If your visa or green card is on the way and seems to be taking a long time, then you are not alone. Even when the U.S. now uses more advanced techniques to estimate wait times (such as the new system of the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), applications aren’t done yet. If you’ve already attempted to call USCIS through their Contact Center, and are stuck, a second step is to call your congressperson.
Congressmen provide a service to their constituents (the citizens of their district or state), and some of that service extends to dealing with federal agencies such as USCIS. They can’t intervene in any immigration decisions or make your visa application go through, but they can alert you to any backlogs or problems that may be dragging your case along.
How to Find Your State Senator or Congressional Representative
First, you will need to identify your state senator or US House of Representatives representative. Every congressman has people who deal with immigration inquiries and can be of service to you. These employees have worked with federal departments such as USCIS (if you are applying for a visa or green card in the United States) or the Department of State (DOS) (if you are applying from abroad).
You can call one office and only one office if you require support so you don’t get confused or get stuck. Choose the one you want to talk to based on their background in immigration and what they believe in.
- Find your U.S. Senator: Log on to the US Senate website and look up your senator by state.
- Locate your Congressional Representative: Enter your zip code on the U.S. House of Representatives website to find your representative.
How to Contact Your Representative
After you have found your rep, you can email or call them. Email is usually best because you can track it and reply to it. But you can also call their office on the same number if you need any immediate assistance.
Your representatives usually have 2 numbers: your district office (where you are located) and their Washington, DC office. If you need to report something, you may want to call the district office as there are dedicated staff in the district office for constituent services like immigration.
Make sure to mention when you call that you’re a resident of your district and you need help processing your visa. Don’t forget to ask for the best person to call about your situation.
The Privacy Waiver: What You Need to Know About It
For privacy reasons, congressional offices can’t contact USCIS or any other federal agency without your consent. You’ll have to sign a privacy waiver to authorize them. It is your representative’s legal record that will help him or her get the status of your visa and request from USCIS or any other authorities.
Your average rep will have a privacy waiver form on their website. The form typically asks for:
- Name, Address, Date of Birth, ID number, A-number (if any) of your USCIS receipt number, and other pertinent information.
- Case Information: You should have the Visa type, where you applied, and the date of application.
- Description of the Problem: Describe the issue and what you have tried to do so far to solve it.
- Documents to Back Up Your Application: These may be USCIS receipts, any correspondence with USCIS, or other important documents associated with your application.
When you’ve signed the privacy waiver, your agent can make an inquiry to USCIS for you.
What Happens Next?
Once you’ve reached out to your representative, if you ask congressional questions via email, USCIS typically has 30 days to respond. Your agent can reach out to USCIS directly and usually, they’re there the same day.
But don’t forget that calling your representative doesn’t guarantee your case will get pushed through or done faster. But it’s a good way to spotlight yourself if there are any weird delays or problems with your application.
Are You Having Problems With Green Card Application?
If possible, you can get your congressperson to ask your case but this doesn’t necessarily expedite the process. If you are applying for a green card, Law and Visas can help you get your application all set and filed properly. We will take you through the forms, make sure you know what your rights are, and make sure your case gets completed.
Your agent is also a source of assistance if you’re running into trouble with your visa or green card process. But for long-term support, try services such as Law and Visas to help you with the immigration process.
How to Prepare for Your Call to Your Representative
When you decide to contact your congressional representative regarding your visa situation, preparation is key. Here’s a comprehensive guide to ensure you are ready for the call.
Information to Have on Hand
Before making the call, gather the following essential information:
- Visa Case Number: This is crucial for identifying your case.
- Personal Details: Have your full name, date of birth, and any relevant personal identification numbers ready.
- Details of the Issue: Clearly outline the specific problem you are facing with your visa application or process.
Organizing Your Thoughts
To communicate effectively, organize your thoughts by preparing a brief summary of your situation. This should include:
- Background Information: A concise overview of your visa application status and any previous communications with immigration authorities.
- Current Status: Explain what has happened recently and any delays you are experiencing.
- Desired Outcome: Clearly state what you hope to achieve from the call, such as expediting your visa processing.
Tips for Effectively Communicating Your Request
When speaking with your representative’s office, clarity and impact are essential. Here are some tips:
Structuring Your Conversation
- Introduction: Start by introducing yourself and stating that you are a constituent in their district.
- State Your Purpose: Clearly explain why you are calling and provide a brief summary of your situation.
- Make Your Request: Politely ask for assistance in expediting your visa process.
Communicating Clearly
- Be Concise: Stick to the main points without unnecessary details. Aim for clarity in every sentence.
- Maintain Politeness: Always be courteous, even if you feel frustrated about your situation.
- Highlight Importance: Emphasize why speeding up the visa process is critical for you—whether it’s for family reunification, job opportunities, or urgent humanitarian reasons.
What to Expect When You Call Your Representative
Understanding what happens after you make the call can help manage your expectations.
Overview of the Process
When you contact a representative’s office:
- You will likely speak with a staff member who handles immigration inquiries.
- They may ask for information about your case and explain how they can assist.
Handling Your Inquiry
The staff may take several actions, including:
- Making inquiries with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) or other federal agencies.
- Providing updates on what steps they can take regarding your case.
If your representative is unavailable, you can still leave a message or ask to speak with another staff member who can assist you.
Sample Script for Calling Your U.S. Representative
Having a script can help ease anxiety about making the call. Here’s a sample outline:
- Greeting: “Hello, my name is [Your Name], and I am a constituent from [Your District].”
- State Your Issue: “I am calling regarding my visa application (Case Number: [Your Case Number]).”
- Explain Briefly: “I have been waiting for [duration] and have not received any updates.”
- Make Your Request: “I would greatly appreciate any assistance in expediting my case.”
- Thank Them: “Thank you for your time and help.”
How to Involve Your Family or Employer in the Process
Encouraging others to support your efforts can amplify your advocacy.
Support from Others
- Family Members: Encourage them to also contact their representatives, as multiple inquiries can draw more attention to the issue.
- Employers or Organizations: If applicable, having an employer or organization advocate on your behalf can add weight to your request.
Value of Collective Advocacy
Having family members or employers involved not only shows that multiple people care about the outcome but also emphasizes the urgency of your situation.
How to Follow Up After Your Call
Following up after a call regarding visa processing is crucial, especially if you haven’t received immediate feedback. Here are the steps to take:
- Wait a Reasonable Time: If you don’t hear back, wait at least one week before following up. This allows sufficient time for your representative’s office to process your request.
- Prepare Your Information: Gather all relevant details such as your case number, the date of your initial call, and any reference numbers provided.
- Make a Follow-Up Call: Contact the representative’s office again. Politely inquire about the status of your request and mention your previous call.
- Send an Email: If calling doesn’t yield results, consider sending a follow-up email. Include all pertinent information and express your need for assistance clearly.
Other Ways to Advocate for Faster Visa Processing
In addition to calling, there are several effective methods to advocate for expedited visa processing:
- Writing Letters: Draft letters to your representative or relevant agencies outlining your situation and requesting assistance.
- Organizing Petitions: Gather signatures from others in similar situations to demonstrate collective concern and urgency.
- Attending Town Hall Meetings: Participate in local meetings where immigration issues are discussed; this can provide a platform for raising awareness.
Raising Awareness Through Social Media or Advocacy Groups
Utilizing social media can amplify your voice:
- Share Your Story: Post about your experience on platforms like Twitter or Facebook using relevant hashtags.
- Join Advocacy Groups: Collaborate with organizations focused on immigration reform; they often have established channels for advocacy.
Using Congressional Casework Services to Expedite Your Visa
Requesting help from your representative’s office can be an effective way to expedite your visa process:
- Contact Constituent Services: Reach out to the constituent services department of your representative’s office.
- Provide Necessary Documentation: Be prepared to submit documentation that supports your case, including forms and any correspondence with USCIS or the National Visa Center (NVC).
- Follow Up Regularly: Stay in touch with the office to ensure that your case is being actively pursued.
How Your Representative Can Help Even If They Don’t Have Direct Control Over USCIS
While representatives may not have direct control over USCIS processes, they can still influence outcomes through:
- Lobbying Efforts: Representatives can advocate for policy changes that improve processing times.
- Public Advocacy: They can raise awareness about issues affecting constituents, potentially leading to broader reforms.
Influence on Immigration Reform
Congressional representatives play a critical role in shaping immigration policies that could lead to more efficient processing systems. Engaging with them on these matters can foster significant changes.
Potential Obstacles and Challenges You Might Face
When seeking assistance from a representative’s office, you may encounter several challenges:
- Unresponsive Office: If you find that the office is unresponsive, consider escalating your request by contacting higher officials within the office or seeking assistance from other representatives.
- Complex Immigration Issues: If your case involves complicated legal matters, it may be beneficial to consult with an immigration attorney who can provide specialized guidance.
Addressing Concerns with Complex Cases
For cases that are particularly complex, ensure that you provide detailed explanations and documentation when seeking help from congressional offices. This will aid them in understanding the nuances of your situation and advocating effectively on your behalf.
How Law and Visas Can Help?
At Law and Visas, our team of expert immigration consultants is here to make your travel to the U.S. straightforward and successful. Whether you’re applying for a K-1 Visa or an EB-1 Visa, we handle every step—from preparing your application to gathering the required documents.
Our Immigration Consultants and Lawyers ensure that your application meets the highest standards, with no details missed. We’ll also keep you informed throughout the process and coordinate with the immigration office or embassy on your behalf.
Law and Visas has a strong record of helping clients secure the visas/permits they need to visit the United States. You can call us today at +234 812 5505 986 to learn how we can help you.
