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Still waiting on your I-918 petition and I-765 work permit? You may have received the vague label of “administrative processing,” a status that often stretches into an immigration case delay of 18–24 months. A Pro Se Mandamus lawsuit can shrink that window to roughly 60 days. Below you’ll see how Mandamus works, how it differs from administrative processing, and when to deploy our five-step DIY kit.
Mandamus vs. Administrative Processing: Key Differences

- Who controls the clock? Administrative processing leaves timing entirely to USCIS; a Mandamus filing puts a federal judge in charge of a 60-day deadline.
- Legal leverage: Mandamus relies on the Administrative Procedure Act and 28 U.S.C. § 1361 to compel action, while administrative processing offers no statutory timeline.
- Cost comparison: A Pro Se Mandamus costs a flat $405 court fee plus postage. Waiting out administrative processing has an invisible cost—lost wages and mounting stress.
- Outcome control: Mandamus forces any decision (approval or denial), allowing you to appeal quickly if needed. Administrative processing keeps you in limbo.
Data check: USCIS’s latest historic processing chart shows median U-Visa EAD waits above 24 months . By contrast, courts routinely order USCIS to answer Mandamus complaints within 60 days, as highlighted in the American Immigration Council’s Mandamus advisory.
When to Choose a Pro Se Mandamus
- 90 days of silence. If three months have passed since you received your I-918 and I-765 receipt notices, courts see the delay as “presumptively unreasonable.”
- Documented hardship. Pay stubs lost, family support at risk, or job offers on hold—all strengthen your Mandamus claim.
- No “red-flag” inadmissibility issues. Minor discrepancies are fine, but unresolved criminal issues may slow a Mandamus path.
Already meet those criteria? Here’s the streamlined DIY roadmap:
- Fill the Form – Enter your receipts and address in our secure online intake.
- Review & Prep – Our team drafts the complaint, civil-cover sheet, and summons.
- Mailing – We Priority-Ship your ready-to-file packet in 5–7 business days.
- Sign, Send & Wait – Add a $405 money order and mail to the district court clerk; most clients see action inside 60 days.
- Enjoy the Benefits! – 95 % of DIY users receive their work-permit approval or other resolution.
Need more details? See our 90-Day Mandamus Guide and the full list of services we provide.
Quick Cost Breakdown (2025)
Item | Amount |
---|---|
Court filing fee | $405 |
Certified-mail service | $25–$40 |
DIY packet (flat) | Included |
Compare that to 24 months of lost wages, and Mandamus quickly proves its value.
Pro tip: Use USCIS’s Processing-Time Tool to screenshot your category’s average delay—courts like hard evidence.
CTA: Fast-Track Your Work Permit Now
Email our legal team or call us at (855) 998-5542 to start your Mandamus in minutes. Why wait years when you can act today?