Becoming a U.S. Citizen: Requesting Emergency Approval
Emergency approval will be granted if you can show sufficient cause for the speedy approval, and if the reasons actually warrant an expedition of the process. Although it won’t happen overnight, you can usually shorten the approval process to just a few weeks, given you follow the necessary steps.
In order to request emergency approval, you will need to send a letter to the USCIS office that is handling your case. The letter can either be sent with your application packet or separately at a later date.
There are very few reasons which will spur USCIS to expedite the approval process, but here are a few reasons why emergency approval will be granted:
– Hospitalization – If you are going to have a surgery that will render you bed-ridden for an indeterminate amount of time, leaving you incapable to attend your citizenship interview at a later date – USCIS may expedite the process to get you in for an interview as soon as possible
– Employment – If you have been selected for a federal job that requires citizenship (they all do), then USCIS may see fit to grant you emergency approval.
– Terminal Illness – People who have terminal illnesses but who want to become U.S. citizens before they pass on can be granted emergency approval.
Your letter explaining why you are seeking emergency approval for U.S. citizenship should include any documentation that supports your case. For example, if you have a medical reason, a signed letter from your doctor (on his or her stationary) will be sufficient. Your doctor should outline the reasons why you need the emergency approval. Similarly, if you have been selected for a job that requires citizenship status, have your future employer write a letter requesting the emergency approval.
Send you letter by certified mail, with return receipt requested. Make sure to keep your letter in your own files in case it is lost, and to write a follow-up letter if you don’t hear anything regarding your request.
If you are not approved for emergency approval, don’t be too upset. You will still be scheduled for an interview, and it will in no way affect your chances for citizenship. Be as respectful and polite as possible when discussing this issue with USCIS representatives, and don’t be afraid to offer further evidence if requested.
