How to Expedite an Asylum Interview–or–Ask and Ye Might Just Receive

These days, the estimated wait time for an affirmative asylum case is somewhere between eternity and forever. It can best be expressed numerically as ∞. Or maybe as ∞ + 1. In other words, affirmative asylum cases take a long damn time. (OK, to be fair, you can get some idea about the actual wait time here).

Asylum seekcars waiting for their interview.

For some people, this wait is more of a problem than for others. For example, if your spouse and children are outside the United States waiting for you, and especially if they are living in unsafe or unhealthy conditions, the wait can be intolerable. A growing number of people are abandoning their cases simply because they cannot stand the separation. Others are moving to Canada, which apparently has a faster system than we have in the States. The problem is not simply that the wait is long—and the wait is long. The problem is that we cannot know how long the wait will be. Maybe the interview will come in six months; maybe in three years. Maybe the decision will come shortly after the interview; maybe it will take months or years. This unpredictability contributes to the difficulty of waiting for a resolution to the case.

For others people—single people without children or families that are all together here in the U.S.—the wait may be stressful, but it’s far more bearable. For my clients in this position, I advise them to live as if they will win their cases. What else can they do? To live under the constant stress of potential deportation is unhealthy. And the fact is, most of my clients have strong cases, and the likelihood that they will succeed it pretty high. So it is best to live as normally as possible. Find a job, start a business, buy a house or a car, go to school, make friends, get on with life. In the end, if such people need to leave the United States, they will have time to wind down their affairs and sell their belongings. For now, though, if I may quote the late, great Chuck Berry, Live like you wanna live, baby.

But what if you want to try to expedite your case? How can you maximize the chances that the Asylum Office will move your case to the front of the line?

First, before you file to expedite, you need to complete your case. The affidavit must be finished and all the evidence must be organized and properly translated (if necessary). If you expedite a case and the case is not complete, it could result in real problems. For example, I once had a client put himself on a short list without telling me. Then one day, an Asylum Officer called me and said that they wanted to schedule his interview for the following week. The problem was, the evidence was not submitted (or even gathered) and the affidavit was not done. The client insisted on going forward, and so (while I helped with interview preparation), I withdrew from the case. I did not want to remain affiliated with a case that was not properly put together, and I did not want to represent a person who took action on his case without informing me. In general, there is no value in expediting a case only to lose because you are not prepared for the interview, so make sure your case is complete before you try to expedite.

Second, you need a good reason to expedite. Remember, you are asking to jump your case ahead of hundreds–maybe thousands–of people who are also waiting for their asylum interview. Why should the Asylum Office allow you to do that? One common reason is that the applicant has a health problem (physical or mental). If that is your reason, get a letter from the doctor. Also, provide some explanation for how an early resolution of the asylum case might help improve your health situation (for example, maybe you have a health problem that is exacerbated by the stress of a pending case).

Another common reason to expedite (and in my opinion, the most legitimate reason to expedite) is separation from family members, especially if those family members are living under difficult or dangerous circumstances. If an asylum applicant wins her case, she can file petitions to bring her spouse and her minor, unmarried children to the United States. Many people come to the U.S. to seek asylum not for themselves, but because they fear for the safety of their family. Since it is so difficult to get a U.S. visa, it’s common to see asylum seekers who leave their family members behind, in the hope that they can win asylum and bring their family members later. So when the wait for an interview (never mind a decision) is measured in years, that’s a real hardship. For our asylum-seeker clients with pending applications, we have seen cases where their children were attacked in the home country, where family members went into hiding, where children could not attend school or get medical treatment, where families were stuck in third countries, etc., etc., etc. Such problems can form the basis for an expedite request.

To expedite for such a reason, get evidence of the problem. That evidence could be a doctor’s note for a medical problem or an injury, or a police report if a family member was attacked or threatened. It could be a letter from a teacher that the child cannot attend school. It could be letters from the family members themselves explaining the hardship, or letters from other people who know about the problems (for advice on writing a good letter, see this article). Also, sometimes family members receive threat letters or their property is vandalized. Submit copies of such letters or photos of property damage. It is very important to submit letters and evidence in support of the expedite request. Also, remember to include evidence of the family relationship–marriage certificate or birth certificates of children–to show how the person is related to the principal asylum applicant.

There are other reasons to request an expedited interview: Until an asylum case is granted, applicants may not be able to get certain jobs, they cannot qualify for in-state tuition, they face the general stress of not knowing whether they can stay. While these issues can be quite difficult to deal with, I think that they do not compare to the hardships suffered by people separated from family members. Indeed, if I were in charge of the Asylum Division, I would allow expedited interviews only in cases of family separation.

Once your case is complete and you have gathered evidence in support of the expedite request, you need to submit the request and evidence to the Asylum Office. Different offices have different procedures for expediting. You can contact your Asylum Office to ask about the procedure. Contact information for the various Asylum Offices can be found here.

One last point about expediting asylum cases: The system for expediting cases is not well-developed, meaning that sometimes, a strong request will be denied or a weak request will be granted. There definitely seems to be an element of luck involved in the expedite request process. But of course, unless you try to expedite, you can’t get your case expedited. If an initial request is denied, you can gather more evidence and try again (and again). At least in my experience, most–but not all–cases where there was a good reason to expedite were, in fact, expedited.

Besides expediting asylum cases, it is also possible to put your case on the “short list,” which may result in an earlier interview date. You can learn more about that and a few other ideas here.

It is still unclear how changes in the new Administration might affect the speed of asylum cases, but I doubt that the asylum backlog is going away any time soon. In that case, for many people, the only options are to learn to live with the delay or–if there is a good reason–to ask for an expedited interview and then to hope for the best.

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533 comments

  1. Hello Jason,
    Thank you for your helpful responses.
    Kindly, I emailed my expedited interview request to USCIS. They emailed back, asking to fill out a form and also stating that it “must include a clear explanation and full description of the hardship, such as extreme family hardship or medical emergencies, you face while awaiting your asylum interview and why granting an expedited interview will improve the emergent difficulty you face. Do not address the circumstances of your underlying asylum claim. ”
    In the expedited interview request form, there are a couple of things I don’t know what to type in:
    – next to the blank of the A NUMBER, there is a blank for the DATE, which date I type?
    -under APPLICANT NAME blank, there is a question (PRINCIPAL APPLICANT OR DEPENDENT) with blank next to type the answer in?.
    Additionally, is it okay to write “to receive medical benefits so my son can have the brain surgery in a special hospital ” as an answer for the question “why granting an expedited interview will improve the emergent difficulty you face”.
    Also, does a dependent who cannot qualify for in-state tuition consider it a hardship?
    Finally, what does this sentence mean? “Do not address the circumstances of your underlying asylum claim.”
    Thank you so much
    Ahmad

    Reply
    • 1 – I do not know that form, so I am not sure, but probably it is today’s date. 2 – If you are the main applicant, write “principal applicant”. If someone else filed the case and you are a dependent spouse or child, write “dependent.” 3 – That sounds like a strong reason to expedite. If you can get some evidence about it, like medical records or a letter from the doctor, you can include that too. 4 – Not qualifying for tuition is a type of hardship, but I doubt that is enough to get them to expedite. 5 – Do not talk about the reasons you need asylum; only talk about the reasons you need to expedite. Take care, Jason

      Reply
  2. Dear Jason,
    Good morning! My child and spouse arrived in Cleveland on 24th Dec,2021 and received I-94 at the Newark Airport at Customs Clearance and Border Protection. The CBP officer corrected the printed admission number in the I-94 and reassigned a new handwritten admission number in both I-94’s. My husband is trying to take the TEMP drivers license test at BMV-Ohio. He is also in need of a state ID or USCIS ID to open his bank account. The BMV officer is unable to process his application due to correction in his I-94 and the Visa stamp says it is not a VISA (Please find an attached copy for your reference). Kindly request you to guide us how to get ID proof for my child and spouse. We have already submitted a completed EAD application to USCIS. Do we need to apply separately?

    Thank you again so very much in advance!

    In sincere gratitude,

    Banu

    Reply
    • Did they arrive here based on form I-730? If so, they should be eligible for an EAD, and it sounds like you are filing I-765 forms for each person (each person needs his own application). When they fill form I-765, they can also request an SSN. Once they have the EAD and SSN, they should be eligible for a driver’s license. Whether they could be eligible before then, I do not know, but maybe if the case is based on an approved I-730 or if they are refugees. You would have to talk to the DMV about that. You might also see if there is a local non-profit that can assist with this – I did a post on September 22, 2016 with a link to local non-profits in each state. Maybe that would help. Take care, Jason

      Reply
      • Dear Jason,
        Thank you so very much for your reply. Yes, they arrived here based on approved I-730. USCIS requested us to complete the I-765 for both my spouse and child when they requested for their documents. We have received SSN, unfortuntely we don’t have receipt number for I-765 and we don’t know whether we have to apply separately or USCIS send us the EAD based our submitted I-765. We need any form of identification proof to apply for jobs, open bank account etc., DMV officer is doesn’t understand that I-94 and SSN serve as a proof to get driver’s licensnce or state ID. She told us that, the VISA stamp says this is not a VISA and I-94 has correction in it. So cannot process our application. She asked to go to CBP and get the correct one. The officer told us that, due to our protected status , they CBP officer assigned new admission number. She requested the BMV officer to contact her. But the BMV officer keep saying he VISA stamp says this is not a VISA and I-94 has correction in it. So cannot process our application. I would be grateful if could give us some advice. As suggested I will try to find some local agencies for help.
        Thank you!
        Best,
        Banu

        Reply
        • You might also try calling USCIS at 800-375-5283. With the info you have (name, birth date, etc.), you can hopefully find out whether the I-765 forms are pending. If not, you can file again. In terms of the DMV, I think you should try to talk to a supervisor. People with asylum (including an approved I-730 where the person has come to the US) should be entitled to a license and to work without any further documents. Bring all your asylum documents and their documents and if they refuse you again, try to get a supervisor. This is very frustrating and maybe a non-profit agency can help, so it is worthwhile to pursue that option as well. Take care, Jason

          Reply
          • Dear Jason,
            Good morning! As you suggested, we spoke to supervisor and they contacted USCIS and told us to wait until he receives his EAD. We submitted both my spouse and child EAD application together and now my 11 year old child EAD got approved and my spouse application is still pending. We have received Notice of action for their EAD application together. I try to speak with USCIS information officer- 1 (800) 375-5283, but the machine asks few questions and not connecting my call to an officer. Could you please advice. My spouse in desperate need of his EAD to get his Drivers Liscence/ state ID, to open bank account, find his job and cover his health insurance.
            Thank you again so very much!
            Best,
            Banu

          • It is common for EADs to get processed at different speeds, and it sounds like this is in the process of being processed, so hopefully, it will arrive soon. Aside from trying to call and trying different ways to reach a human being, I think there is not much that can be done. I would expect a decision soon, given that your child received a decision, but there is no way to know that for certain, so maybe try again to call. Good luck, Jason

  3. Hello Jason!
    I applied for asylum back in March 2015. Very soon it’ll be 7 years of waiting for only a first interview. My case is in Houston. I want to try expedite my interview. What would be more effective: reaching out to USCIS office or a congressperson as a first step? Or maybe both? Do you know cases when applicants waited such long or even more? It’s really frustrating… Thank you

    Reply
    • I forgot to mention some potential reasons I have in mind (even though it’s not urgent from uscis point of view): I’m a worker from a healthcare industry, paying a mortgage, my not young parents have absolutely 0% chance to get a USA visa (my country is isolated basically and don’t contact anymore with Europe Union and USA). I want to see my parents in other country and take care about them. My mom visited me only only since I’m in USA and she’s super worried and nervous. Can I try to put these examples in my expedite request? Thanks

      Reply
      • I think those reasons are not as good as a health problem, but you can try – maybe you can get a doctor’s note that these issues you mention are affecting your mental health and that resolving the asylum case would improve your health. Also, you can apply for Advance Parole to meet family members overseas (in a third country). I wrote about that on September 11, 2017. Take care Jason

        Reply
    • I think you are better off trying to expedite yourself. I wrote about that on March 30, 2017. You can also ask a Congressperson for help, but in my experience, that is no more effective than if you try it yourself. The strongest expedite requests are generally those based on health problems, but you can try other bases well, as I wrote in that blog post. Take care, Jason

      Reply
  4. hello Jason,
    i have been interviewed NOV 2019 in SF asylum office after 20 month I haven’t received decision.my decision still pending .
    is there any way to expedite my case decision?
    is this normal time for asylum decision?
    thank you

    Reply
    • Such delays are (unfortunately) somewhat common, particularly for men from Muslim countries. I did a post on June 2, 2021 about how to deal with post-interview delay. You might take a look at that for some ideas. Good luck, Jason

      Reply
  5. Hello Jason,

    I have been a follower for 5 years so far. I have an asylum case after leaving Haiti in 2016. I was in Long Island and I was connected to Bethpage Office. I tried expediting my case many times with no success.
    I moved to upstate New York and my case got transferred to New Jersey and I requested an expedited interview 5 times with no approval.

    My last attempt was so emotional that I couldn’t believe myself. I was open and I expressed myself in a way that maybe could drive the office away. Instead, after two weeks I received an approval to expedite my interview. Still, I have to wait for the exact date.

    In your opinion, how long do you think New Jersey will take before sending me the letter with the date for the interview. I know many people have been waiting for a long time, but I did wait for a long time also even I am single.

    I went through quite a lot. I was victim of 2 car accidents, I had depression anxiety PTSD, I lost my job, most companies don’t want to hire me with my work permit even if I have experiences and an MBA. My life is hell. So that interview is important to me. Now that I am approved, I can’t wait for the interview date. Any ideas will be welcomed.

    I am also helpful for a great outcome. I don’t think I will have to do much. Actually the safety in the country is getting worse and chaos is unbelievable. Anyway, I am looking forward to having that interview.

    Thank you for your inputs.

    Reply
    • It can take a few months. If there is nothing in maybe 60 days, email them to remind them and inquire about the interview. In the mean time, make sure you have all evidence submitted (or ready to submit according to the Asylum Office rules) before the interview. Good luck, Jason

      Reply
  6. Hi Jason,
    I need your help and i am sorry if I can’t write English well. I moved to the USA in 2016 and still waiting for the interview for asylum. Can I request for expedited for sooner interview? We live in los Angels. We are in the bad situation and can’t wait for longer interview anymore. Please help me and let me know what to do.
    Thank you

    Reply
    • I describe how to expedite in the article above. LA may also have a “short list” (which is discussed above also), and you can email them to ask – you can find their email if you follow the link under Resources called Asyulm Office Locator. Take care, Jason

      Reply
      • Thanks Jason,
        Is still last in first out law use in the USA for interviewing the asylum since Biden became president?

        Reply
        • It is still the rule, though in my local office, many new cases do not get interview since they do not have enough resources to interview all the applicants. Take care, Jason

          Reply
    • Hello Jason,
      You really helped me and i am thankful for that . I have one more question. We are asylee here and we didn’t approve yet and are waiting for interview. My daughter wants to get married. Is that possible. And does it effect on our case? How long does it take to get her green card? She is 24 but when we filed for asylum, she was 20 and she is with my case.
      Thank you

      Reply
      • If she marries, she will no longer be a beneficiary in your case (married children are not eligible to remain as a dependent on the case). So she would either have to file her own independent case, or get her Green Card some other way (maybe through the marriage if the spouse is a US citizen). She could also do both (independent asylum claim and marriage-based case). If she does file asylum on her own, check the instructions to the I-589, as the process is different (I think she files the application in the Atlanta office, but double check). You can find the I-589 instructions at http://www.uscis.gov. Take care, Jason

        Reply
  7. […] “unlucky” people. For those stuck in the backlog, there are few options. You can try to expedite. You can try a mandamus lawsuit. Or you can keep waiting. While you are waiting, you might consider […]

    Reply
  8. Hi Jason,
    First, I would like to thank you for your suggestion. I learned that the separation from family members is one of the good reasons to expedite. The granted asylum seeker can file green cards for spouses and children. May I know whether separation from my parents can be used to expedite the case?
    Nay

    Reply
    • That is a weaker reason since, even if you win, you cannot file to bring your parents to the US. I suppose you can try, though, but separation from spouse and minor, unmarried children is a better reason because if you win, you can file an I-730 for each of them. Take care, Jason

      Reply
  9. Hi Jason,

    My husband and I saw an immigration lawyer yesterday and to our surprise his (and his college) advice to expedite his interview was for my husband to “turn himself in” at the San Diego border. (We are in CA) that way he will surpass the immigration and will go straight to Supreme Court Judge and plead his case. If he gets deported the lawyers would sue the immigration.

    Back story. My husband is from Syria and has been waiting for asylum interview for past 4 years now.

    I’ve seen multiple immigration lawyers in my life, but I never heard anyone advice to “turn themselves in”.

    I just wanted to hear your opinion on this matter. Obviously it’s not something he would do (we have a newborn baby and I don’t work so it would be too risky to even consider) but I’m just curious to see if this is something you would advice for your clients who are from Syria? Granted, they said to save our money in mean time, since we are not legally allowed to buy a house or do any business in US, because it looks like we have -0.1% that the asylum interview would take place any time soon or he would be granted the stay.

    Very optimistic, I know.

    Reply
    • This advice sounds idiotic to me. At the very best case, by leaving the US and trying to enter, he would be detained and potentially forced to wait in Mexico. As for the existing case, your husband can try to expedite. If you are in LA, you may have some luck since that office was moving fairly quickly (at least based on the most recent data I have seen). Another option might be to move to an area covered by a “fast” office (we very easily expedited a case in one such office – New Orleans, but that was about 2 months ago). I posted data about the different offices on June 12, 2018, but since then, NJ (a former fast office) is now supposedly going to stop interviewing new cases, at least for some months. So it is unpredictable whether such a move would help, but it is a lot better than the San Diego plan. Finally, even though you do not have permanent status, you should be able to buy a house – I have several clients who have done that. Take care, Jason

      Reply
  10. hello sir

    MY husband lawyer did a shortlist application for his asylum interview . because of death threat from home country and we have evidence. so I just wanna ask that shortlist thing really work in San Francisco office?

    thanks so much, sir

    Reply
  11. hello sir

    MY husband lawyer did a shortlist application for his asylum interview . because of death threat from home country and we have evidence. so I just wanna ask that shortlist thing really work in San Francisco office?

    thanks so much sir

    Reply
    • I do not know, but if they accepted it for the short list, they should have told you (probably by email or mail). You can always contact them to check whether the short list is working. You can find their contact info if you follow the link at right called Asylum Office Locator. Take care, Jason

      Reply
  12. Hello Jason. My doctor is trying to write a letter/reference about my health condition to expedite the interview. But Dr never did it before. Do you have any template? I can pay for that if necessary.
    Thank you.

    Reply
    • I do not have a template. But the doctor should explain what is the health issue, and how the asylum case is making that worse. The doctor can also explain how expediting the asylum case would help resolve the health issue. Take care, Jason

      Reply
  13. Hi Jason,

    I am about to expedite my case in SF Asylum office in person. The office offers walk-in and by appointment. I am just curious how can I make an appointment before I go? Because they offer three days a week by appointment and only two days for people who walk-in. I did write an email to that office and they just said I can walk-in. I don’t know if I can make an appointment and how? I appreciate your time.

    Best,

    Henry

    Reply
    • In my local office, you can make an appointment using Info Pass – there is a link to the right of this page. I do not think that they have Info Pass in SF, but maybe they do. You can try. If not, it may be that you cannot get an appointment unless they give it to you, and since they did not give it to you, you have to walk in. My guess is that that will work, but you will possibly spend hours waiting for your turn. Take care, Jason

      Reply
      • I don’t think info pass works for asylum office, it helps people to make an appointment with local field office. These two offices are totally different. So, I don’t really understand why the asylum office have days by appointment and how to get it????!!!

        Reply
        • I think the only asylum office with Info Pass is Arlington, VA. It may be that when they say “appointment”, they are referring to the asylum interview or pick-up. Maybe the only way to make an inquiry is to walk in and wait. Take care, Jason

          Reply
  14. Can I expedite my interview with reason of being applied in September 2015 and have been waiting for almost 4 years. It is becoming hard to live with uncertainty of my legal status. Insurance is also an important need for family after certain age.

    Reply
    • You can try, but that is probably a fairly weak reason compared to people who have health problems or family separation issues. Nevertheless, you can try and it may work – you never know. Take care, Jason

      Reply
  15. Hi Jason! First of all, I would like to thank you for this site – I found here tons of valuable information, which I will use for sure. My question is regarding an expedited asylum interview. I have applied in Feb 2015, and have been waiting for interview since than – 1596 days as of now. In May my attorney filed a request to expedite the interview in Arlington office. There were 2 legitimate reasons for this: my parents who live in another country (not my homecountry from where I fled) are both very sick and have serious diseases, plus my psychiatrist supported the request explaining that such a long wait exacerbates my already tough mental health, I’ve been suffering for years from PTSD, depression, generalized anxiety disorder, among others.
    Much to our astonishment, the request was granted the same day, with interview scheduled for middle of June – so a little bit more than month since the day when the request was granted.
    However, four days prior the date of interview, we’ve received a notice from USCIS saying that the interview is canceled and is to be rescheduled – with no certain date in sight, of course. I was advised to apply for expedited interview once again now – in your opinion, does it make sense? I also wanted to talk to you privately, it’s rather regarding my professional interest – what’s the best way to contact you? Thanks a lot!

    Reply
    • I do not think you need to expedite again. We have seen this happen with expedite case and they should reschedule it pretty quickly. If there is no news within a month, email them or make an Info Pass appointment to ask about the status of the expedite request. As for me, my email is at right, but I am mostly out of the office for the next two weeks and cannot make any appointments until mid-July. Take care, Jason

      Reply
      • Thank you for prompt reply, hopefully they will reschedule soon!

        Reply
  16. […] applicants in the other offices are unlikely to receive an interview any time soon, unless they can expedite their […]

    Reply
  17. Hi Jason! I’ve been following your blog for the past couple of years, thank you for the immense support you are to the asylum community! I am a gay, HIV positive man, originally from Uzbekistan, seeking asylum based on the history of persecution from the government as well as my sexual orientation, as it is still punished by the criminal law… I’ve been waiting for my initial asylum interview for almost three years now and with the new policy it’s definitely not approaching anytime soon. I’ve been experiencing a deterioration in my health, especially mental, I’ve had lingering depressions due to which I lost my job recently. I had a loss in my family and couldn’t see my father for the last time. It seems like I had escaped a prison just to get captivated in another one, without a chance to see my family and closest ones..
    In your opinion, is there any chance/way to get my case expedited? Have you had experience with people in similar situation?
    Thank you in advance!

    Reply
  18. Hello Jason,

    My husband is from Syria and his case been pending for past 3 years. Recently he added me to his case (I’m from Latvia) and we had a daughter this year as well. I tried to expedite our case since his dad is extremely ill- and got denied. Now, my question is.. if we get called for an interview. Does me being from Latvia will affect our chances? (Even though he can’t get citizenship in Latvia through marriage to me and it’s very hostile environment for Muslim people as well plethora other reasons) or they wouldn’t look at my that?

    Thank you!!!

    Reply
    • Unless he is “firmly resettled” in Latvia, your citizenship should not affect his asylum case. We did a case not long ago where the wife/principal applicant was from Malaysia and the husband was a citizen of Canada. She got asylum (and so did he, as a derivative), so I have seen this in practice and it should not affect your case. Take care, Jason

      Reply
      • Thank you so much, Jason! You are amazing! Have a great day!

        Reply
  19. Hello Jason, Hope you’re doing great. My asylum case is on pending status, almost 4 years now. Jason this is something am not pride of at all but a year ago I made a big mistake of my life and got convicted for petty theft which is a moral perpittude misdemeanor. It’s a one time case and never had any such kind of record before. Will this deport me from US or on my work permit? Appreciated!!

    Reply
    • I doubt this would block you from asylum, but it is a factor in the case, and so you need to take some steps. First, make sure you have a copy of the disposition (the final result) of the criminal case. Next, I highly recommend you have a lawyer look at that. How much, if any, effect the criminal issue will have on your immigration status depends on the specifics of the case. I doubt there will be an effect on asylum, but I do not know, and maybe there is. Only by looking at the specifics of the case will you know. Finally, even if it has no effect on eligibility, it is a negative factor in terms of discretion – this means, if you meet the legal requirements for asylum, you still need to show that you merit a favorable exercise of discretion. I doubt this issue would block you from that, but you still may want to get some evidence of your good moral character (letters from people who know you, evidence of rehabilitation for the criminal issue, evidence of volunteer work, etc.). Take care, Jason

      Reply
      • God bless you Jason. You’re one of a kind soul.🙏🙏🙏🙏

        Reply
  20. Hi Jason,
    Hope you’re doing well sir. My immigration lawyer applied my case at Virginia asylum office like four years ago. As it’s forever pending i moved to Ohio for work, permanently. I did the address change on uscis website and got confirmation. Is this means my case also already moved to Chicago? Chicago is where ohio’s asylum related case is handled, or should i have to do any further action to make sure my case is moved to Chicago office?

    Reply
    • That should be enough and it should move to Chicago. However, the asylum offices are a mess, and so it may not get moved. If you want to be sure, you can email the Chicago office to inquire. You can find their email if you follow the link at right called Asylum Office Locator. Take care, Jason

      Reply
  21. Hey Jason,
    We just expedite my interview because of medical reason. now waiting for the Asylum office(San Francisco) to schedule my interview. my question is how long it will take? my lawyer said it might be just a few weeks or few months. do you have any experience? thank you.

    Reply
    • We have seen it take anywhere from 1 to 6 months at the Virginia office. I do not recall how long it takes at SF, as I have fewer cases there. Take care, Jason

      Reply
      • Hi Jason,

        Thanks for your help. I am little surprised that you didnt mention SERVE FINANCIAL LOSS as a reason to expedite. If you have mentioned else where, please explain what do it mean? Do it mean if someone is about to be thrown out the street or bankrupt ?

        Reply
        • You can use any reason you want to expedite. If you are going to suffer financial loss, you can use that as a reason. If you are about to become homeless, you can use that as a reason too. There are no rules about expediting, so you can use any reason that you think will convince them to expedite. If your reason is financial loss, you can try that. Hopefully, it will work. Take care, Jason

          Reply
    • Hi Daniel,
      Did you get any reply from SF office regardind the case you have expedited?

      Reply
  22. Hi Jason,
    Thanks for your help. A question please.
    Do you think the government SHUTDOWN wil affect the processing times for our petitions?

    Reply
    • If the case is at the asylum office or USCIS, then no. If the case is in immigration court and non-detained, then any case scheduled during the shutdown will be canceled and rescheduled. Take care, Jason

      Reply
  23. Thanks a lot Jason.
    Do you know how long it takes now a days to process a Green Card after I apply?

    Reply
    • Based on asylum granted? Maybe 6 to 12 months (I think our most recent cases took about 9 months), but you can check processing times at http://www.uscis.gov. Take care, Jason

      Reply
      • Hi Jason! I’ve been following your blog for the past couple of years, thank you for the immense support you are to the asylum community! I am a gay, HIV positive man, originally from Uzbekistan, seeking asylum based on the history of persecution from the government as well as my sexual orientation, as it is still punished by the criminal law… I’ve been waiting for my initial asylum interview for almost three years now and with the new policy it’s definitely not approaching anytime soon. I’ve been experiencing a deterioration in my health, especially mental, I’ve had lingering depressions due to which I lost my job recently. I had a loss in my family and couldn’t see my father for the last time. It seems like I had escaped a prison just to get captivated in another one, without a chance to see my family and closest ones..
        In your opinion, is there any chance/way to get my case expedited? Have you had experience with people in similar situation?
        Thank you in advance!

        Reply
        • I do think you have a chance to expedite. Probably the strongest basis is the health reason (depression + HIV). Get a doctor’s note and give it a try. We have expedited cases for reasons similar to yours, and it is partly luck, but it also seems you have a valid basis to ask. Take care, Jason

          Reply
  24. Hi Jason,
    Thanks a lot. Just a question. Now that I’ve gotten my asylum approved, when can I file for my Greed Card?
    Thanks

    Reply
    • You can file one year after the date that asylum was approved (this date appears in the first paragraph of the letter from the asylum office – it is usually earlier than the date listed at the top of the letter). Don’t apply early, as USCIS could reject the application, which would cause delay. Take care, Jason

      Reply
  25. Hello Everyone,
    Is there anyone with approved I-730 from Nebraska centre recently?
    Please can you share your timeline.

    Reply
  26. I know, but my confusion is this statement ** is based on data captured approximately two months prior to updating the page** does this mean that the data displayed now is for information 2 months back, let say October.

    Reply
    • My guess is yes, that it is two months out of date. Take care, Jason

      Reply
    • Thanks Jason.
      I filled in June, and according to the USCIS, it says 8 to 10.5 months.does that mean I could expect something very soon.

      Reply
      • Maybe in the next few months, hopefully, but the processing times are not 100% reliable. Hopefully, it will come in that time frame, though. Take care, Jason

        Reply
  27. Jason,
    This is what I mean.shown on the USCIS prcessing time page. SEE BELOW:

    **The estimated time range displayed is based on data captured approximately two months prior to updating the page**

    Reply
    • I guess this just describes how the data on the processing time webpage is obtained. Take care, Jason

      Reply
  28. Hi Jason,

    Regarding the i-730 petition, could you please tell me what this mean? Does it mean they displayed data is for the last 2 months or let say April data being displayed in February? It says..

    **(We generally process cases in the order we receive them, and we will update this page each month. The estimated time range displayed is based on data captured approximately two months prior to updating the page. Please note that times may change without prior notice.

    We have posted a “Receipt date for a case)**

    Reply
    • I am not sure what you mean – the processing time for the I-730? You can find that at http://www.uscis.govhttp://www.uscis.gov. We have seen such cases take maybe a year, including the USCIS part and the embassy part, but things keep getting slower, so cases filed now may take longer. Also, sometimes there are inexplicable delays at the embassies. Take care, Jason

      Reply
  29. Hello Jason
    Please can you help me.I applied for asylum in august 2015 and have still not received an interview.I recently applied for my case to be expedited based on the fact that my father is sick with cancer and i will like to go help him out in a foreign country where he is receiving treatment.
    So my question is it has been 1 month since i applied to expedite and i have not received any notice from immigration yet,confirming that they have received my expedite request.Is this normal,and if it is, how long do i usually have to wait to get a response.

    Reply
    • Unfortunately, I think that is normal. You can send the request again, or make it in person if possible. Also, you might think about Advance Parole so you can travel to see him. I wrote about that on September 11, 2017. Take care, Jason

      Reply
      • Hi Jason
        so i have been arrested and charged with Domestic violence but the charges were droped.I have been think of the advanced parole as you mentioned above but my fear is that i might not be let back into the country because of that arrest.Do you think that if i go to visit my father even after an advanced parole has been issued to me, i will not be let into the country because of the DV charge,and please what can i do to avoid such a situation from happening.

        Reply
        • I do not think so, but I do think you should have evidence of the charge being dismissed. You should have that with you for AP, if you travel, and for your asylum case. You should be able to get that from the court (it is normally called the disposition of the case). Take care, Jason

          Reply
  30. November 27, 2018
    Dear Jason,

    Thank you, Jason.
    Please can you help me, do the expedite request has its form or I have to prepare a cover letter

    thank you!

    Reply
    • You can probably just email your local asylum office to ask. Different offices have different procedures. My local office (Virginia) has a form, but I do not know if you really need that to make the expedite request. You can find their contact info/email if you follow the link at right called Asylum Office Locator (under Asylum Seeker Resources). Take care, Jason

      Reply
  31. Please tell me your professional insight . I need help. For a 21 years old from one of those banned countries with health issue and no coverage ( not quilled for ) what would be the best way to expedite, since I have no kids or wife ? My parents do see the psychologist and have become depressed and relentless as the result . My attorney says chances to expedite is 1% and said last guy that did successfully expedite had a kid with cancer back home . I’m young have future ahead of me. What’s your best insight to get out of this misery ? Will using the complications of physical and mental health of mine and parents and explain how president ban has made it impossible to travel to see them as well as getting a letter from district representative or senator or both in order to help my case or they might still deny ?! I can’t go back bc of religion apostasy and mandatory draft

    Reply
    • I know of no way to predict the chances that an expedite request will work. Usually, they do not, but sometimes they do. We recently expedited a case for a man with cancer. Last year, we expedited a case for a single man who had seen a doctor for anxiety and was taking medication for stress. If you have good reasons (or any reasons), you can try, and it may work. The only statistic I can give you is this: If you do not try, your chances of expediting are 0%. Take care, Jason

      Reply
      • Does LA Office accept short list request ?

        Reply
        • I do not know. You can email them and ask. You can find their contact info/email if you follow the link at right called Asylum Office Locator (under Asylum Seeker Resources). Take care, Jason

          Reply
        • I asked LA office last week and there is no short list.No form for expedition request.They said me that bring all your evidences in person.I applied 4 months ago by congress man but I denied.I wanna try one more time by myself.(My case was filed in June 2015 and still have been waiting with family separation)

          Reply
  32. Hi Jason,

    Thanks for your help!
    Please may I know about the current interview scheduling process?
    I heard that the USCIS going to schedule the interview by givin priority for case that have been pending 21 days or less. But it is almost 2 months after submitted my application. Do they have criteria to look into cases?

    Best wishes

    Reply
    • If you filed recently and do not receive an interview notice within 2 or 3 months, your case is probably in the backlog. In that event, no one knows when you might get an interview. Different offices have different procedures, but basically, no one can say when the interview will be. You can try to expedite if you have a reason – I wrote about that on March 30, 2017. Take care, Jason

      Reply
      • Thank you, Jason.
        Please can you help me, do the expedite request has its form or I have to prepare a cover letter

        thank you!

        Reply
        • You can probably just email your local asylum office to ask. Different offices have different procedures. My local office (Virginia) has a form, but I do not know if you really need that to make the expedite request. You can find their contact info/email if you follow the link at right called Asylum Office Locator (under Asylum Seeker Resources). Take care, Jason

          Reply
  33. Thank you for such great information. My us citizen father applied for immigration for me in 2009(non married over 21 yr old child) in 2013 I came to the us with a fiancé visa. The other case was still pending. When I entered the US my fiancé changed her mind and we didn’t get married, but since I changed my religion going back to Iran means death. So I filed asylum case in 2014, and have been waiting since then. Do you think my asylum will be granted considering it was changed from a fiancé visa? Is that going to bar me from getting asylum? Now I have been contacted by NVC that where are you? They have been trying to get a hold of me regarding my fathers case that if you have changed location you need to let us know or close the case. Can I move forward with that one even though I have an ongoing asylum case? Please tell me what you think
    I am under so much stress that is causing me stress related health issues and I don’t even know when the asylum with give me an interview.

    Reply
    • You can still win an asylum case. As part of the case, I think you should explain what happened with the fiancé visa, so they do not think it is a fraud. We have done a number of apostasy cases from Iran, and all have been successful so far. I do think you also need good evidence of your conversion and commitment to your new religion. As for the NVC and your father’s petition, I think it is of no use due to the travel ban. If you wanted to try that, you would need to leave the US, and you might also have a problem due to the fiancé visa. In short, if you want to try it, talk to a lawyer, but I highly doubt it will work and it seems to me that asylum is the much better option. Take care, Jason

      Reply
  34. Hi, i have one question about my case. I applied for asylum in februar 2017 and i still didnt recived interview date. In meantime i expedite my case (medical reports, family separation and my family its in dangerous), and they approved me on first attempt. How long gonna take to get interview date? Is that a good sign because they approved me on first attempt, do i have a strong case? Its Arlington Asylum office. Thank you

    Reply
    • Whether the expedite approval indicates you have a good asylum case, I do not know. The two things (expedite and decision in the asylum case) are not really related. Typically, when Arlington expedites, you get the interview date in maybe 4 to 6 months. Take care, Jason

      Reply
      • They will send me the notice about interview date just couple days before ainterview date or like ussual couple weeks before that, so i will have enough time to prepare myself?
        Thanks a lot

        Reply
        • Normally, they send the notice 2 or 3 weeks before the interview, but if you gather all your evidence and put everything together now, you will be ready regardless of when they send the notice. Take care, Jason

          Reply
          • I recived interview notice for october 29. Can you represent me here in Arlington?

          • Potentially, though it would depend on what you needed us to do, as the time frame is short. Take care, Jason

        • Pleadr can you tell me how long you waited for interview notice after they approve your expedite?

          Thanks

          Reply
        • Please
          can you tell me how long you waited for interview notice after they approve your expedite?

          Thanks

          Reply
  35. Hi Jason. First at all… Thanks for your help !
    I would like to share my experience and ask for your guidance about the following situation…

    I requested asylum in May 2016. On January 2018, I contacted the Senator Office and asked for his help regarding a personal career related troubles. His team studied my case and decided to request the asylum interview expedition to USCIS last February 02 2018. Few days later, I received a denial letter from the Assylum Office Director. He stated the following:
    “…In making a determination to grant expedited treatment, USCIS evaluates your request against the following criteria: 1) danger to family members abroad; or 2) humanitarian concerns (such as a life threatening medical condition).
    Upon careful consideration of your request, the Miami Asylum Director respectfully found that the request regrettably does not meet the above threshold criteria to grant expedited scheduling because there is a better avenue for this type of request. Your request for expedited treatment is therefore denied…”
    Nowadays, I have a medical situation (Aftermath from my past political persecution incidents) which requires me to travel abroad in order to get the proper attention I cannot afford in USA. Questions:
    1. Would be appropriate to submit another expedition request to the same Asylum Office?
    2. Do you think the denial request will affect my asylum case interview?

    Thanks!

    Reply
    • 1 – Yes, we did that for a Haitian case where the children were back home and had serious health issues. It took three tries, but it was eventually expedited. 2 – No. I do not even know if the interviewing officers know about expedite requests, and I think it has no effect on the decision. Take care, Jason

      Reply
      • Dear Jason.

        Many Thanks for your reply. I will contact you privately soon.

        Reply

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