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Applicants from Oak Brook seeking green cards or Lawful Permanent Resident (LPR) status should expect some delays in the process, but when these wait times become unreasonable, there may be cause for concern. Information may have been lost or misplaced, and delays can cause a host of problems for someone who is in need of a quick case resolution.

There are steps that can be taken to address Oak Brook unreasonable delay for green card/legal permanent residence. For instance, an immigration delay attorney with experience handling the immigration visa process could assist in determining which actions are appropriate for a particular situation.

How Can LPR Applications Be Delayed?

To obtain status as a Legal Permanent Resident (LPR) and eligibility to work in the United States with a permanent resident identification card, also known as a green card, an applicant must first receive a visa. These are granted in limited numbers each year, and some categories of visas are much more limited than others.

The first stage in the visa application process involves a petition filed with United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). While these petitions are usually processed in the order they are received, they may be delayed because employers pay an added fee to receive faster processing for employment-related petitions, which pushes others further back in the processing line.

LPR delays or other application what times at USCIS might be increased if the petition involved is lower in priority. For instance, a family preference visa where the petitioner is the sibling of a visa applicant is a low-priority situation and is not expected to become urgent for some time, so the USCIS may be slow to process the petition. Fortunately, this usually does not affect the final outcome, since the date of the application will hold the applicant’s place in line regardless of how long it takes to process the request.

Delays also frequently occur in the State Department’s National Visa Center, where applications and documentation are processed, or the Federal Bureau of Investigation, where background checks are completed.

Delays are also caused by the waiting lists, which are longer for lower-priority visa categories and for applicants from countries with a large number of immigrant applications. If an applicant is sponsored by an LPR who later achieves citizenship status, though, it is important to notify the relevant agencies, because their application would then be eligible for higher preference.

How to Handle Delays for Green Cards

Green card delays due to waiting lists and backlogs are essentially unavoidable. However, if a long wait time for one of these permits occurs due to missing documentation, a lost file, or any other issue which can be corrected, it is important to take action. Although it is possible to file an action in court, this method should be taken only after a green card applicant has pursued all other available avenues.

First, anyone who previously applied for a green card should make formal inquiries via email, traditional mail, or in person by making an appointment at the appropriate agency. If the delay associated with the green card case can be traced back to USCIS, an appointment may be made at the closest field office to Oak Brook, which is located in Chicago. An experienced immigration attorney can help determine who to contact, how to make an inquiry, and how to document that inquiry in case court action becomes necessary.

How Can an LPR Applicant Use a Writ of Mandamus?

When other avenues fail, an applicant may file a federal court action seeking a writ of mandamus. If granted, this type of writ requires the government to take action where there has been an unreasonable delay. However, while a writ of mandamus can encourage the government to make a decision, that does not necessarily mean the decision will be favorable.

Evaluating Options for Addressing Unreasonable Green Card Delays

It can be difficult to know when to seek help when there is a delay in your process of obtaining a green card. It can also be problematic to determine where and how to place an inquiry to achieve the best possible outcome. Experienced immigration lawyers routinely assist with cases involving Oak Brook unreasonable delay for green card/legal permanent residence. Speaking with a knowledgeable attorney is a good place to start if you are facing delays yourself. Contact the office today to learn more about your options.

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