Waiting for a green card can feel like an eternity. For many people, particularly those dealing with emergencies, the standard 90-day provisionary period is just too long. But there’s good news: in certain situations, it’s possible to speed up the process.
Whether you’re applying for a marriage-based green card or you already have an immigrant visa case in motion, there are ways to fast-track your green card. Here’s what to know.
Is It Really Possible to Get a Green Card in Less Than 90 Days?
Yes — but only in very specific situations.
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) allows certain cases to be expedited. The government doesn’t hand out expedited processing to just anyone, though. You’ll need to meet strict criteria and provide strong supporting documents.
Requests for expedited adjudication are reviewed on a case-by-case basis. That means there’s no guarantee that you’ll be approved. However, if you have a legitimate reason, such as severe financial loss or an urgent humanitarian situation, you might qualify.
What Are the Criteria for Expedited Processing?
USCIS lists clear reasons that might warrant expedited treatment. If your circumstances fall under one of these categories, you can submit an expedite request directly to the agency. Here are the factors they consider:
- Severe financial loss to a person or company: If delays in processing could cause serious financial harm, such as losing your job or business, you may qualify.
- Emergencies and urgent humanitarian reasons: This can include escaping dangerous conditions in your home country or seeking vital medical treatment in the U.S.
- Clear USCIS error: If there’s a clear mistake on the part of USCIS that’s holding up your case, you can request expedited adjudication to fix it.
- National economic or security interest: If your case involves work that benefits national security or key government interests, you may warrant expedited processing.
- Nonprofit organization requests tied to cultural or social interests: Nonprofits promoting cultural or social programs that benefit the public may also qualify.
USCIS officials review every request carefully and process them based on whether applicants fit the criteria and provide convincing evidence.
Who Can Make an Expedite Request?
Anyone can request expedited adjudication, whether they’re a U.S. citizen sponsoring a family member, a lawful permanent resident applying for a permanent resident card renewal, or an employer filing for an immigrant visa on behalf of a worker.
Keep in mind, though, that expedited processing isn’t automatic. You must show that your case meets USCIS policy manual guidelines and furnish evidence that your request falls within the outlined criteria.
Common Scenarios That Warrant Expedited Processing
Here are some examples of situations where USCIS may approve expedited treatment:
- A foreign national spouse of a U.S. citizen needs to obtain employment authorization quickly to avoid losing their job.
- A severely ill individual requires urgent medical treatment in the U.S. that’s unavailable in their home country.
- A green card holder’s child risks aging out and losing eligibility under the Child Status Protection Act (CSPA).
- A U.S. employer needs to bring in a critical employee urgently for work tied to national interests.
Other cases may not be as clear-cut, which is why USCIS officials perform careful individual reviews before making a decision.
How to Request Expedited Processing from USCIS
Here’s how to get the ball rolling if you think you’re eligible for expedited treatment:
Submit a Written Request
You or your attorney can send a request for expedited processing to USCIS by calling their Contact Center at (800) 375-5283 or submitting a request through your online account. Include a clear explanation of why your case warrants expedited treatment.
Include Supporting Documents
Evidence is the key. If you’re claiming severe financial loss, you must provide documentation like termination letters or eviction notices. If you’re citing the need for medical treatment, include letters from your health team. For humanitarian reasons, provide proof of the crisis you’re facing.
Follow Up with USCIS
After filing your request, check its status periodically by reaching out to the USCIS Contact Center. Agency officials will give you updates or ask for additional documentation if needed.
Request Premium Processing (If Available)
While premium processing isn’t available for green cards themselves, it is available for some immigration services that could impact your timeline for receiving one, such as employment-based immigrant visa petitions. Premium processing guarantees a decision in 15–45 days, depending on the visa category.
Consular Processing and Expedite Requests
If your immigrant visa case is being handled through consular processing (outside the U.S.), you’ll need to coordinate with the National Visa Center (NVC) or the U.S. embassy processing your case. The Department of Homeland Security and the NVC can process expedite requests related to immigrant visa processing.
For consular cases:
- Submit your request in the form of a scanned physician’s letter to the NVC through NVCExpedite@state.gov.
- Provide the necessary supporting documents, just as you would with USCIS.
- Wait for a response from the embassy.
It’s important to note that the NVC won’t be able to take further steps to expedite your petition if no visas are currently available.
What If My Expedite Request Is Denied?
Not all requests for expedited adjudication are approved. If USCIS denies your request, your case will be subject to regular processing times. That’s why it’s critical to make sure your petition is strong and well-documented from the start.
In some cases, you may be able to:
- Request reconsideration if you believe there was an error.
- Explore alternative immigration benefits, such as humanitarian parole.
- File an immigration appeal.
A qualified immigration lawyer can explain each of these options in greater depth and help you choose the one that’s right for you.
Get Your Green Card Faster with SimVisa
Time is of the essence, especially when you’re dealing with urgent family situations, medical emergencies, or the potential for financial ruin. If you’re looking to get a green card in less than 90 days, SimVisa is here to help.
Our veteran immigration attorneys can assist with USCIS expedite requests by organizing supporting documents and communicating with the National Visa Center, ensuring that your case gets the attention it deserves. Contact us today to learn more about how to speed up your green card process.
FAQs
How do I know if I qualify for expedited green card processing?
You need to meet one or more of USCIS’s criteria, such as facing severe financial loss, requiring urgent medical treatment, or being involved in government interests.
How long does USCIS take to respond to expedite requests?
While response times vary, the agency typically makes a decision within a few weeks of receiving a fully documented request.
Is premium processing available for family-based green cards?
USCIS doesn’t offer premium processing for family-based immigrant visa petitions. However, they may offer expedited adjudication on a case-by-case basis.
Can I expedite my green card if I’m stuck abroad due to a family emergency?
Yes. You may request expedited consular processing through the National Visa Center and the U.S. embassy managing your immigrant visa case.
What documents should I include with my expedite request?
Include evidence like medical records, financial statements, employer letters, or affidavits underscoring the urgency of your case. The stronger and more comprehensive your documentation, the better your chances.
