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Despite the importance of the immigration process, delays are common. While many immigration cases can take years to resolve, there are times when these delays are unreasonably long. Whether a case is delayed or moving at a normal pace, it could be beneficial to work with a well-practiced immigration attorney.
It is often possible to identify and address the source of an immigration delay. In some cases, action by a Tuscaloosa immigration delay lawyer could even get the case moving toward a final answer.
United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) processes all visa applications. Whether it is a travel visa for a short vacation or a visa seeking permanent residency based on a familiar relationship, USCIS oversees the process from start to finish and is often the source of delays.
The sheer volume of applications that the USCIS receives could be a reason for a delay. With hundreds of thousands of applications filed every year, it is inevitable that some could get lost or delayed along the way. This type of immigration setback could be rectified with the help of a Tuscaloosa attorney. In some cases, contacting USCIS can speed up the application process.
Other delays may occur due to a lack of necessary information. Each immigration application must include supporting documents and details. If these files are missing from an application, the process may be put on hold.
Unfortunately, it is possible that an applicant might not be informed of the missing documentation. For instance, USCIS might not transparently notify an immigrant that they need to include medical records, political affiliations, or their work history. An experienced attorney in Tuscaloosa could clear up any confusion, help locate and missing documentation, and work to expedite the immigration delay.
Some applications receive higher priority treatment than others. When an applicant understands their place in line, assessing when a waiting period is unreasonable could be easier. To do this, a foreign national could check processing times for various applications on the USCIS website. A Tuscaloosa attorney could then let them know whether a delay seems unreasonably long.
The highest priority goes to applications submitted by immediate family members sponsored by US citizens. Additionally, Employers requesting a visa for someone with special skills can pay an additional fee to have their applications processed quickly. These two applicant groups usually receive the fastest processing. Meanwhile, immigrants applying for other types of visas often wait for more than a year for a decision.
The applicant’s country of origin also has an impact on processing speed. If a person’s birth or marriage documents, educational records, employment history, or other information is difficult to access or unreliable because of conditions in the country, an applicant could expect delays. National security interests could also cause delays as the FBI must check names and other data, to prevent granting visas to people with a history of supporting terrorist organizations.
There is no definitive answer that is guaranteed to resolve every type of immigration delay. Application setbacks occur for many reasons, so the appropriate way to resolve a specific case might not work in another.
When the delay is the result of a USCIS error, it might be possible to resolve the issue by contacting USCIS directly. In cases where the application does not require additional information, moving the application forward might simply require speaking with a supervisor at the appropriate USCIS office.
There are also times when an application delay is the result of false accusations or fraud. In these cases, USCIS is unlikely to be forthcoming about the reason behind the delay. An attorney could not only identify the problem but could also assist with defending the applicant against any accusations of fraud or wrongdoing. A hardworking lawyer in Tuscaloosa could review all the available options and find the best way to resolve a frustrating immigration delay.
While the immigration process can take time, delays can also become unreasonable. To ensure you receive a fair hearing related to your immigration request, you could benefit from seeking out the guidance of an experienced legal representative.
A Tuscaloosa immigration delay lawyer could help you get your case back on track. Reach out right away to learn more.