Federal Agencies, Agency Memos & Announcements

CSC Instructions on Requesting Expedites for Religious Worker Cases

8/6/03 AILA Doc. No. 03080613. Business Immigration, I-360 Religious Workers

Instructions for Requesting Expedite of Religious Worker Case at CSC

On July 18, 2003 the Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services announced the sunset deadline and expeditious handling requirements for Special Immigrant Religious Worker Petitions.

In keeping with this memorandum, the California Service Center will be directing resources to adjudicate all pending I-360, I-485 Adjustment cases with previously approved I-360 petitions and I-824 applications.

In the event the CSC is unable to make a decision during the adjudication process, an Intent to Deny (ITD) or Request for Evidence (RFE) will be issued requesting the additional evidence required to overcome any deficiencies.

It is important to note that, even if an ITD or RFE is issued (or was previously issued), it is the responsibility of the petitioner or applicant to comply with the request and have it returned to the CSC expeditiously. Do not wait for the allowed time frame to elapse as this may not allow sufficient time to complete the processing requirements.

Please remember that the expeditious response is critical to meeting the sunset deadline. As part of our adjudication process we may need to request "A" files, (that may be located in other BCIS offices or the National Records Center) complete required security checks, forward cases to District offices for interview if necessary, and or notify consulates or embassies as appropriate. This is a time consuming process. Therefore, it is requested that you file or respond to an ITD or RFE as soon as possible.

If a petitioner or applicant wishes to submit a new I-360, I-485 with a previously approved I-360 or an I-824, please use the coversheet below. This coversheet needs to placed on the top of each form and supporting documents.

When responding to a request (ITD or RFE) it is recommended that you respond using express mail or via fax (do not do both). These should be addressed to:

California Service Center
Division I (I-360 Project WS24401)
24000 Avila Road, 2nd Floor
Laguna Niguel, Ca.92677

DO NOT OPEN IN MAILROOM
TO BE OPENED BY ADDRESSEE ONLY

-or fax-

FAX (949)389-3246

Please note that this process is temporary and is limited to these filings only through September 30, 2003.

Cite as AILA Doc. No. 03080613.