Understanding how to expedite the asylum interview process can give people a sense of relief and empowerment. The first step is determining if you qualify for an expedited interview and having evidence to support your request. You would contact the USCIS to ask for an expedited interview and present information supporting your claim. You would then wait for the USCIS to accept or reject your request.
Getachew & Ansari Immigration Attorneys, P.C., is dedicated to helping people through all aspects of the asylum process, including requesting an expedited interview. Our experienced asylum lawyers appreciate how important it is for people to know whether they can legally stay in the United States.
We assist people by providing personalized and efficient immigration legal services.
How To Expedite an Asylum Interview
To expedite an asylum interview, you must make a special request to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). As part of this, you need to prove that you qualify for an expedited interview. You can submit an expedited interview request online using the Emma feature on the USCIS website or the USCIS contact center. You can also submit an expedited interview petition in writing to the local USCIS office in charge of your asylum case.
The government may ask you to submit evidence in support of an expedited interview.
Information that may help you support your case includes medical documents, letters, court records, and leases.
Why Expedite an Asylum Interview?
Someone may wish to expedite an asylum interview for many different reasons. For example, the person may need a clear answer on their case because of a family emergency. The person may not be able to get a job or may lose their housing if they do not know whether their asylum case will be granted.
Expedited interview requests are only given if the situation is urgent or an emergency, so the government does not grant such requests often. Additionally, the government may still deny the person’s asylum application even if the government gives them an expedited interview.
Qualifying Grounds for Expedited Processing
The first step in requesting an expedited asylum case is determining if you qualify. Eligibility criteria for an expedited interview include the following:
- Emergencies
- Humanitarian crises
- A non-profit request and the non-profit furthers the United States’ social or cultural interests.
- The possibility of severe financial loss
Additionally, someone may qualify for an expedited interview if the United States government made a significant mistake in their asylum or immigration case. It is up to the person requesting the expedited interview to prove they meet the requirements.
How To Submit an Expedited Request to USCIS or the Immigration Court
Someone can submit an expedited request by contacting the USCIS office handling their immigration case. The person may also use the online options on the USCIS website, including the “Emma” chat feature or the contact center. The person should request in writing so they have a record and the government has clear notice. Having these matters in writing can also help to limit the chance of misunderstandings.
What Documentation Supports an Expedited Request?
You can use many different types of documentation to support your expedited interview request.
The materials you need depend on why you are asking for a faster appointment time. For example, you may gather medical records or letters if you seek an expedited interview because you or a family member has a critical health condition. Likewise, if you need an expedited interview to protect your safety, you would need documentation like police records.
Tips for Writing a Persuasive Expedited Interview Request Letter
If you provide a convincing and well-researched reason for your request, the government is more likely to grant it. Make sure you understand the immigration rules and how they apply to you. You can use the law to help support your case.
Additionally, you should have strong evidence to prove you meet the criteria for an expedited interview. An immigration attorney can help you write and send a persuasive request to the United States government. They can also help you prepare for the interview itself.
How Long Does It Take To Hear Back?
There is no set time for when the government will approve or reject an expedited asylum interview. Additionally, the government may not tell you why it rejected your expedited interview request. The timeline depends on many different factors, including:
- The asylum case volume at that particular time
- The amount of expedited requests they have received
- Whether you have submitted all your required paperwork
- Administrative or legal changes
Likewise, if the applicant has not completed other steps in the asylum application procedure, such as a medical exam, this can delay the processing time. An attorney can help you complete all the required steps on time and in the necessary order. Having this guidance can limit the chances of delays due to missing or incomplete paperwork or other errors in the application.
Contact an Experienced Asylum Lawyer at Getachew & Ansari Immigration Attorneys, P.C.
The United States government allows eligible applicants to ask U.S. officials to process their asylum cases more quickly than others. However, this is only granted in special circumstances or emergencies. Additionally, the government may reject someone’s asylum claim even if it grants their expedited interview request. That said, making this request may be appropriate or recommended in your situation.
If you have questions about how to expedite an asylum interview, Getachew & Ansari Immigration Attorneys, P.C., can help. We can explain the process to you in simple terms and assist you with filling out and submitting the paperwork on time. With years of personal and professional experience in this field of study, Medya Ansari works exclusively with those seeking immigration legal services in the United States. Reach out to her office today at 408-292-7995 to schedule a consultation.
