The CIS Ombudsman can assist some applicants who have been unable to resolve a USCIS case problem through normal channels. This guide explains when H-4 and H-4 EAD applicants may seek help, how DHS Form 7001 works, what documents to submit and the limits of Ombudsman assistance.
Applicants facing an unresolved H-4 or H-4 EAD problem may eventually consider assistance from the Office of the Citizenship and Immigration Services Ombudsman. The CIS Ombudsman is an independent Department of Homeland Security office and is not part of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.
If your H-4 or H-4 EAD has been pending too long, the CIS Ombudsman may be one later-stage assistance option.
Try to resolve the issue with USCIS first
The CIS Ombudsman is generally intended as a later-stage assistance option. DHS instructs applicants to first try resolving the problem directly with USCIS through available channels such as a case inquiry, e-Request, USCIS online account, Emma or the USCIS Contact Center.
Before contacting the Ombudsman, review how to contact USCIS about a delayed H-4 or H-4 EAD case.
For cases involving only processing delays, applicants should also check whether their USCIS case inquiry date has passed and review the current Ombudsman eligibility requirements before submitting a request.
Submit DHS Form 7001
Case assistance is requested through DHS Form 7001, Request for Case Assistance. DHS strongly recommends submitting the form online because online requests can be entered and reviewed more efficiently.
Applicants should clearly explain the problem, describe the steps already taken with USCIS and identify the applications or petitions involved.
Include supporting documents
Useful documents may include USCIS receipt notices, responses to previous case inquiries, service-request confirmation numbers, relevant USCIS notices and evidence showing the specific problem that needs assistance.
DHS advises applicants to upload documentation that helps explain both the immigration case and previous attempts to resolve the issue with USCIS.
What happens after Form 7001 is submitted?
The CIS Ombudsman reviews the request, checks the information and determines whether the office can assist. When appropriate, it may contact the relevant USCIS office to help address the problem.
Applicants who submit online receive a CIS Ombudsman request number that should be saved for future communication.
Understand what the Ombudsman cannot do
The office does not provide legal advice and generally cannot change a USCIS decision simply because an applicant disagrees with it. It also is not an appeal channel for a recently denied expedite request.
If the case remains unresolved, applicants may also consider congressional help for a delayed H-4 EAD case.
For H-4 and H-4 EAD applicants, the CIS Ombudsman is therefore best viewed as an additional problem-solving channel when normal USCIS efforts have not resolved an eligible case issue.
