What to Do if USCIS Is Taking Too Long to Process Your Petition: Step-by-Step Guide
- Aray Karim
- 3 days ago
- 2 min read
One of the most common questions we receive from clients and followers is: “USCIS is taking a very long time to process my petition. What should I do?”
Processing delays can be frustrating, but the important thing to know is: you have an official tool you can use when your case gets stuck.
Step 1. Find Your State Senator
Every U.S. Senator has the authority to submit an official request to USCIS on behalf of a resident of their state.
This request is called an Immigration Casework Inquiry. It is a completely legal procedure designed to obtain updates and address delays in processing.
Step 2. Visit Your Senator’s Website
Senators’ websites typically include a section such as:
Services → Help with a Federal Agency → Immigration Services
This section contains the forms required to submit a case inquiry.
Example form: https://www.schumer.senate.gov/services/immigration
Step 3. Complete the Immigration Casework Form
You will usually need to provide:
your full name and date of birth,
your case number (Receipt Number),
the type of petition,
your U.S. address (confirming residency in that state),
a brief description of the issue,
a Privacy Release Form authorizing the senator’s office to communicate with USCIS.
The senator’s office will then send an official inquiry to USCIS and inform you once they receive a response.
Step 4. Wait for the Senator’s Office to Respond
A senator cannot “speed up” your case directly, but they can obtain updated information from USCIS and determine whether the delay can be resolved.
USCIS is required to respond to a senator's inquiry.
When does this help?
Your case is outside normal processing times
Your status hasn’t updated for a long time
Your USCIS service requests go unanswered
Your petition appears “stuck” with no movement
Important!
This is an official and safe procedure. It does not harm your case and does not negatively affect the outcome of your petition.
We wish all applicants patience, clarity, and timely updates on your immigration cases. May every stage of your immigration journey move forward confidently and without unnecessary delays.
And remember we’re always here to help you navigate the USCIS system with confidence.
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