What can I do if my Immigration Case is taking forever to process?

Angelica Rice • December 15, 2022

    COVID-19 has impacted many parts of our lives, and unfortunately this also includes the work of USCIS. Previously processing times were somewhat reasonable, but lately some cases are taking a year or more to process when the original processing time was much shorter. Even worse, some cases seem to have fallen completely off the agency’s radar and USCIS is not taking any action on them at all. What can you do to try and move your case along?


Call the USCIS contact center and place an inquiry about the status of your case

The USCIS contact number is 1 (800) 375 5283.


    If your case is outside of the normally posted processing times (meaning that it has been pending for longer than the posted processing time for your type of case), you can call this number, speak with an officer, and place an inquiry about what is holding up the processing of your case.


  • Submit an Ombudsman Request


    If the USCIS inquiry does not work, you can place an Ombudsman Request. The Office of the Citizenship and Immigration Services Ombudsman (CIS Ombudsman) assists individuals and employers in resolving difficulties they are experiencing with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Ombudsman Requests usually receive a response within a few weeks or months of being submitted.


https://www.dhs.gov/topic/cis-ombudsman/forms/7001#no-back


  • Contact a Congressional Representative

    If submitting an Ombudsman Request does not work, you can contact your local congressional representative for your district and request their assistance with your immigration case.


    The first step for congressional assistance is finding the name and contact information of the congressional representative from this website – www.house.gov. At the top right section of the screen there should be a prompt that says “Enter your zip code.” Once your zip code is entered, your representative's name and contact information should appear.


    Their contact information is usually an email address and a phone number, although email is generally preferred. Once the congressional representative has been contacted and the situation is explained, the congressman would inform you of any form or document that needs to be submitted. If an expedite request is being filed through the congressional office, the documents proving the reasons for expedited processing will be required by the congressional office.


    One of the general forms that is required for all inquiries with the congressional representative is the privacy waiver. A congressional office cannot contact the USCIS regarding an immigrant application without the permission of the applicant. This waiver would give them the permission to access the application and information that the USCIS has. Consequently, a privacy waiver needs to be filled out which will require: information about the case, the USCIS case number, general identification information, a summary of the issue, efforts taken to solve the issue, and any other key documents. This waiver would allow the congressman to provide updates about the application at hand.


    From that point on, the congressman should be able to guide the applicant in the right direction for any updates or additional documents that are required. The USCIS typically resolves cases within 30 days of the request sent by the congressional office whether that be through email or written correspondence.


  • A last resort: File a Writ of Mandamus Action


    In immigration, a mandamus is generally a civil lawsuit against the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) in Federal Court.

This lawsuit asks the court to compel the immigration agency to make a decision on the immigrant plaintiff’s application or petition.

In addition to USCIS, the injunction also allows you to file a lawsuit against other US agencies, such as:


- The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI);

- The Department of Homeland Security (DHS), and

- US consulates or embassies.


    The injunction can be used in cases where there has been an unreasonable delay or an illegal withholding of action.

    This type of action should be considered as a last resort, after other means have been fully explored.


    I order to decide if one of these options is right for you, please contact our office and consult one of our highly experienced immigration professionals today!


This blog is not intended to be legal advice and nothing here should be construed as establishing an attorney client relationship. Please schedule a consultation with an immigration attorney before acting on any information read here.

Angelica Rice

Why You Should Still Consider Coming to the United States—Despite Changing Immigration Policies

By Shirin Navabi • August 14, 2025
It’s no secret that the U.S. immigration system has faced increased scrutiny and change in recent months. From evolving policies to headlines filled with uncertainty, it’s understandable that many individuals are left wondering: Is this still the right time to pursue a future in the United States? The answer is yes—and here’s why. Despite the shifting political landscape, the core structure of U.S. immigration law remains firmly in place. While the process may appear more complex or demanding than it once was, the legal pathways to live, work, and thrive in the United States are still open and accessible to those who take the proper steps. What often gets lost in the conversation is that the United States remains a country built on innovation, creativity, and resilience. It continues to attract global talent, entrepreneurs, artists, and professionals from all walks of life. Whether you are launching a business, advancing your career, or seeking a better life for your family, the United States offers unparalleled opportunities to those who are prepared and determined. Much of what makes the United States a global economic and technological leader today is the direct result of contributions made by immigrants. Nearly half of the current Fortune 500 companies were founded by immigrants or their children. Immigrant entrepreneurs have long been an essential part of America’s economic success story. Some of the largest and most recognizable American companies were founded by immigrants or the children of immigrants. This includes household names such as Apple and Costco. Moderna, the pharmaceutical company and vaccine producer, was founded by a Canadian-born stem cell biologist, Derrick J. Rossi, whose parents themselves emigrated from Malta. These success stories are not outliers; they are part of a broader pattern that reflects the drive, innovation, and resilience that immigrants bring to the country. The United States also offers one of the most dynamic and diverse economies in the world. It is a place where hard work, fresh ideas, and entrepreneurial vision are rewarded. For creative professionals, business leaders, and investors, the United States provides a unique platform to grow, connect, and gain global influence. Its competitive marketplace, access to capital, and culture of innovation create unmatched opportunities for those ready to seize them. While the immigration process requires careful planning, that process is far from impossible. Indeed, having strong legal guidance is one of the most effective advantages an applicant can possess. Immigration law is complex, and each case must be evaluated individually. A clear, strategic plan tailored to your background and goals can significantly improve your chances of success. What may feel like a hurdle at first glance is often navigable with solid preparation and documentation. At our immigration law firm, we have had the privilege of assisting individuals from all over the world as they navigate these complexities. Time and again, we have witnessed how determination, careful preparation, and experienced legal counsel can turn uncertainty into opportunity and help transform a vision for the future into reality. If you have been uncertain about whether to move forward, let this be your sign to take the next step. The United States is still a land of possibilities. If you are ready to take that step, now is the time to act. Let us build your path forward together.

DHS Terminates TPS for Honduras, Haiti, Nepal, Nicaragua & Cameroon

By Denice Flores • August 8, 2025
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has announced the termination of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for nationals from Honduras, Nicaragua, Nepal, Haiti, and Cameroon. These longstanding protections are set to expire, putting many individuals at risk of deportation.

The Secret Weapon in Your O-1A or EB-1A Petition: A Powerful Letter of Recommendation

By Shirin Navabi • July 17, 2025
For individuals applying under the O-1A or EB-1A categories , both reserved for professionals with extraordinary ability, letters of recommendation are a critical part of the petition. These expert testimonial letters offer valuable insight into your accomplishments, reputation, and influence within your field. When written properly, they help demonstrate that you truly stand out as someone who has risen to the very top of your profession. Many petitions submitted by highly accomplished individuals fall short because the recommendation letters are vague, overly personal, or fail to clearly explain why the applicant meets the legal standard of extraordinary ability. That is why taking the time to prepare your recommenders effectively is not just helpful. It is essential to build a strong and persuasive case. First, it is important to help your recommenders understand the purpose of the letter . This is not a casual reference or character recommendation. It is a formal declaration to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services that you possess extraordinary ability in your area of expertise. The letter must describe your achievements in concrete terms and explain why your work has had a significant impact and recognition within your field. Many professionals, no matter how accomplished, are unfamiliar with the specific requirements of the O-1A and EB-1A categories. It is helpful to provide them with a short explanation of what is needed, and in some cases, a sample or outline to guide them. Selecting the right recommenders is just as critical as the content of the letters themselves. While USCIS gives greater weight to letters from independent experts, independence should not be confused with distance. The ideal recommender is someone who knows your work well and can provide specific and credible insight into your contributions, impact, and reputation in the field. A letter from someone who barely knows you, or one that focuses more on the recommender’s own accomplishments than yours, is unlikely to carry much weight with USCIS. A common mistake is submitting letters that read more like summaries of the recommender’s resume than a meaningful evaluation of your achievements. While a brief introduction of the recommender’s qualifications is important to establish credibility, the focus must remain squarely on you , your work, your innovation, and the ways in which your impact is considered extraordinary. The strongest letters go beyond general praise. They include clear and detailed examples of how your contributions have influenced others in your field or led to measurable outcomes. To make the letter as accurate and persuasive as possible, you should provide your recommenders with a summary of your most important professional milestones. This might include major awards, media coverage, patents, publications, notable leadership roles, or metrics showing the commercial or scientific success of your work. Well-prepared recommendation letters serve as both evidence and narrative. They help fulfill specific legal requirements and also tell the story of how and why your work has earned you distinction. In a category defined by terms like extraordinary ability, it is important that every part of your petition reinforces that standard. At Santos Lloyd Law Firm, we work closely with our clients and their recommenders to develop strong and compelling testimonial letters that meet USCIS expectations and highlight each applicant’s unique contributions.
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