If you are applying for an immigrant visa from outside the United States, you may be wondering how to expedite green card consular processing in California. Although consular processing provides a good option for immigrants who want to come to the U.S., it can often be quite time-consuming. There are many situations where you may be under time constraints and need to speed up the process.
At The Berdugo Law Firm, APC, we are dedicated to providing our immigration clients with the assistance they need if they wish to expedite green card consular processing in California. Keep reading to find out how to speed up a green card through an embassy and when you can file an NVC expedite request in California.
What Is Consular Processing?
For immigrants who want to obtain an immigrant visa to come to the United States, there are two ways you can begin this process: either by going through adjustment of status or consular processing. Consular processing is for immigrants who are applying from outside the United States, whereas adjustment of status is for those already in the U.S.
Many people go through consular processing with the goal of becoming permanent residents in the United States. If approved, you will get a green card and will be able to apply for naturalization after you have had your green card for a certain amount of time and have met the residency requirements.
Valid Reasons for Expedited Processing
If you wish to expedite green card consular processing in California, you should know how long consular processing takes in 2025. After all, it may be in your best interest to simply wait instead of trying to expedite your case, depending on the current processing time.
Each year can impact immigration processing times, and it is estimated that 2025 is going to increase these timelines. On average, the consular process can take anywhere between 5 to 13 months, depending on where you are applying from and how busy the USCIS is.
If this wait time is not realistic for your situation, you have the option of requesting that your case be expedited. However, you should only do this if you have a qualifying reason that the USCIS will approve.
Severe Financial Loss
For your case to be expedited due to severe financial loss, you must be able to provide proof. The most common examples of financial harm that the USCIS will recognize include job loss, the inability to travel for your work, or the loss of public benefits or services. The severe financial loss cannot be in connection with your immigration case, such as failing to file in a timely manner or answer requests for evidence.
Urgent Medical Needs and Humanitarian Reasons
You can also try to expedite green card consular processing in California for human welfare reasons. You may have urgent medical needs, require humanitarian relief, have a disability, have a death in the family, or be living in extreme conditions.
If you wish to submit an expedite request, it is essential that you hire an immigration lawyer to expedite your case in California. They will be able to help you with this entire process, including providing proof to back up your reason for submitting the expedite request.
U.S. Government Interests
A less common reason for submitting an expedite request for consular processing is due to U.S. government interests. This may be related to urgent humanitarian situations, emergencies, or economic situations that all impact the U.S. government.
Steps to Request Expedited Processing
Although expedite requests can be complex, the actual process of submitting your request is quite straightforward. You will need to contact the USCIS or national visa center to submit an expedite request. Before doing this, make sure you do not have any actions pending on your case, and be prepared to provide your application receipt number.
Your expedite request should be thorough, accurate, and have documentation to prove that you are requesting an expedite for valid reasons. Your request will then be forwarded to the correct jurisdiction and reviewed by the USCIS office. Keep in mind that you may receive requests for additional evidence to support your expedite request.
Generally, the wait time to receive either an approval or denial is 30 to 45 days after submitting your expedite request. If approved, your case will be marked as priority, ensuring it is reviewed as soon as possible.
How to Avoid Delays During Consular Processing
The best way to ensure your expedite request does not run into any time-consuming issues is to hire a California immigration law firm. Having legal assistance will ensure you follow the correct steps and submit a successful request.
Additionally, you need to provide all of the necessary documentation regarding your case and your reason for requesting that your case be expedited. Double-check everything to make sure there are no errors and translate documents into english if necessary.
You also need to be prepared to respond quickly to requests for additional evidence or embassy requests.
FAQ Section:
Can all green card cases be expedited?
Whether or not your cases can be expedited is not dependent on the type of green card case. Rather, this is at the complete discretion of the USCIS and is dependent on whether or not you have a valid reason for the expedite request.
What happens if my expedited request is denied?
If your expedite request is not successful, your case will revert to the usual timeline and will not be negatively impacted by the denial.
Contact an Immigration Attorney at The Berdugo Law Firm
If you are in a hurry to immigrate to the United States, you may want to know how to get a green card faster through consular processing. Although consular processing provides the perfect avenue for many immigrants, it can take quite a long time for the process to be completed.
At The Berdugo Law Firm, we are committed to providing our clients with the legal guidance they need as they navigate the immigration process. Contact us today at 323-642-9933 to speak with a green card lawyer about your case.
