Since April 2024, we’ve been facing ongoing, frustrating, and inefficient delays in receipt issuance and filing fee processing by USCIS. What once took about a week is now stretching to 2-4 weeks or more. 

These delays are creating significant anxiety and uncertainties for all involved, adding to the typical stresses of the immigration process.  We understand how unsettling this can be. 

Why are these receipt delays happening?

How does a receipt delay affect my case?

What can be done? And more 

Why are these receipt delays happening?

These delays are caused by pre-existing USCIS inefficiencies now compounded by other factors such as:

• Filing location changes: On April 1, 2024, USCIS began requiring certain I-129 petitions to be filed at lockbox facilities instead of at the prior locations – the service centers. Lockboxes are learning to manage this increased workload and taking much longer to process filings than service centers.
• Filing fee changes: Also on April 1, 2024, USCIS instituted a higher and complex fee schedule that requires significant work increase at the intake of a case which is also resulting in unfounded case rejections.

How does a receipt delay affect my case?

Cases subject to a receipt delay (which is almost all cases required to be filed at the lockboxes) means that USCIS has received your case in its mailroom, but might not have yet accepted the case for processing.  The case information has not been entered into the USCIS case management system and the filing fees have not been deposited.  

What can be done?

It is essential to practice flexibility, patience, and being proactive. Although it is taking longer and much more work than before, our team is diligently tracking each case and staying on top of any updates to ensure that you remain informed and reassured throughout this period.

Employers and employees should consider these delays and be proactive when preparing time-sensitive filings that require a receipt notice for other benefits or to meet other requirements.

Will this affect the ability of an employee to travel?

Possibly. If the employee leaves the U.S. prior to the issuance of the receipt notice, and often of the case approval, they might have difficulty returning to the United States.

We appreciate your understanding and cooperation as we navigate these delays together. Rest assured, we are committed to advocating for timely processing and supporting you every step of the way.