In light of recent events surrounding the catastrophic tornado that struck Kentucky, the USCIS has issued a memo explaining how the agency is able to help immigrants when they are faced with a tough situation because of a severe economic hardship, or in light of unforeseen events such as a natural disaster. While it may seem like the USCIS will be inflexible when it comes to case processing and applicants will simply have to wait the expected processing time, in fact the USCIS has an entire unit dedicated to helping non-citizens who might be experiencing a special situation that warrants an expedited action from the agency.
Available on the USCIS website, applicants who might feel like they have experienced an unforeseen circumstance should phone the following number: 800-375-5283. This is an automated line, where applicants should follow the prompt that best fits their situation in order to be re-directed to an appropriate officer.
Additionally, here is a brief list of certain measures that might be available to certain USCIS applicants, based on their unique situation:
- Expedited adjudication of employment authorization forms (work permit applications)
- Consideration of a fee waiver if the applicant is unable to pay due to unforeseen events (natural disaster, etc.)
- Rescheduling a Biometrics appointment
- Expedited request for processing a work permit application for certain exchange students experiencing a severe economic hardship
- Flexibility if you were unable to appear for a select interview at a USCIS office
Applicants should note that these requests are available, but that anyone who might have experienced an unforeseen event needs to first make contact with the USCIS so they are notified of the individuals situation. Otherwise, all applicants will receive pre-existing processing wait times given that the USCIS will not be aware of their situation.
How to Submit a Request
In order to be better assisted with your claim or reason for calling due to an unexpected circumstance, please visit the following page: https://www.uscis.gov/contactcenter. From here, scroll down to the “Live Assistance” tab and you will be able to see a phone number that is available to call (also listed above). Normally, when a situation is complex, the USCIS will assign you an Immigration Case Officer to review it. By providing your email, the USCIS will send you a message as to when they will reach out to you.
Be prepared to have documents that might be applicable as evidence, such as a police report or insurance claim. In addition, you should be able to clearly explain how an unforeseen event has impacted your life, thus creating a need for relief from the USCIS. Take some time and prepare a written statement if need be.
