Expedited EADs for Healthcare Workers

USCIS has a formal process in place to expedite Employment Authorization Documents (EAD) for healthcare workers.  If a healthcare worker’s EAD application is pending for more than 90 days OR a renewal application is pending, and the current EAD expires within 30 days or has already expired, the applicant can request expedited processing by USCIS.  The steps to request an expedite are as follows:

• Call USCIS at 1 (800) 375-5283. Say the magic words “Make an InfoPass appointment” (and keep repeating them) to get through to a live person. Once a live person answers, explain the need to expedite your case based on being a healthcare worker and that either your application has been pending for more than 90 days, or your current EAD will expire in less than 30 days, and a renewal is pending. You will need your pending I-765 EAD application receipt number for either scenario, so have that handy.
• After a certain amount of time (usually a day or two) USCIS will email you requesting that you send documentation to support your claim.  The documentation you can prepare ahead of time to submit when you receive the request can include but is not limited to the following:
  • Letter from U.S. Employer regarding how they/U.S. patients would be affected without your ability to remain employed or start employment
  • Letter was written by you regarding your role as a U.S. healthcare provider and the financial/emotional hardship that you would suffer
  • Letters from colleagues/other medical professionals regarding the crucial services that you provide
  • Employer Offer Letter/Contract
  • Copies of your medical degree/ECFMG certificate/Licenses
• Once you receive the email and you have the documentation ready here is how you submit it to USCIS.
  • If you have a USCIS online account (we strongly recommend using the USCIS online account):
    • Log into your USCIS online account;
    • Find your Case Card by going to the Home page located under the MyAccount menu;
    • On your Case Card, select the Documents tab;
    • Scroll down to the bottom to Unsolicited Evidence and click Upload Evidence to upload your supporting evidence documents;
    • Next, go to your Inbox located under the MyAccount menu to send a secure message to request the processing of your case be expedited;
    • Select “Expedites” for the type of secure message you will be sending;
    • In your message indicate the Form Number and which Expedite Criteria you wish to be considered for (Emergencies and urgent humanitarian reasons);
    • Describe in detail how it will negatively affect you or your company if you do not receive the benefit in time; and
    • Indicate that you have successfully uploaded the necessary supporting evidence in your USCIS online account, with the name of each document and the date you uploaded them; then click Send.
  • If you do not have a USCIS online account, please check your receipt number to see if it starts with the letters “IOE.”
    • If your receipt number does start with “IOE,” please create a USCIS online account to upload evidence supporting your need to expedite your case. You should have received an Online Acceptance Notice with directions on how to set up a USCIS online account to include an Online Account Code (OAC) to link your form to your account. Please Note: If your OAC has expired, please submit an inquiry to reset you OAC at my.uscis.gov/account/v1/needhelp.
    • If your receipt notice number does not start with an “IOE,” please contact the USCIS Contact Center at 1-800-375-5283 (TTY 1-800-767-1833) for assistance with your request.
• After submission of the above, USCIS should expedite your EAD, and hopefully, you will receive it in the mail soon.

At Vrapi Weeks, we specialize in the immigration processes of healthcare workers.  If you are a healthcare worker or facility and have questions about the immigration process, schedule a consultation with one of our knowledgeable attorneys here.