me know if you require any additional information to process my request.
Thank you for considering my request. I appreciate your time and assistance in this matter.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Name Printed]
Hopefully, this article will help you understand what could be the reasons behind the urgent humanitarian need. Please note that I am not a lawyer and I am just sharing experiences based on people whom I know directly or indirectly who might have gone through a similar situation.
Next: How to apply for a B2 visa for parents
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