Premium Processing Clock Was Stopped for My Case: What Does It Mean?
If you have filed a petition or application with the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and have paid the premium processing fee, you may be wondering what happens if the premium processing clock is stopped. In this article, we will explain what premium processing is, what it means when the clock is stopped, and what you can do to resume processing.
Premium processing is a service offered by USCIS that allows petitioners to pay an additional fee to have their cases processed within 15 calendar days. This service is available for certain types of petitions and applications, including employment-based petitions, family-based petitions, and naturalization applications.
Premium Processing Clock Stopped
If your premium processing clock has been stopped, it means that USCIS has temporarily paused the 15-day processing period. This can happen for a variety of reasons, including:
• A request for evidence (RFE): If USCIS needs additional information from you, they will issue an RFE. You will have a specific amount of time to respond to the RFE, and the premium processing clock will be stopped until you do.
• A security check: USCIS may need to conduct a security check on you or your beneficiary. This can take some time, and the premium processing clock will be stopped until the check is complete.
• An administrative error: Sometimes, USCIS may make an administrative error that delays the processing of your case. If this happens, the premium processing clock will be stopped until the error is corrected.
Tips and Expert Advice
If your premium processing clock has been stopped, here are a few tips:
• Contact USCIS: If you have not received a notice from USCIS explaining why your clock has been stopped, you should contact them to inquire. You can do this by calling the USCIS Contact Center at 1-800-375-5283 or by submitting an inquiry online.
• Respond to RFEs promptly: If you receive an RFE, it is important to respond to it as quickly as possible. The faster you respond, the sooner your case will be processed.
• Be patient: It is important to be patient when your premium processing clock is stopped. USCIS is often backlogged, and there may be delays in processing your case. However, if you have not received a decision on your case within 15 days of submitting your response to an RFE or after a security check is complete, you should contact USCIS to inquire about the status of your case.
FAQ
Q: What can I do if my premium processing clock has been stopped?
A: If your premium processing clock has been stopped, you should contact USCIS to inquire about the reason. You can also take steps to expedite the processing of your case, such as responding to RFEs promptly.
Q: Will I get a refund if my premium processing clock is stopped?
A: No, you will not receive a refund if your premium processing clock is stopped. However, you may be eligible for a refund if your case is denied.
Q: Can I appeal if my premium processing clock is stopped?
A: You cannot appeal the decision to stop your premium processing clock. However, you can appeal the decision on your case if it is denied.
Conclusion
If your premium processing clock has been stopped, it is important to be patient and to take steps to expedite the processing of your case. By following the tips and advice provided in this article, you can help to ensure that your case is processed as quickly as possible.
Are you interested in learning more about premium processing or other immigration topics? Please leave a comment below and let us know what you would like to learn about.
