Congressional inquiry
Your senators and representative can ask USCIS about a case on your behalf. It is free, and it works best when the case is genuinely stuck.
When it is worth doing
- Your case is outside normal USCIS processing times
- You submitted a service request (e-Request) and received no response after 30 days
- You have an emergency or severe hardship (medical, financial, job loss)
- USCIS made an error on your documents or case
- Your case has been pending with no updates for an unusually long time
- You received conflicting information from USCIS
- Your biometrics appointment was never scheduled despite timely filing
- You need expedited processing for a legitimate urgent reason
Check your case against posted processing times first — before that date USCIS closes an inquiry automatically.
How it goes
- 1
Verify Processing Times
Before contacting Congress, confirm your case is actually outside normal processing times. Check the USCIS processing times tool at egov.uscis.gov/processing-times. Compare your receipt date against the posted time range for your form type and service center.
- Screenshot the USCIS processing times page for your records
- Note the date range — if your case falls within it, USCIS considers it within normal processing
- Check processing times monthly as they update regularly
- Consider submitting a service request (e-Request) first if you have not already
- 2
Find Your Representative
Identify your U.S. Senator and/or House Representative. You can contact either or both. Most Congressional offices have dedicated immigration caseworkers who handle these inquiries regularly. Senators often have more influence, but Representatives may have smaller caseloads.
- Go to house.gov/representatives to find your House member
- Go to senate.gov/senators to find your Senators
- You have 1 House Representative and 2 Senators — you can contact all 3
- Look for the "Casework" or "Help with a Federal Agency" section on their website
- Some offices have a dedicated immigration inquiry form online
- 3
Gather Required Documents
Prepare all necessary documents before submitting your inquiry. Congressional offices will need specific information to investigate your case. Having everything ready upfront speeds up the process significantly.
- Make copies of all documents — never send originals
- Organize documents chronologically
- Include a timeline of your case history
- Highlight any deadlines or urgency factors
- Prepare a one-page summary of your situation
- 4
Submit Your Inquiry
Most Congressional offices have a privacy release form (G-28 equivalent) you must sign before they can access your USCIS records. Submit this along with your letter and supporting documents. Many offices accept submissions online, by email, fax, or in person.
- Sign the privacy release form — this is mandatory
- Be concise but thorough in your letter
- Clearly state what action you are requesting
- Include all receipt numbers and A-numbers
- Keep copies of everything you submit
- Send via certified mail or email with read receipt if possible
- 5
Follow Up
After submitting, the Congressional office will forward your inquiry to the USCIS Congressional Liaison Unit. USCIS typically responds within 30 days. Follow up with the Congressional office if you do not hear back.
- Ask for a confirmation number or reference number
- Mark your calendar to follow up in 2-3 weeks
- Be polite but persistent in your follow-ups
- Call the office — phone calls are often more effective than emails
- Ask to speak with the specific caseworker assigned to your case
- Keep a log of all communications with dates and names
- 6
Escalate if Needed
If the Congressional inquiry does not resolve your issue, you have several options. Contact additional Congressional members, file with the CIS Ombudsman, or consider legal action. Multiple inquiries from different offices can increase pressure.
- Contact your second Senator if you only wrote to one
- Ask the Congressional office to send a follow-up inquiry
- Request a meeting with the Congressional office (in-person or virtual)
- Consider filing with the CIS Ombudsman in parallel
- Document the Congressional response (or lack thereof) for your records
- 7
CIS Ombudsman (Alternative)
The CIS Ombudsman is an independent office within DHS that helps resolve immigration case problems. They can investigate and make recommendations to USCIS. File a case assistance request at dhs.gov/cisombudsman.
- The Ombudsman is independent from USCIS and can advocate on your behalf
- Submit detailed documentation of all steps you have taken
- Include copies of any Congressional correspondence
- The Ombudsman can identify systemic issues affecting your case
- Response times vary — typically 30-90 days
- This is free and does not require an attorney
What to send
- Privacy Release / Consent FormRequiredCongressional office privacy authorization allowing them to inquire on your behalf. Each office has their own form.
- USCIS Receipt Notice(s)RequiredForm I-797C receipt notice for each pending case (shows receipt number, form type, filing date).
- Photo IDRequiredCopy of your passport, driver's license, or other government-issued ID.
- Proof of AddressRequiredUtility bill, bank statement, or lease showing your current address in the Congressional district.
- Your Letter / StatementRequiredWritten explanation of your situation, what you have tried, and what you are requesting.
- Processing Times ScreenshotScreenshot from USCIS showing your case is outside normal processing times.
- Service Request ConfirmationProof that you submitted an e-Request or called USCIS contact center and the result.
- Case TimelineChronological list of all case actions, dates, and USCIS communications.
- Hardship EvidenceIf applicable: medical records, job offer letters, financial statements showing urgency.
- Employment Authorization Document (EAD)Copy of current or expired EAD if relevant to your inquiry.
- A-Number DocumentationAny document showing your Alien Registration Number (A-Number) if you have one.
- Previous USCIS CorrespondenceAny RFEs, denial notices, approval notices, or other USCIS communications related to your case.
Ways to reach them
USCIS Service Request (e-Request)
First step for most processing issues. Submit online through the USCIS website.
Case is outside normal processing timesYou need to update your address or contact infoYou have a general question about your caseYou have not yet tried any other escalation
Congressional Inquiry
Contact your U.S. Senator or Representative. They have a dedicated immigration caseworker.
Service request yielded no result after 30+ daysCase is significantly outside processing timesYou have a hardship or emergency situationUSCIS made an error and has not corrected itYou need someone with authority to investigate
CIS Ombudsman
Independent office within DHS that assists with USCIS problems. Files a formal case assistance request.
Congressional inquiry did not resolve the issueYou believe USCIS is not following its own policiesSystemic issue affecting your caseYou want an independent review of your situationYou have exhausted other channels
Immigration Attorney
Legal representation can file motions, mandamus lawsuits, and formal complaints.
All other channels have failedYour case involves legal complexityYou are considering a mandamus lawsuitYou need representation for an appealYou are facing deportation or removal proceedings
Do
- Be concise, factual, and professional in all communications
- Include all relevant receipt numbers and A-numbers
- Sign the privacy release form immediately
- Keep copies of everything you submit
- Follow up regularly (every 2-3 weeks)
- Be polite to Congressional staff — they handle hundreds of cases
- Include a clear one-page summary of your situation
- Document all interactions with dates and contact names
- Mention any deadlines or time-sensitive factors
- Submit to multiple Congressional offices simultaneously
Do not
- Do not send original documents — always send copies
- Do not exaggerate or misrepresent your situation
- Do not contact Congress before trying USCIS service request first
- Do not expect Congress to approve or deny your case
- Do not be rude or threatening to Congressional staff
- Do not submit incomplete packets — missing info causes delays
- Do not call every day — it can slow down your caseworker
- Do not share false information — it can have legal consequences
- Do not ignore requests for additional information from the office
- Do not pay anyone who claims to arrange a congressional inquiry
What to expect
| Stage | What happens | Typically |
|---|---|---|
| Acknowledgment | The Congressional office confirms receipt of your inquiry and assigns a caseworker. | 3-7 business days |
| USCIS Contact | The caseworker forwards your inquiry to the USCIS Congressional Liaison Unit. | 1-2 weeks after acknowledgment |
| USCIS Response | USCIS reviews your case and sends a response to the Congressional office. | 30 days (by regulation) |
| Congressional Follow-up | The Congressional office shares the USCIS response with you and discusses next steps. | 1-3 days after receiving USCIS response |
| Resolution or Escalation | Your case either moves forward, or you decide to escalate through additional channels. | Varies |
Letter templates
Fill in the bracketed parts. Keep it short — the caseworker is forwarding it, not reading it closely.
General Congressional InquiryYour case has been pending longer than expected and you need assistance.
Dear [REPRESENTATIVE_NAME], I am writing to respectfully request your assistance with my pending immigration case with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). My name is [YOUR_NAME] and I am a constituent residing at [YOUR_ADDRESS]. My USCIS receipt number is [RECEIPT_NUMBER] for Form [FORM_TYPE], which was filed on [FILING_DATE]. As of today, my case has been pending for [MONTHS_PENDING] months. The current USCIS posted processing time for this form at [SERVICE_CENTER] is [PROCESSING_TIME]. My case is now outside the normal processing timeframe. I have previously [PREVIOUS_ACTIONS] but have not received a satisfactory resolution. I respectfully request that your office inquire with USCIS regarding the status of my case and any steps I can take to expedite its processing. I have enclosed copies of my receipt notice, identification, and a signed privacy release form authorizing your office to act on my behalf. Thank you for your time and assistance. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you need any additional information. Sincerely, [YOUR_NAME] [YOUR_PHONE] [YOUR_EMAIL] A-Number: [A_NUMBER] (if applicable)
Outside Processing TimeYour case is specifically documented as outside the posted USCIS processing time window.
Dear [REPRESENTATIVE_NAME], I am a constituent at [YOUR_ADDRESS] and I am requesting congressional assistance regarding my USCIS case that is significantly outside normal processing times. Case Details: - Receipt Number: [RECEIPT_NUMBER] - Form Type: [FORM_TYPE] - Filing Date: [FILING_DATE] - Service Center: [SERVICE_CENTER] Processing Time Comparison: - USCIS Posted Processing Time: [PROCESSING_TIME] - My Case Has Been Pending: [MONTHS_PENDING] months - My case exceeds the posted processing time by approximately [MONTHS_OVER] months Actions I Have Already Taken: 1. Submitted an e-Request/service request on [SERVICE_REQUEST_DATE] 2. Called the USCIS Contact Center on [CALL_DATE] 3. [ADDITIONAL_ACTIONS] Despite these efforts, I have not received a resolution or meaningful update on my case. I have attached a screenshot of the current USCIS processing times showing that my case is outside the normal range, along with my receipt notice and privacy release form. I kindly request that your office contact the USCIS Congressional Liaison to inquire about the status and reason for the delay. Thank you for your service to constituents. Sincerely, [YOUR_NAME] [YOUR_PHONE] [YOUR_EMAIL]
Hardship / Expedite RequestYou have an urgent situation such as medical emergency, job loss, or severe financial hardship.
Dear [REPRESENTATIVE_NAME], I am writing to urgently request your assistance with my USCIS immigration case due to a severe hardship situation. My name is [YOUR_NAME], residing at [YOUR_ADDRESS]. My case details are: - Receipt Number: [RECEIPT_NUMBER] - Form Type: [FORM_TYPE] - Filing Date: [FILING_DATE] Nature of Hardship: [HARDSHIP_DESCRIPTION] This situation is urgent because: [URGENCY_EXPLANATION] The delay in processing my case has directly resulted in: [IMPACT_DESCRIPTION] I have supporting documentation including [SUPPORTING_DOCS] that demonstrate the severity of my situation. I have already attempted to request expedited processing through USCIS by [EXPEDITE_ATTEMPTS] but [EXPEDITE_RESULT]. I respectfully and urgently request that your office contact USCIS to expedite the processing of my case given the documented hardship circumstances. Enclosed are my receipt notice, hardship documentation, identification, and signed privacy release form. Thank you for your immediate attention to this matter. Sincerely, [YOUR_NAME] [YOUR_PHONE] [YOUR_EMAIL]
Lost / Misplaced CaseUSCIS appears to have lost your case, there are no updates, or the case cannot be found in their system.
Dear [REPRESENTATIVE_NAME], I am writing to request your urgent assistance regarding my USCIS immigration case that appears to have been lost or misplaced. My name is [YOUR_NAME], a constituent at [YOUR_ADDRESS]. Case Details: - Receipt Number: [RECEIPT_NUMBER] - Form Type: [FORM_TYPE] - Filing Date: [FILING_DATE] - Last Known Status: [LAST_STATUS] - Date of Last Update: [LAST_UPDATE_DATE] I have not received any update on my case since [LAST_UPDATE_DATE], which is now [MONTHS_NO_UPDATE] months. When I check the USCIS case status online, it shows [ONLINE_STATUS]. I have taken the following steps to resolve this: 1. Called the USCIS Contact Center on [CALL_DATES] — they were unable to provide information 2. Submitted an e-Request on [SERVICE_REQUEST_DATE] 3. [ADDITIONAL_ACTIONS] The lack of any update or progress on my case is causing [IMPACT_DESCRIPTION]. I respectfully request that your office investigate the whereabouts of my case file and ensure it has not been lost in processing. If the case has been misplaced, I request assistance in having it located and expedited. Enclosed are copies of my receipt notice, proof of filing, all USCIS correspondence, and a signed privacy release form. Thank you for your assistance. Sincerely, [YOUR_NAME] [YOUR_PHONE] [YOUR_EMAIL]
USCIS Error CorrectionUSCIS made an error on your documents, approval, or case processing that needs correction.
Dear [REPRESENTATIVE_NAME], I am writing to request your assistance in correcting an error made by USCIS on my immigration case. My name is [YOUR_NAME], a constituent residing at [YOUR_ADDRESS]. Case Details: - Receipt Number: [RECEIPT_NUMBER] - Form Type: [FORM_TYPE] - A-Number: [A_NUMBER] Description of Error: [ERROR_DESCRIPTION] The correct information should be: [CORRECT_INFORMATION] This error has caused the following problems: [ERROR_IMPACT] I discovered this error on [DISCOVERY_DATE] and have since taken these steps to correct it: 1. [CORRECTION_ATTEMPT_1] 2. [CORRECTION_ATTEMPT_2] Despite my efforts, USCIS has not corrected this error. The error is impacting [ONGOING_IMPACT]. I respectfully request that your office contact USCIS to have this error corrected as soon as possible. Enclosed are copies of the document containing the error, the correct supporting documentation, my receipt notice, and a signed privacy release form. Thank you for your help in resolving this matter. Sincerely, [YOUR_NAME] [YOUR_PHONE] [YOUR_EMAIL]
Questions
Should I contact my Senator or Representative?
You can contact either or both. You have 2 U.S. Senators and 1 House Representative. Senators often have more influence due to their statewide role, but House Representatives may have smaller caseloads and respond faster. Many people contact all three for maximum impact.
Can a congressional inquiry hurt my case?
No. A congressional inquiry is a legitimate, legal process and will not negatively affect your case. USCIS has a dedicated Congressional Liaison Unit that handles these inquiries. Millions of people use this channel every year. It simply requests USCIS to review and provide a status update.
How long does a congressional inquiry take?
USCIS typically responds to congressional inquiries within 30 days. However, the response may simply be a status update rather than case resolution. In some cases, the inquiry itself prompts USCIS to take action on a stalled case. Complex issues may take 60-90 days.
What information will my Congressional office need?
At minimum: your full legal name, address (must be in their district/state), receipt number(s), A-number (if applicable), form type, filing date, a description of your issue, and a signed privacy release form. Include copies of your receipt notice, ID, and any relevant USCIS correspondence.
Do I need to be a U.S. citizen to contact Congress?
No. You do not need to be a U.S. citizen. Congressional offices assist all constituents who reside in their district or state, regardless of immigration status. You need to live in their jurisdiction — that is the only requirement.
Is there a fee for congressional assistance?
No. Congressional casework services are completely free. This is part of the constituent services that every Congressional office provides. Never pay anyone who claims they can arrange a congressional inquiry for a fee.
Will USCIS know I contacted Congress?
Yes. The Congressional office will formally contact USCIS on your behalf through the Congressional Liaison Unit. USCIS will see that an inquiry was made. This is normal and expected — it is not viewed negatively.
Can my attorney submit the congressional inquiry for me?
Your attorney can help you prepare the materials, but the congressional inquiry should come from you as the constituent. You are the one who resides in the Congressional district. Your attorney can be copied on correspondence if you authorize it.
What is the privacy release form?
Each Congressional office has their own privacy release form (similar to a G-28). By signing it, you authorize the Congressional office to access your USCIS records and discuss your case with government agencies. Without this signed form, they cannot help you.
Can I contact Congress if I live outside the U.S.?
It depends. If you are a U.S. citizen abroad, you can contact the Congressional delegation from your last U.S. residence. If you are not a U.S. citizen and live abroad, Congressional offices typically cannot assist. In that case, contact the U.S. Embassy or consulate.
What is the CIS Ombudsman and how is it different?
The CIS Ombudsman is an independent office within the Department of Homeland Security that helps resolve problems with USCIS. Unlike a congressional inquiry (which asks for a status update), the Ombudsman can investigate, make formal recommendations, and identify systemic issues. You can file directly at dhs.gov/cisombudsman.
Can I submit multiple congressional inquiries?
Yes. You can submit inquiries to both of your Senators and your House Representative simultaneously. You can also submit follow-up inquiries if the first one does not yield results. Each inquiry creates a separate record with USCIS.
What happens after USCIS receives the congressional inquiry?
USCIS assigns the inquiry to the Congressional Liaison Unit, which reviews your case file and prepares a response. This may include: a status update, an explanation for the delay, scheduling an action (like an interview or decision), or requesting additional evidence from you.
Should I submit a service request before contacting Congress?
Yes, it is recommended. Submitting a service request (e-Request) through USCIS first shows you have tried to resolve the issue through normal channels. Include proof of your service request in your congressional inquiry packet — it strengthens your case.
Can a congressional inquiry speed up my case?
It can. While Congress cannot directly order USCIS to approve a case, the inquiry often draws attention to stalled or overlooked cases. Many people report their cases moving forward shortly after a congressional inquiry. It is one of the most effective tools available for stuck cases.
What if my case involves national security or background checks?
Congressional inquiries can still be submitted for cases stuck in background/security checks. However, USCIS may respond that the case is pending a background check and they cannot expedite it. The inquiry at least confirms the reason for the delay and documents your efforts.
Can I contact Congress about a denied case?
Congressional offices generally cannot overturn USCIS denials. However, they can help if you believe USCIS made a procedural error, if you want to understand the denial reason better, or if you need help with the appeals process. For denials, consulting an immigration attorney is usually more effective.