USCIS actively reviews cases every day. If a USCIS case is under review, it may be a sign that the agency is one step closer to finalizing its decision about it. However, it can be tough to wait patiently for USCIS to complete its review and render its decision.
At Barrios Virguez Attorneys, we offer legal assistance to those who are having their cases actively reviewed by USCIS. Our Augusta immigration lawyers can provide insights into all aspects of USCIS’s case review process. In addition, we can answer common questions about this topic.
What does It Mean When USCIS Is Actively Reviewing a Case?
If a USCIS case is being actively reviewed, the agency is looking at all of the documentation associated with it. At this point, USCIS officials are checking the documentation and examining the case in detail. If these officials have concerns about the case, they will try to address them right away.
When a USCIS case is under review, no additional information is required by the petitioner associated with it. USCIS will provide a case status update at a later date. However, there is no telling how long USCIS will need to complete its review.
An immigration attorney will do everything in their power to ensure a petitioner submits the necessary documentation for a case. This enables USCIS to quickly review the documentation and make an informed decision on it. Plus, it minimizes the risk that a petitioner makes mistakes when providing USCIS with information that could cause their documentation to be dismissed.
How Long does USCIS Have to Actively Review a Case?
It takes approximately 120 days for USCIS to actively review a case. The agency may require additional time to complete its review if any documents are missing. In these instances, USCIS can put a case on hold until it receives any missing documents.
Keep in mind that USCIS adjudicates over 28,000 requests for immigration benefits every day. The agency does its best to process cases with speed and precision. It is most important for USCIS to review cases carefully, and the agency may take many hours to complete a full review.
USCIS workloads vary, which can impact how long it takes the agency to review a case. If USCIS has a backlog of cases, this may result in delays in its reviews. Also, USCIS tends to process cases that yield immediate benefits faster than all others.
Why does It Take so Long for USCIS to Actively Review a Case?
USCIS has both simple and complex forms it has to review. Agency officials must remain patient and diligent in their efforts to review these forms. Otherwise, these officials risk making mistakes that could cause problems for the agency and anyone who submits forms to it.
Certain USCIS forms require specialized knowledge and training to review. Some forms mandate a background check be completed before they are finalized as well. These factors, combined with limited staff and resources, can make it tough for USCIS to review cases quickly.
The volume of documents submitted to USCIS varies. If USCIS is inundated with cases at a particular time, it may take the agency longer than anticipated to review all of them. Comparatively, if USCIS is in the middle of a slow period, the agency may be able to review cases faster than it could at other times.
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Is Premium Processing for USCIS Cases?
USCIS does not offer premium processing for all of its forms. When it does, the agency charges a fee to speed up the process of reviewing these forms. At the same time, premium processing further delays case reviews for those who cannot afford it or are not eligible for it.
A petitioner can fill out a form to ask for premium processing. Instances in which USCIS accepts a request for premium processing are rare. By submitting a formal request, a petitioner can determine their eligibility for premium processing.
The filing fee for premium processing ranges from $1,500 to $2,500. If a petitioner pays for premium processing, the fee associated with it is nonrefundable. This holds true regardless of the result of USCIS’s case review or a petitioner’s decision to withdraw their request.
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What Is the Best Way to Complete a USCIS Case Review as Quickly as Possible?
For those who are planning to submit paperwork to USCIS, make sure all of the forms are completed properly. It is beneficial to complete each form as instructed. If there are any concerns or questions regarding information to include on a USCIS form, reach out to the agency for additional help.
Try not to stress if USCIS requests additional information or if documents are missing. If either of these things happens, provide USCIS with the information it needs. From here, a case review can get back on track.
If any issues crop up during a USCIS case review, it helps to have an experienced immigration attorney on hand. This lawyer can help a petitioner explore ways to move their case forward. The attorney can work with their client to find ways to achieve the optimal case result.
Why Should You Hire an Immigration Lawyer to Help with a Case that USCIS Is Actively Reviewing?
An immigration lawyer has a client’s best interest at heart. The attorney learns about this individual’s USCIS case and offers legal help with it. This lawyer also advocates on their client’s behalf until their case is resolved.
When it comes to hiring an immigration attorney, it pays to conduct research. Find an immigration attorney who values their clients and treats them with respect and dignity. Read client testimonials to get a good idea about what it is like to work with this attorney and determine if this lawyer has what it takes to provide comprehensive legal help.
Barrios Virguez Attorneys has handled many immigration cases over the years. Our lawyers are available to review an immigration case and provide an individual with personalized legal support. For more information or to request a consultation, please contact us today.
Call or text 678-888-2222 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form