Why Immigration Cases Are Taking So Long?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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Due to a large backlog of applications , review times at United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) are delayed for most applications and services. USCIS received a higher volume of applications than normal in 2020 and 2021, and offices remain understaffed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

What can I do if my immigration case is taking too long?

The Administrative Procedures Act has a provision that says that if an immigration application has been pending for an unreasonable amount of time, then the applicant or the beneficiary of the application has a right to bring a legal action (“Writ of Mandamus”) against the immigration department (USCIS) and request ...

How can I speed up immigration process?

You can generally request expedited processing by contacting the USCIS Contact Center at 1-800-375-5283 (TTY for the deaf, hard of hearing, or those having a speech disability: 1-800-767-1833) or by asking Emma after you have obtained a receipt notice.

Is USCIS taking longer than expected 2021?

Processing times for Form N-400 (officially called the “Application for Naturalization”) have increased significant between FY 2017 and FY 2021, with FY2021 processing times averaging 12.2 months . The spike in recent years is largely due to a naturalization application backlog.

How long does it take for immigration to review your case?

Although some cases may take longer, USCIS field offices and service centers try to adjudicate motions within 90 days. The AAO strives to complete its review of motions within 180 days from the time it receives a complete case file.

Can I sue USCIS for taking too long?

You may sue the USCIS if it is taking longer than usual to process or decide your case.

Can I sue the USCIS?

In short, yes . One can exercise their rights and legally sue USCIS. ... In most cases where a Federal lawsuit has been filed, USCIS has chosen to avoid litigation and has issued an approval. This is particularly true on delayed cases and partial approvals.

Can you speed up visa application?

USCIS will expedite certain immigration cases for an extra fee of $1225. Unfortunately, this service is not available to any family visa applications, and only applies to certain work visas. ... USCIS will not approve premium processing if your only reason for speeding up the process is that you're impatient.

Why is USCIS processing time so slow?

Due to a large backlog of immigration applications, review times at United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) are delayed for most applications and services . USCIS received a higher volume of applications than normal in 2020 and 2021, and offices remain understaffed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

How many cases does USCIS process a day?

According to documents obtain by The Washington Post, USCIS is creating the “Organization of Professional Responsibility” to enhance oversight of the way its employees handle the more than 26,000 cases the agency decides each day.

Is there a backlog at USCIS?

The Office of the Ombudsman's 2021 Annual Report details that the pandemic compounded USCIS' already-strained processing and fiscal situation, with the agency now experiencing backlogs of applications and petitions “at record levels,” as well as drastically reduced “customer service functions.” The aforementioned is in ...

How long does it take USCIS to make a decision after interview 2021?

| Immigration Law Advice 2021. It is common for United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (“USCIS”) to take quite some time to issue a formal decision in a Naturalization case after the applicant has his/her interview. As a matter of regulation, USCIS has 120 days to issue a decision.

How long does it take for USCIS to send approval notice 2021?

How long is it taking USCIS to process and send out Receipt Notices and Approval Notices? Historically, USCIS issues Receipt Notices and Approval Notices within 2 to 3 weeks .

Can citizenship be denied after passing interview?

If you received a notice stating that your N-400 was denied after the interview, this means that the USCIS officer has found you ineligible for naturalization . The USCIS policy manual on naturalization lists nine grounds that the USCIS officer may deny your application.

What happens if my immigration appeal is denied?

If your case was denied, you can challenge the unfavorable decision by filing an appeal with the Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA) , the highest administrative court, which reviews immigration court decisions. Subject to certain exceptions, an appeal to the BIA must be filed within 30 days of the negative ruling.

How do I check my immigration appeal status?

If you have a deportation or removal case before an Immigration Judge or an appeal or a motion to reopen or reconsider pending before the Board of Immigration Appeals, you can check the status of your case by calling (800) 898-7180 .

Rachel Ostrander
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Rachel Ostrander
Rachel is a career coach and HR consultant with over 5 years of experience working with job seekers and employers. She holds a degree in human resources management and has worked with leading companies such as Google and Amazon. Rachel is passionate about helping people find fulfilling careers and providing practical advice for navigating the job market.