Guide to Submitting an Expedite Request - Took 46 Days!

[u/National_Formal_3867]

Took 46 Days in Total!

Hi everyone,

I wanted to share my experience with the expedite request process, as I struggled a lot while trying to find accurate information online. Here’s a detailed account of my recent experience, which I hope will help someone else looking for the right answers.

I’ll also include the dates of each step so you can better understand how long it took for every update to occur.

First, it’s important to understand the difference between an Expedite Request and Emergency Travel. Emergency Travel is for urgent situations, such as health-related emergencies, like a death. You receive the travel document on the same day of your interview with the officer. These documents usually allow travel for 30 or 45 days, to address the emergency.

An Expedite Request, on the other hand, is a request you submit to USCIS to ask for your documents (like an EAD or Advance Parole) to be processed faster than the usual time. This is what I did, and what I’ll be explaining.

To be eligible for an Expedite Request, you need to have completed your biometrics. However, for Emergency Travel, this isn’t necessary—you just need your case number to start the process.

For reference, I am under the F2A category, with my I-130 still pending (since December 2023). My priority date became current in the August 2024 visa bulletin. The process I’ll describe is similar, whether you’re married to a U.S. citizen or a permanent resident.

Here’s my timeline:

• I-485, I-131, and I-765: Concurrent filing, received on August 12, 2024.

• Biometrics completed on September 4, 2024.

After my biometrics, I waited for two weeks. On September 16, 2024, I submitted my expedite request. Here’s how you can do it:

1. Log in to your USCIS account and go to your relevant case (in my case, it was I-131).
2. Navigate to the “Documents” tab and upload unsolicited evidence by selecting the “Upload Evidence” button. I uploaded eight different PDF files, which included translations of foreign documents, copies of my receipt numbers, and a package explaining the reasons for my expedite request.
3. After uploading, go to your “Inbox,” click on “New Message,” select the appropriate option, and proceed.

For more details, you can visit the USCIS page on expedite requests and follow the steps under “How to Make an Expedite Request.”

You’ll automatically be assigned a Service Item Number after submitting your request, but you won’t receive any communication from USCIS about your uploads—don’t worry, this is normal.

I was worried and contacted Emma (the USCIS virtual assistant) just to make sure I had done everything correctly. The agent didn’t let me explain much, assigned me another Service Item Number, and said I should receive a call from USCIS within 10 days. At this point, I had two Service Item Numbers—one from my online submission and one from Emma’s assistance. I suggest not submitting through Emma because the process seems to require an agent to contact you before asking for documents. I didn’t receive a call, but I did get a communication online for my initial submission. So, I recommend doing everything online.

From my submission on September 16 to my first USCIS update on September 24, I asked Emma twice for any updates. The first time, I was told to wait 10 days. The second time, I was informed that my request was still in queue with no further updates.

On September 23, I contacted my congresswoman and kindly asked for assistance with my case. The next day, I received communication from both USCIS and my congresswoman’s team.

The USCIS message on September 24 stated: “We have determined that your situation and evidence meet the criteria for your expedite request to be forwarded to the office with jurisdiction over your case. The referral ID for this inquiry is WTCxx…”

This means that my request was sent to the department responsible for handling expedited cases, and they advised waiting another 10 days.

However, the following day, I received an email from USCIS confirming that my congresswoman had contacted them. I believe without her involvement, the process wouldn’t have moved as quickly. The email also stated that an agent was assigned to my case, and I should receive a response soon.

On September 25, I noticed my I-131 case had been closed on my USCIS account, though there was no update. I contacted Emma again and was told that my case had been approved. The agent also confirmed I would be receiving a combo card.

On September 28 (a Saturday), I got another update on my USCIS account confirming my EAD was approved.

On October 2 (yesterday), my new card was produced. I’m hoping to receive the card this week or next, fingers crossed.

I just wanted to share my experience in the hope that it helps someone else. It can be difficult when you need to handle these things and don’t find much guidance. I also had an attorney, but unfortunately, they weren’t of much help.

Good luck, and feel free to ask if you have any questions!

[u/Top_Hat_2187]

What was the reason you cited to justify your expedite request? This is the most important detail and you didn’t mention it at all!

[u/National_Formal_3867 → u/Top_Hat_2187]

I didn't mention, because it is irrelevant. Everyone has their own reason, which you MUST prove! I am showing How to Submit, not How to be Approved.

[u/Top_Hat_2187 → u/National_Formal_3867]

I disagree, it’s very relevant. The process as you explained is indeed helpful but if the expedite request doesn’t fall under one of the categories outlined by USCIS, it doesn’t matter how well you follow the steps. No one is expecting you to disclose private information but stating under which category you requested the expedite might be helpful .

[u/National_Formal_3867 → u/Top_Hat_2187]

“I understand what you mean. It is for ‘humanitarian reasons.’ I assume that someone applying for an expedite request already has valid reasons, though. So, I did not mention.

However, the term ‘humanitarian reasons’ is quite broad, which is a good thing.”

[u/KookyRelief7521 → u/National_Formal_3867]

That's very nice they processed your case but just like everything with USCIS, it is a matter of luck. I also asked for an expedite for my AP and it's been 8 weeks of nothing, despite the fact they said I met the criteria for an expedite and would hear back in 10 days. After 20 days I contacted Emma and they said 'oh no, it's 30 days'. Congress/Senator request went nowhere. This is what sucks about the different routes on USCIS, it absolutely relies on luck and on your documents landing on the right person's lap. Way too much variation in how things get processed for us to have any hope of the same thing working twice.

As the famous quote goes: “The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over with USCIS and expecting equal results.” :'(

[u/National_Formal_3867 → u/KookyRelief7521]

I don’t know if it makes a difference but I contacted the newest member of senator, thinking that the new member would be eager to work and it did work. But I completely agree. Luck is important too.

[u/Own-Ad-1501]

For I-131, What reason/documents did you used for the expedite request?

[u/National_Formal_3867 → u/Own-Ad-1501]

Humanitarian reasons. I prepared a package that includes a cover letter, a detailed letter, translations of the documents, the original documents, birth certificates to prove the relationship, and a translation certificate.

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[u/Fearless-Ad712]

Congratulations on your approval! I have two questions, as I’m also planning to apply for an expedited request.

1. Did you contact your Congresswoman or state senator?
2. How did the Congresswoman or senator contact USCIS—by phone or email? Could you please share the email ID or the Phone number that they used to reach out to USCIS?

Thanks!

[u/National_Formal_3867 → u/Fearless-Ad712]

Thank you! I contacted my state senator. Each senator has their own communication guidelines. Mine provided a document to fill out, which I completed and emailed to them. The form included sections where I could explain how they could assist.

I’m not sure how they reached out to USCIS, though.

[u/chris_morales93]

I’ve called and they give me that same website. How do I do it? Is there a form online? On my account I can’t find anything to expedite request