To seek expedited processing of your G-639, FOIA Request, you must submit a typed or printed statement, a cover letter, explaining in detail the basis for requesting the expedited processing. Your statement must include a certification that this information is complete, true, and correct to the best of your knowledge and belief.
USCIS may approve expedited processing in the following extraordinary cases:
– a situation when lack of expedited treatment can cause an imminent threat to the physical safety or life of a person;
– the loss of substantial due process rights;
– an urgency to inform the community about an alleged or actual Federal government activity, if made by an individual primarily engaged in disseminating information;
– a matter of exceptional media interest in which there exist possible questions about the government’s integrity which affect public confidence.
A request to have your Form G-639, Freedom of Information Act/Privacy Act Request, expedited or processed ahead of other previously received requests is reviewed on a case-by-case basis. The decision whether to grant or deny an expedited processing treatment is made within 10 days of receiving your request. In case USCIS denies the request, you may appeal the decision, otherwise it will be processed in a usual way without expedition.
If your case does not fall under the mentioned requirements for expedited processing, you may qualify for priority processing of Form G-639. Please see our article “How can I get priority processing for my G-639, FOIA Request”.