B
O
C
GENERAL ISSUES:
How can I check the status of my application with the
Immigration Service?
If you have an application receipt number (usually this is sent in
the mail by the Immigration Service, some time after they have
received your application) and your case is pending at an
Immigration Service Center, you can check the status of your
application online at: https://egov.uscis.gov/cris/jsps/index.jsp
Or by telephone at: 1 (800) 375-5283 and following the
automated instructions.
If your case is pending at the Immigration Court or the Board of
Immigration Appeals, you may check the status of your case over
the telephone by calling: 1-800-898-7180, with your alien
number (starts with an A and you will find it in your immigration
documentation), and following the automated instructions. There
are options to hear your status in Spanish or English.
What is happening with the incredible backlogs at the
USCIS? Is there any way to expedite cases in
emergencies?
USCIS is currently experiencing unprecedented backlogs at the
regional service centers. This is in part due to a major national
push to process a record number of naturalization applications.
Applications that used to take a couple of weeks are now taking
a few months and cases that used to take 6 months are now
taking up to 2 years and more. This is extremely frustrating for
all concerned, especially those who have emergent reasons why
they need their application processed.
USCIS will expedite applications in certain emergencies, for
example when performers need to be in the U.S. by a certain
time or when a child is "aging-out" (turning 21 and therefore
losing derivative status). Each regional service center has its
own procedures for handling expedited cases. This information is
typically unavailable to the public and legal help usually needs to
be sought in order to pursue an expedited matter.
What is government aid and can receiving it affect my
immigration status?
Government aid is any public assistance or service you receive
that you do not pay for (example: public housing, food stamps,
free medical benefits, etc.). Receiving government aid may
prevent you from obtaining an approval of an immigration
petition. Be very careful before you accept any free government
benefit.
What happens if my case or documentation is misplaced
or transferred to another city by the Immigration
Service?You should appear at your local USCIS office and
request that your file be transferred to the appropriate
Immigration office.
Why is my case taking longer than anticipated to be
processed? What does this mean?
The Immigration Service provides estimates for the time
necessary to complete processing an application. However,
these are only estimates. The processing time is affected by the
overall volume of applications submitted, the number of
employees assigned by the Immigration Service to process
particular types of applications, as well as many other variables.
For this reason, it is not uncommon for applications to take
longer to process, than what the Immigration Service estimates.
Is there a way to pressure the Immigration Service to work
faster on my case?
Yes. If there have been unreasonable delays in your case, you
may file a complaint against the Immigration Service in the
federal court, and the court can force the Immigration Service to
make a decision in your case. Bear in mind that this decision
can be positive or negative. You must carefully evaluate if this is
worth the added risk and cost of the additional work required for
this complaint.
What happens if I move, while the Immigration Service is
still processing my case?
You must notify the Immigration Service of your change in
address. If you move out of state, the Immigration Service will
likely transfer your case to the Immigration office with jurisdiction
over the geographical area you moved to, which may trigger
delays in the processing of your application.
Do I have to notify immigration if I change address?
The immigration regulations require that all persons who are not
citizens of the U.S. (including residents) inform the U.S.
Immigration Service of any change in their address.
How can I check the status of my application with the
Immigration Service?
If you have an application receipt number (usually this is sent in
the mail by the Immigration Service, some time after they have
received your application) and your case is pending at an
Immigration Service Center, you can check the status of your
application online at: https://egov.uscis.gov/cris/jsps/index.jsp
Or by telephone at: 1 (800) 375-5283 and following the
automated instructions.
If your case is pending at the Immigration Court or the Board of
Immigration Appeals, you may check the status of your case over
the telephone by calling: 1-800-898-7180, with your alien
number (starts with an A and you will find it in your immigration
documentation), and following the automated instructions. There
are options to hear your status in Spanish or English.
What is happening with the incredible backlogs at the
USCIS? Is there any way to expedite cases in
emergencies?
USCIS is currently experiencing unprecedented backlogs at the
regional service centers. This is in part due to a major national
push to process a record number of naturalization applications.
Applications that used to take a couple of weeks are now taking
a few months and cases that used to take 6 months are now
taking up to 2 years and more. This is extremely frustrating for
all concerned, especially those who have emergent reasons why
they need their application processed.
USCIS will expedite applications in certain emergencies, for
example when performers need to be in the U.S. by a certain
time or when a child is "aging-out" (turning 21 and therefore
losing derivative status). Each regional service center has its
own procedures for handling expedited cases. This information is
typically unavailable to the public and legal help usually needs to
be sought in order to pursue an expedited matter.
What is government aid and can receiving it affect my
immigration status?
Government aid is any public assistance or service you receive
that you do not pay for (example: public housing, food stamps,
free medical benefits, etc.). Receiving government aid may
prevent you from obtaining an approval of an immigration
petition. Be very careful before you accept any free government
benefit.
What happens if my case or documentation is misplaced
or transferred to another city by the Immigration
Service?You should appear at your local USCIS office and
request that your file be transferred to the appropriate
Immigration office.
Why is my case taking longer than anticipated to be
processed? What does this mean?
The Immigration Service provides estimates for the time
necessary to complete processing an application. However,
these are only estimates. The processing time is affected by the
overall volume of applications submitted, the number of
employees assigned by the Immigration Service to process
particular types of applications, as well as many other variables.
For this reason, it is not uncommon for applications to take
longer to process, than what the Immigration Service estimates.
Is there a way to pressure the Immigration Service to work
faster on my case?
Yes. If there have been unreasonable delays in your case, you
may file a complaint against the Immigration Service in the
federal court, and the court can force the Immigration Service to
make a decision in your case. Bear in mind that this decision
can be positive or negative. You must carefully evaluate if this is
worth the added risk and cost of the additional work required for
this complaint.
What happens if I move, while the Immigration Service is
still processing my case?
You must notify the Immigration Service of your change in
address. If you move out of state, the Immigration Service will
likely transfer your case to the Immigration office with jurisdiction
over the geographical area you moved to, which may trigger
delays in the processing of your application.
Do I have to notify immigration if I change address?
The immigration regulations require that all persons who are not
citizens of the U.S. (including residents) inform the U.S.
Immigration Service of any change in their address.
BOGLE
OKOYE
CHANG
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BOGLE & CHANG, LLC
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Questions: General Issues
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