What is a ‘USCIS expedite request’?

A ‘USCIS expedite request’ is a formal request asking USCIS to process a petition faster than the standard queue timeline. It is reserved for urgent or exceptional circumstances and is not a standard paid service, unlike Premium Processing.

Approval is entirely at USCIS’s discretion, based on the justification provided. Reasons commonly considered include emergencies, humanitarian grounds, a government agency interest, or the risk of severe harm if processing is not accelerated. Each request must be supported by documentation that substantiates the claimed urgency.

• Used to request priority review of a petition, including H-1B petitions.
• Requires a strong justification and evidence of the stated urgency.
• Not guaranteed: the decision to expedite always rests with USCIS.

Because approval depends on individual assessment and criteria that may change over time, it is advisable to check the latest official USCIS guidelines before submitting a request, and to gather supporting documentation from the outset.

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.