¡AYUDA! ¡Necesito viajar! ¡Necesito trabajar!
Angelica Rice • April 13, 2023
¿Puedo hacer algo para acelerar el procesamiento de mi permiso de viaje o tarjeta EAD?
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¡La respuesta a la pregunta anterior es, dependiendo de sus circunstancias, sí!
USCIS ha establecido criterios muy claros para determinar cuándo se puede pedir que se acelere una solicitud de permiso de viaje pendiente. Estos criterios incluyen:
- Pérdida financiera grave para una empresa o persona, siempre y cuando la necesidad de una acción urgente no sea el resultado de que el peticionario o solicitante no haya:
- Presentado de forma oportuna la solicitud de beneficios, o
- Respondido oportunamente a cualquier solicitud de evidencia adicional;
Una empresa puede demostrar que sufriría una pérdida financiera grave si está en riesgo de fallar, perder un contrato crítico o tener que despedir a otros empleados. Por ejemplo, una clínica médica puede sufrir una pérdida financiera grave si una brecha en la autorización de empleo de un médico requiriese el despido de sus asistentes médicos.
La pérdida de trabajo puede ser suficiente para establecer una pérdida financiera grave para una persona, dependiendo de las circunstancias individuales. Por ejemplo, la incapacidad para viajar por cuestiones laborales que resultase en la pérdida del trabajo podría justificar un tratamiento acelerado. La necesidad de obtener autorización de empleo por sí sola, sin evidencia de otros factores convincentes, no justifica un tratamiento acelerado. Además de esto,se puede establecer una pérdida financiera grave cuando la falta de aceleración derivara en una pérdida de beneficios o servicios públicos críticos.
- Emergencias y razones humanitarias urgentes;
En el contexto de una solicitud de aceleración, las razones humanitarias están relacionadas con el bienestar humano. Algunos ejemplos pueden incluir, pero no se limitan a, enfermedades, discapacidades, condiciones de vida extremas, muerte en la familia o una necesidad crítica de viajar para obtener tratamiento médico en un tiempo limitado. Una emergencia puede incluir una necesidad urgente de acelerar la autorización de empleo para los trabajadores de la salud durante una emergencia nacional como la pandemia de COVID-19.
- Organización sin fines de lucro (designada por el Servicio de Impuestos Internos) cuya solicitud tiene por objeto promover los intereses culturales o sociales de los Estados Unidos;
Una organización sin fines de lucro que busca acelerar una solicitud de beneficios para un beneficiario debe demostrar una necesidad urgente de acelerar el caso basado en el papel específico del beneficiario dentro de la organización sin fines de lucro para promover intereses culturales o sociales (a diferencia del papel de la organización en la promoción de intereses sociales o culturales). Ejemplos pueden incluir un profesional médico que se necesita con urgencia para la investigación médica relacionada con un interés social específico de EE. UU. (como la pandemia de COVID-19 u otra investigación o proyecto de impacto social) o un profesor universitario que se necesita con urgencia para participar en un programa cultural específico e inminente. Otro ejemplo es una organización religiosa que necesita urgentemente los servicios y habilidades específicas de un beneficiario para continuar con un programa de alcance social vital.
- Los intereses del gobierno de los EE. UU. (tales casos identificados como urgentes por agencias federales como el Departamento de Defensa de los EE. UU., el Departamento de Trabajo de los EE. UU., la Junta Nacional de Relaciones Laborales, la Comisión de Igualdad de Oportunidades, el Departamento de Justicia de los EE. UU., el Departamento de Estado de los EE. UU., el Departamento de Seguridad Nacional de los EE. UU., u otros intereses de seguridad pública o seguridad nacional); o
Los intereses del gobierno de los EE. UU. pueden incluir, entre otros, casos identificados como urgentes por otras agencias gubernamentales, incluidas las agencias laborales y de empleo, y los intereses de seguridad pública o seguridad nacional.
- Error evidente de USCIS.
No todas las circunstancias que se ajustan a una de estas categorías resultan en un procesamiento acelerado; las solicitudes de aceleración son discrecionales, altamente subjetivas y nunca están garantizadas.
Las solicitudes de aceleración se inician llamando al centro de contacto de USCIS y proporcionando el número de recibo de su caso y los motivos de la solicitud. El tiempo aproximado de procesamiento para una solicitud de aceleración es de 7 a 10 días hábiles. Cuando llame para solicitar un procesamiento acelerado, el Centro de Contacto de USCIS crea y envía una solicitud de servicio a la oficina con jurisdicción sobre su solicitud o petición. Después de recibir la solicitud de servicio, la oficina revisora puede solicitar documentación adicional para respaldar el procesamiento acelerado. Una decisión sobre una solicitud de aceleración no es una aprobación o una denegación de la solicitud de beneficio subyacente. La decisión de aceleración simplemente informa al solicitante si USCIS sacará la solicitud de beneficio de la orden cronológica y emitirá una decisión (aprobación o denegación) más rápido que el tiempo de procesamiento normal.
Este blog no tiene la intención de ser una asesoría legal y nada de lo aquí expuesto debe interpretarse como el establecimiento de una relación abogado-cliente. Por favor, programe una consulta con un abogado de inmigración antes de actuar basado en cualquier información aquí leída.
The United States has long been a destination for the world’s most talented athletes—not only to compete at the highest level, but to access world-class training, coaching opportunities, and long-term career prospects. Whether on the field, in the ring, or across the chessboard, athletes from across the globe are finding immigration pathways that allow them to pursue their athletic and professional goals in the U.S. U.S. immigration law offers several visa and green card options designed specifically for individuals with extraordinary athletic talent. These include the P-1A visa for internationally recognized athletes, the O-1A visa for individuals of extraordinary ability, and the EB-1A immigrant petition, which can lead to permanent residency and ultimately, U.S. citizenship. The P-1A visa is commonly used by professional athletes coming to the U.S. to compete in a specific event or season. This applies not only to individual athletes but also to members of teams or clubs recognized internationally. It is widely used by soccer players, basketball players, MMA fighters, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu competitors, and even elite chess players. Athletes must demonstrate a high level of international recognition and a record of performance in their sport. The O-1A visa is a strong option for coaches who demonstrate extraordinary ability, typically evidenced by championship titles, sustained winning records, or recognition as integral to their team’s success. To qualify, a coach must establish that their expertise places them among the small percentage of top professionals in their field. For athletes seeking permanent status in the U.S., the EB-1A immigrant petition —often referred to as the “extraordinary ability green card”—provides a direct path to lawful permanent residency. It requires clear documentation that the individual is among the very best in their sport and has achieved sustained national or international success. Unlike other green card categories, the EB-1A does not require employer sponsorship and can be self-petitioned. This has become a common path for MMA world champions, BJJ black belt medalists, Olympic athletes, and chess grandmasters—many of whom now represent the U.S. at the highest levels of international competition. It’s important to note that U.S. immigration law defines “athlete” broadly. Whether you are a professional football player in Europe, a sprinter from the Caribbean, a judoka, a gymnast, or a grandmaster in chess, your achievements may qualify under these categories if they are properly documented and presented. The key is a consistent record of excellence and recognition in your sport on a national or international scale. Our office specializes in these types of immigration matters. Whether you are an individual athlete looking to relocate or an organization seeking to bring international talent to your roster, we offer tailored legal strategies to support your goals. If you are exploring options to compete, train, or build your future in the U.S., we’re here to help you take the next step.
In January 2025, the U.S. Congress passed the Laken Riley Act , marking a significant shift in immigration enforcement policy. The Act requires the Department of Homeland Security to detain certain non-U.S. nationals who have been arrested for theft-related offenses such as burglary, theft, larceny, or shoplifting. Under this Act, the Department of Homeland Security must detain an individual who: (1) is unlawfully present in the United States or did not possess the necessary documents when applying for admission; and (2) has been charged with, arrested for, convicted of, or admits to having committed acts that constitute the essential elements of burglary, theft, larceny, or shoplifting. The Act also authorizes states to sue the federal government for decisions or alleged failures related to immigration enforcement. It authorizes state governments to sue for injunctive relief over certain immigration-related decisions or alleged failures by the federal government if the decision or failure caused the state or its residents harm, including financial harm of more than $100. Specifically, the state government may sue the federal government over a: Decision to release a non-U.S. national from custody; Failure to fulfill requirements relating to inspecting individuals seeking admission into the United States, including requirements related to asylum interviews; Failure to fulfill a requirement to stop issuing visas to nationals of a country that unreasonably denies or delays acceptance of nationals of that country; Violation of limitations on immigration parole, such as the requirement that parole be granted only on a case-by-case basis; or Failure to detain an individual who has been ordered removed from the United States. The Act's stringent detention requirements may lead to increased fear and uncertainty within immigrant communities. Individuals who are merely accused of certain crimes could face mandatory detention. The Act may also affect legal immigration processes. Increased detention and deportation efforts could strain resources, potentially leading to delays in processing visas and asylum applications. Given the evolving legal landscape: Stay Informed and/or Seek Legal Counsel - Consult with your immigration attorney to understand how new laws and policies may affect your situation and if you or someone you know is facing immigration-related legal issues. Know Your Rights - Familiarize yourself with your legal rights, especially concerning interactions with law enforcement and immigration authorities. Community Engagement - Participate in community organizations that provide support and resources for immigrants, fostering a network of assistance and advocacy. If you have any questions or would like to consult with an experienced immigration attorney, contact our office to schedule a consultation.
In a renewed wave of enforcement, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has started sending formal alerts to certain F-1 students participating in Optional Practical Training (OPT), flagging that their records reflect over 90 days without any reported employment. These students have been advised to update their employment status in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) within 15 days. Failure to take timely corrective action may lead to the termination of the student's SEVIS record, effectively marking them as out of status, and may ultimately trigger removal proceedings. The notices are intended as a warning that students who do not comply with OPT reporting obligations are at risk of serious immigration consequences. Understanding OPT and Its Unemployment Limits Optional Practical Training (commonly referred to as “OPT”) is a work authorization benefit that allows eligible F-1 international students to gain hands-on experience in their field of study. Students may apply for pre-completion OPT (while still in school) or post-completion OPT (after graduation), typically for up to 12 months. Those with degrees in qualifying STEM fields may apply for an additional 24-month STEM OPT extension, giving them a total of 36 months of work authorization in the U.S. To maintain valid F-1 status while on OPT, students must remain actively employed in a position related to their field of study. The amount of time a student may remain in the United States while on OPT without being properly employed is capped at: 90 days during the standard 12-month post-completion OPT, and 150 days for those on the STEM OPT extension, which includes any days of unemployment accrued during the initial OPT period. These unemployment limits are cumulative and enforced strictly through SEVIS monitoring. What Should F-1 Students Do? If you are an F-1 student on OPT or STEM OPT and receive a warning or are unsure about your compliance status, act quickly: Contact your Designated School Official (DSO) immediately to review and, if necessary, update your SEVIS record. Ensure all employment is properly documented and reported through your school’s international office. Do not ignore warning notices, as failure to respond may lead to SEVIS termination and potentially the initiation of removal proceedings. It is also advisable to consult with a qualified immigration attorney to explore available options and understand how enforcement actions may affect your status or future immigration plans. If you received a notice or have questions about your F-1 status, our attorneys are here to help you take the right steps to protect your future in the United States. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.
