When you are already frustrated by years of waiting for USCIS, the last thing you want is another process that drags on indefinitely. The good news is that mandamus lawsuits are often resolved much faster than most people expect.
Typical Timeline
Based on our experience handling hundreds of mandamus cases, here is what a typical timeline looks like. Preparation and filing takes approximately 1–2 weeks. The government then has 60 days to respond to the complaint. However, in many cases, USCIS begins acting on the underlying application well before that 60-day deadline. Most of our clients see meaningful movement — an interview scheduled, a decision issued, or a request for additional evidence — within 30–60 days of filing.
Why Does Filing Speed Things Up?
Once a mandamus lawsuit is filed, the case is assigned to a Department of Justice attorney. That attorney contacts USCIS and requests a status update on the underlying application. This often prompts USCIS to prioritize the case, since defending a lawsuit is more costly and time-consuming than simply adjudicating the application.
What If the Government Does Not Cooperate?
In cases where USCIS does not act voluntarily after the lawsuit is filed, the litigation proceeds through the normal federal court process. This can include motions, discovery, and potentially a hearing or trial. In our experience, cases that proceed to this stage are still typically resolved within 3–6 months.
The Bottom Line
While every case is different, most mandamus cases resolve within 30–90 days of filing. Compare that to the months or years you may have already been waiting, and the value becomes clear. If you are tired of waiting, contact us for a free evaluation.