Your case has taken longer than USCIS's published processing time for your case type. You may be eligible to submit a case inquiry.
What comes next
You can submit an e-Request (service request) through your USCIS online account. You can also contact the USCIS Contact Center. Consider consulting an attorney about whether a Mandamus lawsuit is appropriate.
Typical timeline
Cases that have exceeded normal processing time are eligible for a service inquiry. Responses to service inquiries typically come within 30-60 days, though the case resolution itself may take additional months.
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If you're stuck on this status
If you've submitted service requests and received no resolution after 6+ months, consult an immigration attorney about a Mandamus lawsuit — a federal action that compels USCIS to make a decision. Some attorneys successfully use Mandamus to move cases that have been stuck for 1-2+ years.
What to do now
1Submit an e-Request (service request) at my.uscis.gov
2Contact the USCIS Contact Center at 1-800-375-5283
3Keep records of all communications with USCIS
4Consult an attorney about a potential Mandamus lawsuit if delays persist
When to contact an attorney
You usually do not need an attorney for this status by itself. Consider legal help if your case is outside published processing times, you receive a confusing notice, or your facts are complicated.
Frequently asked questions
What is USCIS's 'outside normal processing time' threshold?+
USCIS publishes processing time ranges for each form type at egov.uscis.gov/processing-times. When your case is older than the upper end of that range, it's considered outside normal processing time and you're eligible to submit a service inquiry without being told to just wait.
What is an e-Request and how do I submit one?+
An e-Request (also called a service request) is an online inquiry you submit through your USCIS account at my.uscis.gov when your case is outside normal processing times. USCIS is supposed to respond within 30 days. You'll need your receipt number to submit. Go to 'Ask About Your Case' in your account.
What is a Mandamus lawsuit?+
A Mandamus (or writ of mandamus) is a lawsuit filed in federal district court asking a judge to order USCIS to make a decision on your case. It's a last resort for cases that have been unreasonably delayed. Many USCIS cases resolve quickly once a Mandamus is filed — just receiving the lawsuit can motivate USCIS to act.
Can my congressional representative help with a delayed case?+
Yes — and this is often underutilized. Your U.S. House representative and two Senate offices can each submit a formal case inquiry to USCIS on your behalf. This is a legitimate and free resource. Congressional inquiries sometimes result in faster movement than service requests alone.
Will asking about my case delay it further?+
There's a common myth that inquiring about your case can slow it down. This is largely unfounded — USCIS processes cases in date order generally, and a service request or congressional inquiry creates a record of your inquiry but doesn't affect the adjudication order.
GreenLight is an independent tool and is NOT affiliated with USCIS, DHS, or any U.S. government agency. Nothing on this page constitutes legal advice. Always verify at my.uscis.gov.