USCIS Offers Filing Flexibilities Due to Lockbox Delays

Since late 2020, UCIS has been experiencing delays at USCIS lockboxes due the volume of filings and practical delays due to the pandemic.  On June 10, 2021, USCIS announced that they will be offering filing flexibilities to certain applicants who have been impacted by these delays.

These flexibilities will only be applicable to those who have submitted with petition or application to a USCIS lockbox and not to a field office. Furthermore, these flexibilities are only temporary as they are offered between June 10thto August 9th, 2021.

The first flexibility offered will be for people who applied for a benefit to a lockbox but was eventually denied because the filing fee that was submitted had expired. If this is so, you can resubmit the request with a new payment. If USCIS agrees that the denial was due to lockbox delay, USCIS will deem the second request to be received on the filing date of the first application, and will waive the $30 dishonored check fee.

The second flexibility offered will be for those who have aged out of eligibility for some benefit because of a delayed denial. USCIS states that “Because of the time that elapsed between when a benefit request was originally submitted to a USCIS lockbox and when USCIS rejected it, an applicant, co-applicant, beneficiary or derivative has reached an age that makes them no longer eligible to file for the benefit requested.” For these individuals, they will be allowed to send benefit requests and USCIS will postdate the receival of the application as the date or the initial benefit request. Please note that applicants will also need to submit documentation that shows the age out was caused by the delay. This flexibility is not applicable to Application for Citizenship and Issuance of Certificate Under Section 322 (Form N-600K).

Here at Zhang and Associates, we have successfully represented thousands of non-immigrant and immigrant visas cases. We also understand that during this hectic time, your immigration needs are extremely important. If your needs are neglected, there can be very serious consequences that might disrupt your life. We also understand the importance of keeping up with the latest immigration news and law. If you have any questions or concerns regarding any immigration related issue, our seasoned staff will be happy to help. For a free evaluation on your case or situation, please email us at info@hooyou.com.

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Former U.S. Consular officer and
Visa Officer , Attorney Sechyi Laiu joined Zhang & Associates, P.C. on June 26, 2017

At Zhang & Associates, P.C., Attorney Laiu specializes on Consular Processing cases and business development. Attorney Laiu also focuses on TN visas, E visas, CBP administrative proceedings (monetary confiscation, deferred inspection), and overseas financial compliance.

Prior to joining Zhang & Associates, P.C., Attorney Laiu worked for the U.S. Department of State as a Chinese and Portuguese speaking diplomat. As a consular-coned officer who served in Vancouver (Canada), Shenyang (P.R. China), and Rio de Janeiro (Brazil), Attorney Laiu processed over 30,000 visa cases and worked in every section of Consular Affairs overseas (Fraud Prevention Unit, Immigrant Visas, Non-Immigrant Visas, and American Citizen Services).

He uses his experience and expertise to deliver the highest quality of service to our clients.


Founded in 1996, Zhang & Associates, P.C. offers legal services to clients worldwide in all aspects of U.S immigration law. We have successfully handled over ten thousand immigration cases.

At Zhang & Associates, P.C., our attorneys and supporting professionals are committed to providing high-quality immigration and non-immigration visa services. We specialize in NIW, EB-1, PERM, I-485 I-130, H-1B, O, L and J cases. In the past over twenty years, we have successfully helped over ten thousand clients get green cards. If you plan to apply for a green card, please send your CV to Attorney Jerry Zhang (info@hooyou.com) for a free evaluation.

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(06/14/2021)