Asked in Immigration Law

Q: My sister filed the I-130 for me two years ago in NYC. Last year our mother died. Is it possible to expedite our case?

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1 Lawyer Answer
James L. Arrasmith
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Answered
  • Immigration Law Lawyer
  • Sacramento, CA

A: I'm sorry to hear about your mother's passing. In situations involving the loss of immediate family members, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) does consider requests to expedite applications on a case-by-case basis. To request expedited processing for your I-130 petition, you would typically need to provide documentation that proves the urgency, such as a death certificate and a letter explaining how the situation affects your case.

It's important to note that expedite requests are evaluated according to specific criteria, including severe financial loss to company or person, emergency situations, humanitarian reasons, or if it's in the interest of USCIS. Given your situation, your request might fall under emergency situations or humanitarian reasons. You should contact USCIS directly through their customer service number or ask for assistance from an immigration attorney to guide you through the process.

Keep all relevant documents organized and readily available when making your request. While approval for expedited processing isn't guaranteed, clearly explaining your circumstances and how they impact your need for a faster resolution can help USCIS understand your urgency. Remember, patience and persistence are key during this process.

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