Understanding the I-131 Expedite Request
When applying for an I-131 Advance Parole Document, unforeseen circumstances may arise that necessitate expedited processing. These situations typically involve urgent humanitarian reasons, medical emergencies, significant financial loss, or compelling U.S. government interests. Successfully requesting an expedite requires presenting a clear, concise, and compelling letter that outlines the reason for the urgency and provides substantial evidence to support the claim. The more specific you can be, the better.
Key Elements of a Strong Expedite Request Letter
A well-written I-131 expedite request letter includes several crucial elements. First, clearly state the reason for the expedite request at the beginning. Next, provide a detailed explanation of the circumstances, highlighting why the delay in processing would cause significant hardship. Crucially, include supporting documentation such as medical records, financial statements, or official letters. Always include your receipt number and other pertinent case information to help USCIS quickly locate your application. Finally, close the letter with a polite and professional tone, reiterating the need for urgent processing.
Supporting Documentation: Making Your Case Stronger
The strength of your expedite request relies heavily on the evidence you provide. Medical emergencies warrant documentation like doctor’s notes, hospital records, and treatment plans. Financial hardship requires proof of impending foreclosure, eviction notices, or job loss. Humanitarian reasons might involve evidence of family illness or urgent travel needs. U.S. government interests would necessitate official letters from relevant agencies. Ensure all documents are properly translated if they are not in English. The more compelling and well-documented your case, the higher your chances of a successful expedite.
I-131 Expedite Request Letter Samples
Note: Replace the bracketed information with your own details.
Sample Letter 1: Medical Emergency
USCIS
[USCIS Address]
RE: I-131 Application Expedite Request
Applicant Name: [Applicant Name]
Receipt Number: [Receipt Number]
A-Number: [A-Number]
Dear USCIS Officer,
I am writing to request an expedited review of my I-131 application (Receipt Number: [Receipt Number]) due to a critical medical emergency. My [Relationship to Applicant], [Relative’s Name], residing in [Country], has been diagnosed with [Medical Condition]. Attached is a letter from Dr. [Doctor’s Name] confirming the diagnosis and the need for immediate medical intervention, which requires my presence for support. The delay in obtaining my Advance Parole will significantly impact my ability to provide essential care and assistance during this difficult time. I respectfully request your urgent attention to this matter. Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
[Applicant Name]
[Applicant Phone Number]
[Applicant Email Address]
Sample Letter 2: Financial Hardship
USCIS
[USCIS Address]
RE: I-131 Application Expedite Request
Applicant Name: [Applicant Name]
Receipt Number: [Receipt Number]
A-Number: [A-Number]
Dear USCIS Officer,
I am writing to request an expedited review of my I-131 application (Receipt Number: [Receipt Number]) due to impending financial hardship. I am the sole provider for my family, and my employment contract in [Country] is expiring on [Date]. Without my Advance Parole, I am unable to return to my job and face the immediate risk of losing my income and our home. Attached are copies of my employment contract and a notice of potential foreclosure on our property. The delay in processing my application will cause severe financial distress for my family. I respectfully request your urgent consideration of my request.
Sincerely,
[Applicant Name]
[Applicant Phone Number]
[Applicant Email Address]
Sample Letter 3: Humanitarian Reason (Family Illness)
USCIS
[USCIS Address]
RE: I-131 Application Expedite Request
Applicant Name: [Applicant Name]
Receipt Number: [Receipt Number]
A-Number: [A-Number]
Dear USCIS Officer,
I am requesting an expedited review of my I-131 application (Receipt Number: [Receipt Number]) due to urgent humanitarian reasons. My [Relationship to Applicant], [Relative’s Name], is critically ill in [Country] and requires my immediate presence for emotional support and assistance. Attached is a medical certificate from [Hospital Name] detailing their condition. My absence will significantly impact their well-being and recovery process. I am the only family member available to provide support during this difficult time. I respectfully request your urgent attention to my case.
Sincerely,
[Applicant Name]
[Applicant Phone Number]
[Applicant Email Address]
Sample Letter 4: Humanitarian Reason (Funeral)
USCIS
[USCIS Address]
RE: I-131 Application Expedite Request
Applicant Name: [Applicant Name]
Receipt Number: [Receipt Number]
A-Number: [A-Number]
Dear USCIS Officer,
I am writing to request an expedited review of my I-131 application (Receipt Number: [Receipt Number]) due to the passing of my [Relationship to Applicant], [Relative’s Name]. The funeral is scheduled for [Date] in [Country]. Attached is a copy of the death certificate and the funeral arrangements. It is crucial for me to be present to pay my respects and support my family during this incredibly difficult time. The delay in obtaining my Advance Parole would prevent me from attending the funeral. I respectfully request your prompt attention to this urgent matter.
Sincerely,
[Applicant Name]
[Applicant Phone Number]
[Applicant Email Address]
Sample Letter 5: Urgent Business Travel
USCIS
[USCIS Address]
RE: I-131 Application Expedite Request
Applicant Name: [Applicant Name]
Receipt Number: [Receipt Number]
A-Number: [A-Number]
Dear USCIS Officer,
I am requesting an expedited review of my I-131 application (Receipt Number: [Receipt Number]) due to an urgent business trip to [Country] scheduled for [Date]. This trip is crucial for [Company Name] as I am required to [Explain the reason for the trip and its importance]. Attached is a letter from my employer, [Employer’s Name/Title], confirming the urgency and importance of my travel. Delaying my travel would cause significant financial losses for my company. I respectfully request your prompt attention to this urgent matter.
Sincerely,
[Applicant Name]
[Applicant Phone Number]
[Applicant Email Address]
Sample Letter 6: US Government Interest (Volunteer Work)
USCIS
[USCIS Address]
RE: I-131 Application Expedite Request
Applicant Name: [Applicant Name]
Receipt Number: [Receipt Number]
A-Number: [A-Number]
Dear USCIS Officer,
I am writing to request an expedited review of my I-131 application (Receipt Number: [Receipt Number]) as my volunteer work directly supports US Government interest in [Country]. I am working with [Organization Name] to provide [Services] which are crucial for the stability of [Project]. Attached is a letter from [Name/Title] stating my integral role in this mission and the dire impact of any delay in my participation in the project. I respectfully request your prompt attention to this urgent matter.
Sincerely,
[Applicant Name]
[Applicant Phone Number]
[Applicant Email Address]
Sample Letter 7: Urgent Adoption Process
USCIS
[USCIS Address]
RE: I-131 Application Expedite Request
Applicant Name: [Applicant Name]
Receipt Number: [Receipt Number]
A-Number: [A-Number]
Dear USCIS Officer,
I am writing to request an expedited review of my I-131 application (Receipt Number: [Receipt Number]) due to the urgent adoption process of my child [Child’s Name] in [Country]. The adoption agency, [Agency Name], requires my presence in [Country] by [Date] to finalize the adoption. Delaying my travel will significantly impact the adoption process and could jeopardize my ability to bring my child home. Attached is a letter from the adoption agency stating the urgent nature of the request. I respectfully request your prompt attention to this matter.
Sincerely,
[Applicant Name]
[Applicant Phone Number]
[Applicant Email Address]
Sample Letter 8: Legal Proceedings
USCIS
[USCIS Address]
RE: I-131 Application Expedite Request
Applicant Name: [Applicant Name]
Receipt Number: [Receipt Number]
A-Number: [A-Number]
Dear USCIS Officer,
I am writing to request an expedited review of my I-131 application (Receipt Number: [Receipt Number]) due to upcoming legal proceedings in [Country]. I am required to appear in court on [Date] to testify in a case related to [Case Description]. Delaying my ability to travel will negatively impact the trial’s progress. Attached is a subpoena with the case’s information. I respectfully request your prompt attention to this urgent matter.
Sincerely,
[Applicant Name]
[Applicant Phone Number]
[Applicant Email Address]
Sample Letter 9: Educational Opportunity
USCIS
[USCIS Address]
RE: I-131 Application Expedite Request
Applicant Name: [Applicant Name]
Receipt Number: [Receipt Number]
A-Number: [A-Number]
Dear USCIS Officer,
I am writing to request an expedited review of my I-131 application (Receipt Number: [Receipt Number]) because I have been offered a highly competitive educational opportunity to conduct research at [University Name] in [Country] starting on [Date]. I have attached my acceptance letter and the details of my research program, which is crucial to my academic advancement. Missing this opportunity will significantly hamper my future career. I respectfully request your prompt attention to this urgent matter.
Sincerely,
[Applicant Name]
[Applicant Phone Number]
[Applicant Email Address]
Sample Letter 10: Attending a Critical Conference
USCIS
[USCIS Address]
RE: I-131 Application Expedite Request
Applicant Name: [Applicant Name]
Receipt Number: [Receipt Number]
A-Number: [A-Number]
Dear USCIS Officer,
I am writing to request an expedited review of my I-131 application (Receipt Number: [Receipt Number]) as I am registered to attend [Conference Name] in [Country] from [Date] to [Date]. This conference is critical for [Reason]. I will be presenting [Presentation Details] and connecting with industry leaders. I have attached my registration confirmation and the presentation agenda. Missing this conference will greatly impact my professional development. I respectfully request your prompt attention to this matter.
Sincerely,
[Applicant Name]
[Applicant Phone Number]
[Applicant Email Address]
Sample Letter 11: Loss of Employment
USCIS
[USCIS Address]
RE: I-131 Application Expedite Request
Applicant Name: [Applicant Name]
Receipt Number: [Receipt Number]
A-Number: [A-Number]
Dear USCIS Officer,
I am writing to request an expedited review of my I-131 application (Receipt Number: [Receipt Number]) due to the loss of my employment. My employer, [Employer Name], recently closed our company branch and I am now unemployed. I have been offered a new position by [New Employer Name] located in [Country]. Delay in my travel will cause loss to this employment and my dependents will face financial hardship, as I am their sole supporter. I have attached a termination letter, offer letter and family proof details, and request the expedite processing of I-131 application.
Sincerely,
[Applicant Name]
[Applicant Phone Number]
[Applicant Email Address]
Sample Letter 12: Family Separation
USCIS
[USCIS Address]
RE: I-131 Application Expedite Request
Applicant Name: [Applicant Name]
Receipt Number: [Receipt Number]
A-Number: [A-Number]
Dear USCIS Officer,
I am writing to request an expedited review of my I-131 application (Receipt Number: [Receipt Number]) due to family separation. My spouse [Spouse Name] is sick and is under treatment at [Hospital Name]. He/She needs my physical support. We are apart for [Time] now, I have attached his/her medical reports and related information of our marriage. I humbly request you to expedite the request process to be united.
Sincerely,
[Applicant Name]
[Applicant Phone Number]
[Applicant Email Address]
Sample Letter 13: Urgent Property Matters
USCIS
[USCIS Address]
RE: I-131 Application Expedite Request
Applicant Name: [Applicant Name]
Receipt Number: [Receipt Number]
A-Number: [A-Number]
Dear USCIS Officer,
I am writing to request an expedited review of my I-131 application (Receipt Number: [Receipt Number]) due to urgent property matters. I have properties located at [Location]. These properties requires urgent physical inspection for [Reasons]. Without having my presence, legal property matters will be affected. I have attached property related documents. Due to this, I request to expedite the Advance Parole approval.
Sincerely,
[Applicant Name]
[Applicant Phone Number]
[Applicant Email Address]
Sample Letter 14: Unexpected Legal Issue
USCIS
[USCIS Address]
RE: I-131 Application Expedite Request
Applicant Name: [Applicant Name]
Receipt Number: [Receipt Number]
A-Number: [A-Number]
Dear USCIS Officer,
I am writing to request an expedited review of my I-131 application (Receipt Number: [Receipt Number]) due to Unexpected Legal Issue. My family member[relation] is affected by [Type of Issue]. I need to go to [Country] to support him. I have attached legal letter and required proof for family relation. Without my support [Mention details]. Therefore, I humbly request to provide Advance Parole.
Sincerely,
[Applicant Name]
[Applicant Phone Number]
[Applicant Email Address]
Sample Letter 15: Sponsoring a Medical Program
USCIS
[USCIS Address]
RE: I-131 Application Expedite Request
Applicant Name: [Applicant Name]
Receipt Number: [Receipt Number]
A-Number: [A-Number]
Dear USCIS Officer,
I am writing to request an expedited review of my I-131 application (Receipt Number: [Receipt Number]) due to Sponsoring a Medical Program. I am associated with [Medical organization] and sponsoring a program at [Country]. I need to be there and provide my support. I have attached the Medical Program details and my role in it. Without my presence this may get delayed. Therefore, humbly request the speedy approval of Advance Parole.
Sincerely,
[Applicant Name]
[Applicant Phone Number]
[Applicant Email Address]
Conclusion
Requesting an expedite for your I-131 application requires careful planning and execution. While there’s no guarantee of approval, a well-crafted letter with supporting documentation significantly increases your chances of success. Remember to be honest, specific, and persistent in your efforts. This guide and the provided samples are intended to provide helpful guidance, but consulting with an immigration attorney is always recommended for personalized legal advice.
