Q: Where to file a writ of mandamus for UCIS delay in Utah?

A: You should file your writ of mandamus with the United States District Court for the District of Utah. In Utah, the federal court has two divisions: the Northern Division located in Salt Lake City and the Central Division in St. George. Most immigration-related cases are filed in the Salt Lake City courthouse, particularly if you reside in the northern counties of Utah.

When preparing your mandamus action, you must name all appropriate defendants, including the Director of USCIS, the Secretary of Homeland Security, and any local USCIS Field Office Director with jurisdiction over your case. Your petition must demonstrate that USCIS has a clear duty to act on your application, that you have exhausted all administrative remedies, and that the delay you've experienced is unreasonable under the Administrative Procedure Act. Include documentation of all prior communication attempts with USCIS and evidence of your pending application.

The filing process requires payment of a filing fee (currently $402 for civil actions), submission of a civil cover sheet, and proper service of the complaint on all defendants following the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure. Many USCIS mandamus actions are resolved before reaching trial, as the agency often processes the delayed application once legal action commences. Consider consulting with an attorney experienced in federal immigration litigation, as these cases involve complex procedural requirements and substantive immigration law that may impact your specific situation.