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Serve It Right: Delivering Your Mandamus to USCIS, DHS & DOJ

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Flat-style digital illustration showing four certified mail envelopes prepared for proper Pro Se Mandamus service to USCIS, DHS, DOJ, and the U.S. Attorney, highlighting legal mailing steps in immigration delay cases

A flawless Pro Se Mandamus can still fail if you mis-serve the defendants. Federal judges dismiss dozens of cases each month for bad service—even when the I-918 petition and I-765 work-permit delays are crystal-clear. Follow this guide to meet Rule 4(i) requirements, beat any immigration case delay, and keep the 60-day clock ticking.

Who Must Be Served—and Why It Matters

  • USCIS Director – the agency actually processing your case.
  • Secretary of Homeland Security (DHS) – ultimate supervisory authority.
  • U.S. Attorney General (DOJ) – represents the government in Mandamus actions.
  • U.S. Attorney in Your District – local notice satisfies Rule 4(i)(1)(A).

Skip any of these and the court must dismiss for lack of jurisdiction. See Federal Rule 4(i) for the statutory text.

Step-by-Step Certified-Mail Checklist (2025)

  1. Prepare Four Identical Packets
    Each packet includes the complaint, civil cover sheet, summons, and your I-918 / I-765 receipts.
  2. Address Correctly
    • USCIS: “Office of the Chief Counsel, 5900 Capital Gateway Dr., Camp Springs, MD 20746” (per the latest USCIS ‘Service of Process’ notice).
    • DHS & DOJ main addresses (Washington, DC).
    • Local U.S. Attorney (find on justice.gov).
  3. Use USPS Certified Mail + Return Receipt
    Courts prefer the green card (Form 3811) as proof. Total cost: $8–$10 per envelope.
  4. File Proof of Service
    After all green cards return, upload (or mail) them to the clerk within seven days.
  5. Start the 60-Day Clock
    Day 1 begins when the last defendant receives the packet.

Budget reminder: these mailing costs plus the $405 court fee still keep Mandamus under $500. See full math in our cost breakdown.

Need the ready-to-mail packet prepared for you? Our DIY Mandamus kit prints, packages, and labels everything—you just sign and drop it at the post office.

CTA — Get Your Pre-Labeled Mandamus Packet Today

Stop worrying about address errors. Text SERVE to (855) 998-5542 or email us. We’ll ship a court-ready packet to your door in 5–7 business days—no guesswork, no rejections.

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