Expedite Request

[tomyka81 95]

Does anyone have experience with an expedite request? I understand how to request one, etc. But what should I expect from the agent on the phone? Do they just take down information and give a number and wait? What happens once a request is filed?

[Alaska2012 462]

You will mail in your expedite request...you don't call it in.

[aaron2020 11,651]

Do you meet the expedite criteria?

[tomyka81 95]

Do you meet the expedite criteria?

Is that the question that the customer service representative will ask? and then I will expound on how I do? But if you are asking me now, yes I do.Textbook and verifiable example.

[Boiler 45,519]

make sure you get the opportunity of sending in you supporting documentation.

[Unshakable Faith 493]

Yes you can request it over the phone, or you can ask your senator to do it for you!

Edited January 18, 2016 by FN&KO

[Villanelle 4,122]

What are you trying to expedite? The 129F?

Generally speaking you have several options. You can use the assistance of a congressperson, you can use the phone line, or you can even use infopass.

If you use the phone- the rep will take some general info from you after verifying that you qualify. They then send the info to the service center. They will tell you to wait to hear from them. Because its a matter of urgency its best to not do this. I mean eventually you will get something in the mail- but dont sit and wait for it. Give it an appropriate amount of time because the initial request goes to the service center where they will look at it- make notations of what they need to process it in the system and mail you a letter. You can call back the phone center and they will be able to see in the system what the officer wants and provide you with (almost always) a fax number to send it in.

The phone center will not call you back after the officer gets the initial request and updates the system. Its on you to contact them back or wait for the instructions in the mail. Once you respond- again the only way they communicate with you is through mail- so again you need to call them and check they got your response and follow up with it.

If you go to infopass its similar to the above. They will ask you some questions and see if you are eligible. They will take your info and send it to the service center. Sometimes they take your supporting docs and send it- other times they tell you to wait for the officer to review it and ask for them. The difference with infopass is that often the officer in the window that helps you can and often does follow up. They can/will call you and tell you if the officer needs docs or more info if it wasnt already submitted. But if they dont get back to you- like the phone center, you will be waiting for info in the mail unless you initiate follow up contact.

You also need to keep in mind that whatever path you choose is going to be the path you need to remain on following up. If you submit through the phone then infopass wont have any idea of whats going on and wont be able to access it to help you. If you apply at infopass you can not follow up with a phone call checking on it.

Im honestly not entirely sure of the specifics with congressmen. I dont know if they go through the phone system or if they send it directly to the service center. An advantage to using them is the assistance they provide and the personal attention. A disadvantage is its sort of like a game of phone tag where the info is going to be filtered through them on its way to you so its adding another person to the mix.

But I guess in either of the above situations theres a middle man between you and the service center whether its the phone center or infopass so eh.

[tomyka81 95]

Thanks that was very detailed. I called first thing this morning and the lady was extremely empathetic. I am at least five hours away from an infopass office. I chose two categories and she ensured to get the spellings of everything correct. She told me i t usually takes about five days. I don't think I will need to send in any documentation.

[Alaska2012 462]

You don't have to send in any proof related to your request?

[tomyka81 95]

I do not think I will have to. Each case is very different and I think it depends all on what you are claiming is the issue for expedite. I have read political issues normally don't require, natural disasters, etc. I would be very surprised if I have to send in anything.

[Boiler 45,519]

Now you have me intrigued wondering what the basis of your expedite is.

Nothing comes to mind...

[Ochili 21]

I requested an expedite and it was granted. I didn't have to send in any further documentation. I think some information that I'd already sent it with my packet helped, though.