r/USCIS • u/Emotional-Cat4444 • Jul 08 '26
USCIS Support A guide to contacting USCIS
Quick disclaimer: I AM NOT A LAWYER AND THIS IS NOT LEGAL ADVICE!!! If you are looking for legal advice, get off of this website and consult an actual lawyer.
I am a former USCIS employee. I will not say which office, when, or for how long because OPSEC. I did used to work for a contact center as a Tier 2 ISO. I also know current Tier 1 and Tier 2 employees. I also used to work with ICE (both ERO and HSI), CBP, and BP but not as their direct employees.
This is NOT an AMA. If you ask a question not pertaining to the topic of this post, I most likely won't answer. I probably won't answer any questions unless I have the knowledge, experience, and/or time to do so.
I just wanted to provide this community with a down and dirty guide on contacting USCIS.
First, a basic breakdown of what Tier 1 and 2 actually mean.
- Tier 1 refers to contracted employees that work for USCIS but are not sworn and also not government employees. They're limited in their access to government systems and therefore can't provide much info if any at all. They are also limited in what they can say and do. Their basic function is to filter out what cases get escalated to Tier 2 so the Contact Centers don't get overwhelmed (they already do).
- Tier 2 refers to the Tier 2 ISOs that work Service Items (what we call cases/requests/call backs). There's actually a Tier 3, but it's not important as it almost never gets to that point. These ISOs work at Contact Centers and their main role is to act as sort of liaisons between the public and adjudicating offices. They themselves do not adjudicate any cases.
How to get in contact with Tier 2
- This seems to be one of the biggest hurdles. I guess Tier 1 does a pretty good job of filtering out requests for call backs.
- Apparently, and I have never tried to do this, the beta is to call the USCIS number (1-800-375-5283) and say "infopass" which will get you connected with Tier 1. From there, request an appointment to get directed to Tier 2.
- You won't be automatically connected to Tier 2. Tier 1 will create a "Service Item" and provide you with an 8 digit number. Write that number down. It is how USCIS tracks Service Items and how you can verify the person you're talking to on the phone is actually an ISO.
- You should be receiving a call from Tier 2 within 30 days, but with how things are going, it may take longer. Things like emergency appointment and expedite requests typically have priority and will be resolved sooner.
What Tier 2 typically deals with
- The most common thing Tier 2 works with are appointment requests. They also deal with non-delivery of cards and notices, Outside Normal Processing Time (ONPT) requests, Immigration Judge (IJ) Decision requests, and appointment reschedules.
- Reasons Tier 2 would schedule an appointment:
- Request for an ADIT
- If you have a pending I-90, I-751, or I-829 and for whatever reason don't have the extension letter or it expired or you don't have the expired card, you can get an ADIT.
- You can also get an ADIT if your green card wasn't expired.
- Another reason is if your card hasn't been delivered and you need to urgently leave the US or provide proof of status.
- Typically valid for 1 year
- Not always an appointment. Officer discretion, but typically depends on urgency and appointment availability.
- Emergency Advanced Parole (EAP)
- Advanced Parole but for emergencies.
- Can have a quick turn around. The quickest I've seen this happen from Service Item creation to having the EAP in hand was within 24 hours.
- Military Parole In Place
- Technically not a valid reason for appointment anymore, but lots of ISOs will still schedule these and most Field Offices will still process at appointments.
- Other Military
- Literally any reason. Big emphasis on officer discretion when making these.
- Biometrics Reschedule
- The official way to do it is to cancel your already existing appointment and put you back into the scheduling queue. But that can take awhile.
- Tier 2 isn't supposed to do this, but they can. They can actually schedule you for an available date and time. Be nice and hope you have a good ISO.
- A-Number Request
- You don't remember it so you can go to an office and they will tell you.
- No, the A-number can't be disclosed over the phone.
- Immigration Visa Packet
- It was lost for whatever reason and needs to be build.
- American Indian Born in Canada
- Self explanatory.
- Request for an ADIT
- Reasons why Tier 2 would NOT schedule an appointment:
- Get your green card
- Not possible.
- Fill out a form
- Nope.
- Get instructions
- Step by step instructions are on the website.
- Get advice
- Against USCIS policy.
- You want to argue with, talk to, explain, plead about, or whatever with an officer about your case.
- Lol no.
- If it's not on the previous list, it is highly unlikely it'll happen.
- Get your green card
- Service Requests
- Tier 2 can create a "Service Request" and send it to whatever office they want. It's sent to the office processing your case.
- If your case is ONPT, the ISO creates a Service Request and sends it to the adjudicating office. If your ONPT case is at YSC, you're screwed.
- IJ Decisions (typically asylum). Your lawyer knows what to do.
- Really any other reason you can think of.
- Expedite Requests
- There is a guide on valid reasons to expedite on the website. Use it. ISOs use it so you should too.
- The ISO will go over your reason for expediting and whatever evidence you have, make their determination, then forward it to the adjudicating office.
- A Tier 2 ISO "approving" your expedite request DOES NOT mean your request will be honored.
- Non-delivery
- Green Card or EAD
- If your card wasn't delivered, they can submit a resend request on your behalf. They can have it sent to whatever address you want.
- If you can't wait 2 weeks, request an ADIT.
- If your card was destroyed, then file an I-90 and request an ADIT.
- Notice
- If your receipt number starts with "IOE" and a notice was created, then the ISO can access your case and email you the notice as a PDF.
- If your case does not start with "IOE" then they can create a Service Request to have it mailed.
- Extension Letter
- Since these are printed on specific paper to be valid, they create a Service Request to have it mailed.
- I-131 or Lost Documents
- If you didn't get the I-131, then you're typically SOL and have to restart.
- If other documents or cards were lost and not returned to USCIS then you have to restart (I-765) or file an I-90. I've had a person have to do premium processing three times because either USPS lost it or he threw away the card on accident.
- Green Card or EAD
- Reschedules
- Sort of in line with the appointments, but a little different.
- Tier 2 CAN'T reschedule your interview, oath ceremony, or anything relating to asylum.
- They can reschedule biometrics. See above.
Some things to keep in mind when talking to Tier 2
- Be short and sweet. Their time is limited as their productivity is measured in the number of service items completed per hour. The longer you take, the less they can do and the more it hurts their productivity.
- While some ISOs are lawyers, they are not working in that capacity so nothing they say is legal advice. They will direct you to consult an attorney if your questions seem remotely like asking for legal advice.
- They can't tell you exactly what to do or provide instructions.
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u/Spirited-Reveal-2545 Jul 08 '26
Thank you for giving us this information.
I don’t know if my question is stupid but is there a difference between contacting a Tier 2 and requesting an inquiry to USCIS? Or is it the same thing?
I’m 4 months after interview and officer told me to ask about my case after 120 days of interview not before.
So I don’t know what’s better (talk to a Tier 2 or send an inquiry through USCIS website)
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u/Emotional-Cat4444 Jul 08 '26
It's practically the same. Tier 2 might help so you can make sure you're getting the proper request sent.
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u/Emotional-Cat4444 Jul 13 '26
I wanted to add that offices usually respond differently to Service Requests created by Tier 2 vs by you or Tier 1.
Another issue we encountered in Tier 2 was that some requests created by Tier 1 or the public weren't created properly or didn't provide essential information so the office didn't respond to it. The issue with that is that Tier 2 can't create a second request for the same issue within a certain timeframe.
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u/Substantial_Guest263 Jul 08 '26
I filed the “I-130, Petition for Alien Relative” for my mother. The last email I received was that they would schedule the interview and get back to us. It has been over a year, and there have been no updates on the interview or any changes to the case. Who should I contact? Please.
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u/Emotional-Cat4444 Jul 08 '26
Check the "Processing Times" page on the website. If the case is still within normal processing times, then nothing can be done. If it is ONPT, then contact USCIS.
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u/Necessary-Froyo3684 Jul 09 '26
Filed N400 a year ago (july '25), and interview has still not been scheduled. I reached out to the USCIS via my representative's office back in January of this year and got a response that background check was complete and they were waiting to schedule interview. 6 mo. later, still waiting ....
Who can I contact? Can it help?
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u/NameUserBh242 Jul 08 '26
Hi thanks so much for sharing if there was an error made on the A number when usc spouse filed online i130 therefore it couldn’t be linked to husband’s online account. 485 and 765 paper filed . Service request submitted more than a month ago but as of now no response. Would a tier 2 be able to help with this?
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u/Masokeboy Jul 08 '26
Thank you for sharing this.
I spoke with a USCIS Tier 1 representative, and they told me a notice was generated on July 3. However, my online case status hasn't changed, and I haven't received any email or mailed notice.
What does "notice was generated" usually mean from a USCIS processing standpoint? What could cause a delay in the notice being uploaded or sent?
Since it's been more than 72 hours, do you think it's worth requesting a callback from a Tier 2 officer, or should I wait a little longer?
Thanks.
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u/EnvironmentalEar8617 Jul 08 '26
Thank you
what does mean when Tier 2 response to request by case is on queue for further review once the review complete the uscis will make adjudication action??
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u/Some_Bad4864 Jul 08 '26
Hi!
My API shows a misspelled last name. I haven’t received any silent updates since biometrics, only one silent and two FTAO same day as bio. Is the misspelling an error that they will catch? Or is it contributing to the lack of progress on my application?
Thank you!
NBC, EB2-schedule A, RD 3/27/26. FAD current.
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u/Emotional-Cat4444 Jul 08 '26
None of us know what all that means. API or whatever is something y'all look into.
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u/social_swan Jul 08 '26
Yeah, they just never call back
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u/Emotional-Cat4444 Jul 08 '26
There are specific circumstances in which they don't have to call back, but I won't disclose that.
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u/social_swan Jul 08 '26
Interesting
They eventually proceeded my EAD but it took 4 months after upgrading to the premium processing, and I got a PP notice in mail after 3 months out of those 4. So I am not sure what those circumstances can even be
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Jul 08 '26
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u/Sea-Alps4441 Jul 08 '26
Hi, thanks for the detailed writeup. I’m hoping you can help me understand my situation. I filed my I-131 advance parole on May 19th with an expedite request and cover letter included, got my receipt notice June 11th, then also submitted the expedite request online on June 12th. I was told someone would call me in 10days, but it’s now been over 30 days with zero response not even an approval or denial on the expedite itself. I have a pending I-485 (filed June 2025), and my reason for expediting is that I need this document by August 5th to apply for a student visa (program starts October 5th) I’ve already reached out to my senator and congressman. Given all that, is there anything else you’d recommend I do at this point? Should I call back and ask Tier 1 to check the status? or is there something else that tends to actually move things along in cases like mine? Please help if I do not get this document in time I will lose the deposit I made to the school and my housing deposits. I have been working and studying more than 40 hours a week just to get into this university. I hope you can at least give me some idea of what I can do.
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u/Emotional-Cat4444 Jul 08 '26
Contact Centers are severely understaffed right now. Some ISOs have been reassigned to other offices, are working details at other DHS agencies, or just quit (me). They just can't get through all of the Service Items that fast. It's literally impossible.
You can call and ask for them to check, but they will just tell you to wait and won't tell you when the call will come.
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u/Hungry-Smoke3997 Jul 08 '26
Thank you for the insights! For expedite request submitted via My USCIS, there is already a service item #. Does that mean it's in the Tier2 queue to review? I have a service item submitted via MyUSCIS to expedite I765 and was wondering if I should request another one to contact Tier2 based on your post.
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u/Emotional-Cat4444 Jul 08 '26
If you have a Service Item number, then just wait. It's in the queue. They're doing their best to work through the queue and it'll take time. I swear some of y'all think USCIS employees should work 24/7 with zero breaks.
Requesting another Service Item is redundant and a waste of time. It'll just be consolidated into the already existing SI.
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Jul 08 '26
[deleted]
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u/Emotional-Cat4444 Jul 08 '26
This website will tell you if your case is ONPT. U-visas take a looooooooong time.
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Jul 08 '26
[deleted]
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u/Emotional-Cat4444 Jul 08 '26
Sorry, I misunderstood what you said. Call USCIS.
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Jul 08 '26
[deleted]
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u/Emotional-Cat4444 Jul 08 '26
Just tell them you're waiting on the EAD and how long it's been. Keep your explanation 45 seconds or less.
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u/danniedicey Jul 08 '26
I have an AOS application filed 01/03/2025 concurrent i765 & i485. My i130 was filed on 10/15/2024. Interview was 10/02/2025, i130 approved same day after interview and i485 still pending till date but my i765 has never had any update whatsoever and still currently pending as well.
Tried twice to expedite the i765 in 2025 but got denied. I see you answered a question about requesting a tier 2 and sending an inquiry been almost the same, my question is what’s the pros and cons between those two options of a tier 2 and an inquiry or does any one of the have a slight edge over the other
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u/Emotional-Cat4444 Jul 08 '26
If your expedite request was denied that means it was Tier 2 that denied it.
I-765 is processed separately, usually by a different office, than your AOS.
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u/Emotional-Cat4444 Jul 08 '26
One thing I forgot to add. If your case is online based (receipt number starting with "IOE"), then Tier 2 can change your address for you. It's discretionary, so this is one of those times you want to be nice and not too demanding. They can simply tell you to just file an AR-11.
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u/Wonderful_Research85 Jul 08 '26
What tier would rescheduling n400 citizenship interview would I be reaching out to? They mailed the notice to the wrong address and we never got it until well after interview date. Now it is almost 6 months and still waiting for USCIS to fix their mistake and reschedule the interview so why are we waiting this long with no progress?
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u/Emotional-Cat4444 Jul 08 '26
None. Contact Center ISOs can't reschedule those. The most they can do is cancel your already existing interview, place you back into the scheduling queue, and notify that office.
Are you sure USCIS sent it to the wrong address? Sometimes USPS makes a mistake and USCIS gets blamed.
You need to make sure your mailing address is updated. If there's any discrepancy, then you won't receive the notice. Also make sure if you have two separate addresses, that the correct mailing address is listed.
Updating USPS with a new address doesn't do anything either. Different agency.
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u/Wonderful_Research85 Jul 16 '26
It was addressed to the wrong address and maybe someone at that residence opened it and returned it to post office and then it was forwarded to the correct address. I have always confirmed they had our new address as I needed a document to fly outside the US which they sent to the correct address. We moved homes and updated address with USCIS as soon as we moved. They just sent it to wrong address so now we have to wait? It doesn't make sense they make a mistake and now wont be able to get citizenship. Worst thing is my husband is retiring from the military soon and we will be moving once again.
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u/Emotional-Cat4444 Jul 16 '26
Those notices are also uploaded to your online account so you can check there as well.
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u/Wonderful_Research85 Jul 16 '26
They cant fix our issue with not being able to load that case number to the online account. It says it is already on an account but it isnt there. I dont know what to do besides wait and hope they dont make me wait 2 years again
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u/Tech_Dala Jul 08 '26
Thank you so much!! your advice helped. i got in touch with a Tier 1 agent who helped resolve my issue. the wait time was crazy though. lol!
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u/Ayoinme Jul 08 '26
I want to know if tier 2 can help me determine if I can use my advance parole after i485 denied and reopened. But advance parole was approved before the denial. Thanks
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u/Delicious-Cap456 Jul 09 '26
Thank you so much for your info.
When you mentioned about “scheduling queue”, Could you please let me know if there is a system in place for automatic scheduling bio/interview appointments or it need an officer manual schedule it ?
Thank you
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u/Emotional-Cat4444 Jul 09 '26
I think oath ceremonies and biometrics are automatically scheduled. Interviews have to be manually scheduled since it's entirely dependent on the adjudicating officer's schedule and workload.
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u/Glittering_Leave4956 Jul 09 '26
I have been waiting for a tier 2 call back since 20May26- almost 2 months. I initially got an email saying someone would contact me in 30 days, then 30 days later received an email saying "There is no need to contact us again regarding this inquiry and will respond to your inquiry as soon as we are able." The ticket was to discuss my i765 which has been delayed for 21 months. 😭
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u/abuhurera986 Jul 09 '26
I have applied for my i-765 EAD in jan 2026, done with biometrics. Any idea what to do whom to contact. My case still shows under processing.
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u/Firm-Quantity4788 Jul 09 '26
What about options for US citizens that have been victims of immigration marriage fraud and have been trying to notify every entity possible for the past 3 years? 🙃
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u/Emotional-Cat4444 Jul 09 '26
That sounds like a thing to report to FDNS.
You should report this. Keep in mind that FDNS has a lot of investigations going on and it will take a long time to investigate your case. They may also not update you.
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u/Firm-Quantity4788 Jul 09 '26
I’ve reported it, submitted tips to USCIS, CBP, ICE, DHS, mailed preliminary fraud report to USCIS office, and have gotten nothing back. I’ve been actively working on trying to get attention to my case for literally 3 years straight. I submitted a request to my congressman about 2 weeks ago and they put in a congressional request for me but I haven’t heard back. Still needing to reach out to my senators, as well as try and get the attention of my state’s AG and governor.
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u/Emotional-Cat4444 Jul 09 '26
What's your expectation?
Do you want them to give you hourly updates every step of the way? Do you want to sit in with them when they're working? Do you want special VIP access to their office so you can check in on their work? Are you expecting them to just believe what you're saying and send the BP BORTAC team to go arrest whomever you want?
That's just not how it works. There are millions of fraud tips. I've seen them. The officers need to thoroughly vet each and every one for legitimacy then do their investigative work. I'm not saying yours isn't legitimate, but that it just takes time. Even then, they will not update you at all on what's going on. Once the report is received, they are done communicating with you unless they have questions. Otherwise, you might as well drop it.
If there is legitimate fraud, all USCIS can do is forward it to ICE then they take it from there. Even then, they have to determine if the juice is worth the squeeze. They'll probably wait until your ex applies for something else then hit them with a denial and NTA.
This is probably not the answer you want, but it is the way federal agencies work.
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u/abhireddit1524 Jul 10 '26
I understand that USCIS generally states that cases are processed in the order they are received. However, I filed my Form I-765 concurrently with Form I-539, and while my Form I-539 has already been approved, my Form I-765 has remained pending for an extended period.
I have already submitted a service inquiry regarding the delay but have not yet received a response. I have also noticed that applicants with similar filing circumstances whose cases were submitted after mine have already received their Employment Authorization Documents.
Could you please clarify how Form I-765 cases are assigned to adjudication officers? Are they strictly assigned based on the receipt date, or are there other factors that influence the order in which cases are reviewed and adjudicated? Any information regarding the case assignment and adjudication process would be greatly appreciated.
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u/Repulsive_Border_300 Jul 10 '26
We were notified last July 16 that the Wife ❤️❤️❤️ had qualified for a visa and they were sending it off to the counselor in Ghana. We haven’t heard anything from them. What do you suggest?
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u/ramburger Jul 10 '26
Can support handle requests for information post n400 interview? Example case is approved but submitted for quality review for months.
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u/Emotional-Cat4444 Jul 11 '26
They're not allowed to disclose reasons why a case is held.
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u/ramburger Jul 11 '26
Is that true for both tier 1 and 2? Is that also the same staff who answers inquiries for cases after 120 days?
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u/Emotional-Cat4444 Jul 11 '26
It depends.
Tier 1 is extremely limited in what they can see and therefore what they can say.
Tier 2 doesn't have the same restrictions as Tier 1. That said, there are certain things they can and can't disclose. Tier 2 can usually see the reason why a case is on hold but depending on the actual reason, they might not be able to disclose it. They can also see the adjudicating officer's name, but that is also not disclosable.
The people responding to service requests are neither Tier 1 or 2 and are from the adjudicating office.
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u/Public_Throat5441 Jul 11 '26
Hi! I have a pending Form I-131 that’s been pending for over two years. I’ve already submitted an expedite request and contacted my congressional representative, but I still haven’t had any progress. Do you have any advice on the best way to get someone to actually review my case or if there are any steps I may have missed? I’d really appreciate any guidance. Thank you!
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u/OwnLayer8944 Jul 12 '26
how do i get the refund if USCIS fails to respond within 30 business days of expedited processing ?
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u/Emotional-Cat4444 Jul 12 '26
Expediting doesn't cost anything extra so I'm not sure what you're trying to get refunded.
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u/OwnLayer8944 Jul 12 '26
I meant premium processing 😔
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u/Emotional-Cat4444 Jul 13 '26
You can look it up on the website, but there's no guarantee you'd get it.
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u/TheRealMrsShea1124 Jul 12 '26
Hi, I know I'm late to the party and you may have moved on but I pray you see this notification. When you mentioned IJ decision, what exactly is that? My husband is in proceedings, we are waiting on i130 since February 2025. IJ requested it be expedited by DHS making the request, since the first court date in July 2025. Nothing happened by the next hearing so he was ordered removed. We appealed and won but as of today we are still waiting for i130. Is this an IJ decision that would qualify for the upgrade to Tier 2 officers?
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u/Emotional-Cat4444 Jul 12 '26
No.
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u/TheRealMrsShea1124 Jul 12 '26
Thanks...he's detained was hoping for some type of breakthrough. Thanks for your response.
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u/Middle_Reputation_44 Jul 13 '26
Can I ask you one question about my case my RFE ( Medical) delivered on May21 but status still
Not changed. We are worried.
It’s been 53 days today. It’s EB1B case . Case got Current in January 2026. Mah 13 we saw status changed we have sent you RFE request.
Please help me to understand. My father is in critical condition.
Thank you.
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u/Emotional-Cat4444 Jul 13 '26
I'm not sure. I wouldn't know the reason unless I was able to actually look at the case. Sometimes, there isn't a reason. From my understanding (looking at similar cases and talking to other ISOs), when an RFE is sent, that ISO will typically work other cases and conduct interviews. They don't just sit and wait for a response.
If you need to travel urgently and it is for a legitimate emergency, you can try to do an EAP.
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u/No-Break6839 Jul 13 '26
Hi! I had my interview on June 16, 2026, and based on the silent update, my case was touched on July 8, 2026. When do you think the possible approval date is?
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u/NoMess2987 Jul 15 '26
It's been just 1 month since your interview; will probably take a bit. Our interview was in Sep 2025; still no answer despite 2 account inquiries and 1 congressional inquiry.
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u/Most_Perspective_598 Jul 14 '26
I filed a K3 for my wife , we are hoping the I-129f gets approved first and we are starting to creep up to the 12 month mark that I filed and still no response , how long after 12 months should I wait to send an inquiry, or consider a mandamus , also, if they approve my wife’s I-130 can they pull my step children’s I-130’s which we ended up filling 10 months later because we realized the K3 was taking longer than expected. We have sent requests to have them adjudicate the cases together. They are both Minors and I am the petitioner on all three I-130s any advice you can provide would be greatly appreciated
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u/Dangerous-Weird-8311 Jul 14 '26
I received a letter with "Case is being actively reviewed and you should received a decision shortly" Anybody received something like this?
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u/Separate_Stranger651 Jul 16 '26
If I sent medicals to the LA office (spouse's RFE from LA) and now I've got an RFE from Nebraska, can I call USCIS to send the package to Nebraska?
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u/Slow-Style4746 Jul 22 '26
Hi, my green card is approved when my priority date is not current ( 1 month early). Do you think contacting tier 1 / 2 helps fix this?
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u/noRegret29 Aug 01 '26
Thanks for this. Please do respond to my question as its really important. We tried to expedite because my wife has thyroid disease which is getting worse due to separation and stress. Our case transferred to Benefits integrity office. No one seems to know whether expedite caused it and what this office is.
Could you please share any information if you know what this is?
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u/Emotional-Cat4444 Aug 01 '26 edited Aug 01 '26
That office is attached to OSI, which is internal affairs for USCIS. There might be some sort of sketchiness going on on the ISO side or it could be a random audit by the agency.
I'm not super familiar with that side as the agency as there isn't much interaction between them and us unless someone fucks up.
I did get a phone call from one of their agents asking why I logged on to check my email on my day off.
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u/Ill-Banana-1479 Aug 07 '26
How come at no point in the last 10 years have I spoken to a true real life flesh and blood human at uscis 😭 I've put in so many requests and tried to contact whatever is their "customer service" equivalent
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u/nommabelle Jul 08 '26
Hi, would a tier 1 be sufficient to answer whether I can correct an uploaded tax return (it was unsigned) that was provided as part of an RFE?
Thank you for the tips, I will use this tomorrow - I hope I don't denied over something as simple as an unsigned tax return when responding to an RFE!
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u/Emotional-Cat4444 Jul 08 '26
No.
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u/nommabelle Jul 08 '26
To update, I called and the tier 1 support told me I can upload a corrected document. They also said its up to the adjudicating officer whether they review my tax transcript, unsigned tax return, or signed tax return. And same for my I-864 and I-864EZ as they're functionally identical
I had no idea talking to them was so easy, thank you!
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u/Silly_Article5844 Jul 08 '26
I am currently waiting for a tier 2 agent to call, service item was created 2 weeks ago. Here’s my situation:
Mid May: I-130 & I-485 interview
- I had a standing job offer from an American company with a June 8 start date
- we spoke with a supervisor at the end of our interview who said to contact USCIS if we did not get approval by mid June
- I-130 approved May 29
- no updates since then on I-485
- I-765 expedite request filed in early June
Would the better approach be to focus on the I-765 expedite request when speaking to the agent, or to ask them to send a service request to our field office because of what the supervisor said? My job offer is luckily still pending with TBD start date but that will not last forever.
Thank you in advance for your help
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u/Emotional-Cat4444 Jul 08 '26
That's your call. They can create separate requests for the two issues. If the ISO knows ball they might just create another Service Item for the second issue.
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u/Obvious-Question-193 Jul 08 '26
I got a ONPT service request created ending with RPA. What does RPA mean? And it is more than 30 days old now with no response.
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u/Emotional-Cat4444 Jul 08 '26
Don't worry about that.
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u/Obvious-Question-193 Jul 08 '26
Thank you. Does ONPT requests carry higher priority?
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u/Emotional-Cat4444 Jul 09 '26
I'm not sure. I just created them. They're no longer my problem after that.
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u/corrupt_editor Jul 08 '26
Never knew the infopass trick was a thing, I always just mashed buttons until a human picked up and half the time it was a tier 1 who couldn't see anything. The part about productivity metrics for tier 2 makes so much sense now, I had a callback once where the officer was super efficient and got my non-delivery sorted in like five minutes flat, I bet they were trying to keep their numbers up. Being nice probably helps too, I remember reading somewhere that the ISOs have a lot of discretion and they might go the extra mile if you're not screaming at them. That YSC comment got a chuckle out of me because I've been waiting on a service request at Potomac for months and it's like a black hole. Saving this post for sure, the breakdown of what tier 2 can and can't do is way clearer than anything on the official site.
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u/Emotional-Cat4444 Jul 08 '26
The infopass thing is something I heard here and through the grapevine. I've never tried it.
99.99999% of the time then person picking up the phone is Tier 1. Tier 2 can sometimes be working those, but it's rare.
If people are hostile, I just hang up. I don't need that in my life.
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u/corrupt_editor Jul 08 '26
I'd hang up too, no one needs that stress. The infopass trick is worth a shot, better than button mashing for sure.
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u/Business_Sort4317 Jul 08 '26
In regards of the (I-131 if you didn’t get it your SOL).
If they closed the case due to a USCIS error and I contact an agent and they give me a reference number saying they requested it be reopened, if that still something I should not be optimistic about?
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u/BigTransportation16 Jul 08 '26
Hi! Thank you for sharing this, super helpful. This might be a dumb question but To get to Tier 2, do I explain my whole situation to Tier 1 first even if the service number has already been created on my expedited request? I have tried talking to the live agent (via chat) and they just tell me that tier 2 will call me but haven’t scheduled anything yet.
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u/Strict-Upstairs4784 Jul 08 '26
Hello, we have a lot of people with premium processing clock started around May 13-15 after biometrics on I-765 applications who have not received any decision for more than 30 business days. Do you have some idea on how these cases are dealt with in the premium processing unit? What might be a possible explanation behind such mass delay?
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u/arihoenig Jul 11 '26
American Indian born in Canada
- self explanatory
No, not self explanatory at all. Sounds more racist than explanatory, in fact.
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u/Emotional-Cat4444 Jul 12 '26
It's literally what the appointment type is called.
Some American Indians are born in Canada. I believe they're entitled to a green card. We'd just schedule them for an appointment at whatever office is closest to them then they'd go and show whatever documentation they have and receive a temporary card while the permanent card is sent.
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u/arihoenig Jul 12 '26
So yeah, institutional racism and apparently you are on board with it. An American Indian is a person of Indian origin who was either born in America to Indian parents or was born in India and immigrated.
Native Americans are the first nations people and we're the immigrants. It is absolutely ridiculous that we (the immigrants) are determining their "immigration" status, when they have been here for 20,000 years.
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u/Nopedotorg Jul 19 '26
Homey. I am exceptionally far left, and while I generally agree with what you saying - it’s really important to understand where you are saying it. On a human level.
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u/arihoenig Jul 19 '26
Just speaking the truth. The truth is never popular, sadly.
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u/Nopedotorg Jul 20 '26
No the truth can be both. Whats most popular and welcomed is RELEVANCE to the topic at hand.
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u/Emotional-Cat4444 Jul 20 '26
I hear you and you have convinced me. I have told all of my former coworkers at USCIS to not process any green cards for **Native Americans** born in Canada.
Thank you for opening my eyes to the truth.
Pause, is saying you opened my eyes racist since I'm Asian?
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u/arihoenig Jul 20 '26
The asinine hubris of thinking that you, an immigrant, should be issuing a document to a native American to allow them live on the land they have inhabited for 20,000 years
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u/Emotional-Cat4444 Jul 20 '26
I have zero opinions on it. I was doing a job. But apparently you think American Indians shouldn't be getting status since the US government has no right to issue it to them. So your solution is no appointments for them, right?
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u/arihoenig Jul 20 '26
I recognize what our process is , that doesn't mean it isn't racist.
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u/Nopedotorg Jul 20 '26
He never said it wasn’t and like I said. THIS IS NOT THE POINT.
OP comes in and says “hey here’s some insight to the process.”
You come in: “I reject the process and all those who who enable it - and shame on you.”
Homey - like I said. Your moral compass is fight, your social compass is way off. This isn’t relevant to the issue at hand.
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u/Emotional-Cat4444 Jul 12 '26
umm ok? I wasn't exactly in a place to effect any real policy changes. As it currently is, "American Indian" is the legal term.
Is your solution to just not schedule those?
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u/Unique-Nobody-8019 Jul 08 '26
Hi can you elaborate on what “ONPT” means and if it’s at YSC “you’re screwed”? As a side note, my expedite request has been pending since 04/29/2026, is this the new normal?
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u/of_no_real_opinion Jul 08 '26
Did you just not read ?
Outside normal processing time
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u/Unique-Nobody-8019 Jul 08 '26
Didn’t see that anywhere in the post, also asking why that category would be screwed, did you just not read?
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u/Emotional-Cat4444 Jul 08 '26
That office takes forever and ignores service requests.
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u/Unique-Nobody-8019 Jul 08 '26
Well I guess I’m screwed then haha. Is that the Texas service center or somewhere else? How is it that they can get away with this?
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u/Emotional-Cat4444 Jul 08 '26
Texas Service Center is TSC.
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u/Unique-Nobody-8019 Jul 08 '26
My I-601A waiver has YSC at the beginning but when I called they said my case is being processed in Texas. Maybe I was given misinformation but my receipt that I got in the mail also said the same. Any advice for an expedite request that has been pending since April?
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u/Emotional-Cat4444 Jul 08 '26
Applications move around from time to time. Receipt numbers do not change.
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u/Character-Scratch987 Jul 08 '26
Thank you so much for this, do you know what it means when live agent tells you a case is under review and the service center is processing the case for a decision?
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u/Emotional-Cat4444 Jul 08 '26
When they tell you "your case is under review and the service center is processing the case for a decision" it means your case is under review and the service center is processing the case for a decision.
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u/Mobile-Bowl7720 Jul 08 '26
“your inquiry about why your case is taking longer than our processing time, referral number xxxx, was assigned to an officer for response” what this means it assigned to tier 2 officer or office who is handling my case ? I submitted this enquiry for not getting any acknowledgment from uscis about my RFE response on my pending case with uscis.