Can I request an expedite from USCIS if I have an urgent need?

Yes. The acceleration request known as expedite exists at USCIS and can be applied to different types of cases, including EB-2 NIW. It is not automatic or a shortcut: it is an exception granted at USCIS’s own discretion when the circumstances justify it.

The agency maintains specific categories of justification, tied to factors such as emergencies, significant financial loss, humanitarian reasons, or government interest. The urgency must be real and, above all, supported by documentation that demonstrates the concrete impact of the delay.

• Each request is evaluated individually, with no guarantee of approval.
• Gathering clear evidence of the reason for urgency is what supports the request.
• The decision is discretionary: accepting it or not is up to USCIS.

Since the criteria and the way to submit a request may change, the safe path is to consult USCIS’s official guidelines and, if needed, seek professional support to prepare a well-founded request.

About the author

Victoria Harper

Editor-in-Chief

Meet the author

As a journalist and lead editor at Visto n’ Visa, Victoria helps ensure that immigration topics are covered in a clear, trustworthy, and easy-to-understand way. Her focus is on delivering useful, human, and relevant content for people exploring new paths abroad.