K-1 expedite request ("national security")

[ori8 24]

Hi -- Hoping to expedite my I-129F (I'm the petitioner). Has anyone had experience with filing an expedite request as an employee of the US national security apparatus (DOD, DHS, NNSA, etc.)? I am a mission-critical employee with chronic illness/disability that has been exacerbated by separation from my fiancé. I'm not active military.

 

My thought was that because some petitioners who are essential healthcare employees with health conditions exacerbated by separation from their fiancés have had success in expediting their applications under "compelling public safety or national security interests," it may be possible to try this with the "national security" part of that sentence. Any input on this? I'll talk to a lawyer about it soon, but thought you all might have some ideas, or know of cases where this was done successfully. Or may be able to tell me this is hopeless, lol. Thank you.

[Boiler 45,670]

Never hopeless and it is free so why not try?

[Crazy Cat 41,981]

Agree with @Boiler.  No cost to try.  The worst they can do is to say no.   Your chances are zero if you don't apply.

Edited February 2, 2021 by Lucky Cat

[ori8 24]

Thank you for the encouragement! ☺️ Do you think going through an immigration lawyer increases the probability of an expedite request being approved? I'm willing to pay for one if it'll help, but it's hard for me to judge the value, and I don't necessarily trust a person trying to sell me a service to tell me honestly if I will really benefit from that service. I'm sure there's too many factors to actually be able to say "yes, this makes it more likely to be approved" with certainty, but in general, what do you guys with experience in all this think?

[Crazy Cat 41,981]

7 minutes ago, ori8 said:

Thank you for the encouragement! ☺️ Do you think going through an immigration lawyer increases the probability of an expedite request being approved? I'm willing to pay for one if it'll help, but it's hard for me to judge the value, and I don't necessarily trust a person trying to sell me a service to tell me honestly if I will really benefit from that service. I'm sure there's too many factors to actually be able to say "yes, this makes it more likely to be approved" with certainty, but in general, what do you guys with experience in all this think?

I doubt hiring an attorney would be worth the money.  They seem relatively uncomplicated to request.

 

Edited February 2, 2021 by Lucky Cat

[Boiler 45,670]

Expedites are pretty simple, the evidence is the big thing and I assume that will down to you and your Medical providers.

[SalishSea 17,928]

5 hours ago, ori8 said:

Do you think going through an immigration lawyer increases the probability of an expedite request being approved?

Not even a little bit.

[NancyNguyen 1,657]

13 hours ago, Jorgedig said:

Not even a little bit.

Sometimes even slower.

[fezlopez 38]

Last year, I was an active duty Soldier, and working directly with COVID-19 infected Soldiers daily but in-non medical capacity (but I was a medic). I had a serious drinking problem (even enrolled in drinking program), and taking anxiety/depression medicine. The stress got to me. I considered submitting a similar request.  I asked my immigration attorney for counsel, this is what he advised I submit at the time:

1: Submit letter(s) by supervisor or superior detailing your a)duties, b)impact/value to the mission, c) and their support toward anything to make your mission-critical job easier (ex. having your family here,  allowing you to see your doctor, etc.)
2: Submit letter(s) by physician or medical provider detailing your condition, and treatment plan(s)

3: Submit letter by YOU, detailing your job duties, how the stressors/factors hinder your job capabilities and how having your family here will aid you (in any way, ESPECIALLY toward your mission-critical mission & health/mental health as detailed by your physician).
4: Any letters by other peers/coworkers detailing your duties if you wish.

 

Whatever you do, just try. I kick myself for not doing it now. I had too much pride and thought the gov't wouldn't entertain my request. But I'm better now!
Hope this helps!

Edited February 3, 2021 by fezlopez

[Ryan H 3,813]

~~~Hijack posts removed; if you want to provide updates about your own case, you need to start your own thread.~~~

[ori8 24]

@fezlopez Thank you so much for the detailed advice and the encouragement! This is so, so helpful. I really appreciate it! (and I'm glad you're doing better now -- stay well <3)