Certain Cases to Receive Expedited Reviews by USCIS

The processing times for various USCIS applications vary, and some forms are even further delayed due to administrative errors. Administrative errors can be especially frustrating for applicants, since these errors can significantly delay the immigration process and can lead to a rejection or denial of an application that should have been accepted. Luckily, the USCIS makes provisions to ensure that applicants do not suffer unduly because of internal errors.

In April 2012, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced an expedited process for dealing with administrative errors. Under the changes, the USCIS will use a faster process to correct and investigate decisions that were caused by USCIS errors. Under the new process, applicants will be able to ask for an expedited review and correction of their case in situations where administrative errors or data entry problems caused a rejection or denial of an immigration application or petition.

If you have had an immigration petition or application rejected or denied due to an administrative error, you can request this type of expedited service by calling the National Customer Service Center (NCSC) at 1-800-375-5283. Currently, only applicants in these specific situations will be eligible for expedited service:

1) A petition or application was denied or rejected because a Request for Evidence (RFE), Notice of Intent to Revoke (NOIR) or Notice of Intent to Deny (NOID) was not received on time, even though the applicant did submit the necessary paperwork or did not receive the initial request. If the applicant submitted a change of address form but the USCIS accidentally sent the RFE, NOID, or NOIR to the old address, the applicant may also request the new expedited service.

2) A petition or application was denied or rejected because a biometrics appointment was allegedly not kept, even though the applicant can prove that he or she rescheduled the appointment or arrived at the appointment.

Once an applicant has submitted the request for expedited service after an administrative error has been made, the USCIS will try to start the process for correcting the problem within five business days.