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Immigration delays can be distressing and frustrating. For some families, these delays can have serious consequences as they wait for legal status in the United States. Whether you are applying for a visa, green card, or naturalization, prolonged processing times can disrupt your plans and future.

Administrative backlogs, incomplete documentation, or errors in processing may cause cases to stall indefinitely. Seeking assistance from an experienced Elgin immigration delay lawyer is crucial to advancing your case. The attorneys at Godoy Immigration are committed to guiding you through the process and helping you avoid the common mistakes that may lead to delays.

Common Causes of Immigration Delays

Immigration is a lengthy process, and no attorney can expedite it significantly. Processing times vary, but it is possible to check the expected timelines for each type of immigration application. Lawyers cannot use special influence to bypass the process or allow applicants to move ahead of others.

However, several common immigration delays can extend the timeline, sometimes doubling or tripling the expected duration. An Elgin immigration delay attorney could assist in avoiding many of these issues, helping clients achieve the shortest possible processing time.

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) Backlog

The most significant cause of delays is the USCIS backlog. High application volumes can slow the processing of visa, green card, and citizenship applications. This issue is entirely beyond the applicant’s control, but a lawyer can research and inform applicants about potential delays.

Administrative Errors

Administrative errors, also beyond the applicant’s control, include processing mistakes, lost documents, or other clerical issues. Although attorneys cannot prevent these mistakes, they can follow up with USCIS based on expected wait times and advise people on identifying and resolving such errors.

Requests for Evidence

Sometimes, USCIS may issue requests for evidence, indicating the need for additional information to process the application. While the application is on hold, a lawyer could help by responding quickly to any requests for evidence.

Security and Background Checks

Applicants need to undergo security and background checks, which are generally completed quickly. However, some individuals may face additional screening due to factors such as name mismatches, travel history, or security concerns. In these cases, a lawyer could help USCIS address and resolve these issues.

For individuals waiting for a visa through a U.S. consulate abroad, progress depends on the consulate’s schedule. Delays in appointment scheduling or administrative processing could slow progress in these cases.

Mitigating Delays

Lawyers in Elgin could address delays by taking proactive steps as soon as immigration issues arise. These measures include:

  • Investigating the cause of the delay
  • Filing mandamus lawsuits for unreasonably delayed applications
  • Communicating with USCIS and the State Department
  • Submitting additional evidence
  • Appealing denials
  • Resolving inadmissibility issues

Steps to Take After a Delay

Applicants should seek legal help for immigration delays if their case has been pending for an extended period. Lawyers may be able to assist in cases such as:

  • Applications pending beyond standard processing times without explanation
  • Receipt of a request for evidence from USCIS
  • Receipt of a notice of intent to deny from USCIS
  • Prolonged delays in consular visa applications with no updates
  • Stalled naturalization applications with no interview or decision
  • Indications that a case is stuck in processing or security clearance

An Elgin attorney could work to address these immigration delay issues and help advance the case toward resolution.

Talk to an Elgin Immigration Delay Attorney

Dealing with an immigration delay requires legal knowledge, persistence, and a strategic approach. At Godoy Immigration, an Elgin immigration delay lawyer could represent you and your family when facing unjust delays. Schedule a case evaluation to find out how we could assist you.

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