USCIS Experiencing Significant Delays in Form Processing Times

By: Gurshaan Chattha

Due to a large increase in filings and COVID-19 workplace capacity restrictions, United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is significantly delayed in processing receipt notices. USCIS has stated that it will send receipt notices within 30 days to individuals who properly filed out their forms and will reject incorrectly completed forms within the same timeframe. However, in practice, USCIS may take longer than 30 days to issue receipt notices and rejections. Individuals who have not yet filed their forms can take additional action to improve processing times.

faster form processing and case status checks

Individuals can decrease their form processing time or check on the status of their case by following the procedures listed below:

• File online, if it is allowed for your form type.
• Check the status of your case online by creating a USCIS online account.
• Clip Form G-1145, E-Notification of Application/Petition Acceptance to the front of your form so that you can receive text message or email notification when your form is accepted.

additional tips for successful submission

When submitting evidence with your application package, there are some critical things to keep in mind:

• If available for your form, review your form’s webpage for instructions and a checklist of initial evidence required.
• Submit single-sided photocopies of required documents unless the instructions request original copies.
• Copy photographs on a letter-sized sheet of paper (8.5" x 11"), except passport photos.
• Submit only required evidence, and nothing additional.
• If you do not have the required primary evidence needed for your form, please review the instructions for secondary evidence.

conclusion

Contact your trusted Chugh, LLP attorney for help submitting documentation related to your case and other case-specific questions.