Most USCIS Field Offices to Resume Services on June 4, 2020

As the USCIS field offices begin to resume services again, they will be reducing the number of appointments and interviews to make sure they are following the proper social distancing guidelines, to allow time for cleaning, and to reduce the number of people in the waiting area. Appointment notices will also have the information that visitors to USCIS must follow.

USCIS has stated that if you are feeling sick, you should not go to the appointment. There will be no penalty for rescheduling if the reason is that you are sick.

Asylum Offices

USCIS asylum offices will automatically reschedule asylum interviews that were canceled during the temporary closures, and new interview notices will be sent out.

Since asylum interviews are long, they will be doing video interviews where the asylum applicant sits in one room and the interviewing officer in another.

For affirmative asylum interviews, applicants must bring all immediate family members listed as dependents on the application and an interpreter, if the applicant does not speak English.  Additionally, a representative, witness, individual providing disability accommodations or “trusted adult” if an applicant is a minor, may attend the interview.

For non-detained credible or reasonable fear interviews, individuals must bring any family members listed on the interview notice. Representatives may attend credible and reasonable fear interviews but are encouraged to participate telephonically. USCIS will provide contracted, professional interpreters for credible and reasonable fear interviews.”

Naturalization Ceremonies

USCIS will send notices to applicants to reschedule postponed naturalization ceremonies. The ceremonies may be shorter to limit exposure to those in attendance. Instead of playing videos during naturalization ceremonies, attendees will receive a flyer with information and links directing them to the videos on the USCIS website. Under the shortened format, all legally required portions of the ceremony will take place.

Attendance is limited to the naturalization candidate and individuals providing assistance to disabled persons.

Interviews and Appointments

For any previously scheduled appointments and interviews that were postponed, USCIS will send new appointment notices. For those who had Infopass appointments that were canceled, you will have to call the USCIS customer service line to reschedule. Their number is 1-800-375-5283.

You can also check the USCIS office closure page to see if your respective office has been reopened before calling the Contact Center.

“Visitors are limited to the applicant, one representative, one family member and one individual providing disability accommodations. The applicant should arrange to have their interpreter available by phone. “

Application Support Centers

USCIS will automatically reschedule any necessary ASC appointments (AKA biometric appointments) that were canceled. If you go at a date or time other than what is listed on that appointment notice, you could experience significant delays, except military members, so please try to go only on the date and time scheduled.

Guidelines for Entering USCIS Facilities

• Visitors may not enter a USCIS facility if they:
  • Have any symptoms of COVID-19, including cough, fever or difficulty breathing;
  • Have been in close contact with anyone known or suspected to have COVID-19 in the last 14 days; or
  • Have been individually directed to self-quarantine or self-isolate by a health care provider or public health official within the last 14 days.
• Visitors may not enter the facility more than 15 minutes prior to their appointment (30 minutes for naturalization ceremonies).
• Hand sanitizer will be provided for visitors at entry points.
• Members of the public must wear facial coverings that cover both the mouth and nose when entering facilities. Visitors may be directed to briefly remove their face covering to confirm identity or take their photograph. There will be markings and physical barriers in the facility; visitors should pay close attention to these signs to ensure they follow social distancing guidelines.
• Individuals are encouraged to bring their own black or blue ink pens.

Find more information on visiting USCIS facilities can be found at uscis.gov/visitorpolicy.

You can also visit uscis.gov/coronavirus for updates.

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JLJ Law law firm is based in Salt Lake City, Utah and we serve the Wasatch Front. One of JLJ Law Groups’ specialties is in business immigration in the United States and immigration services in the United States. If you have questions or would like to inquire about immigration or are looking for an immigration attorney contact us today at 801-883-8204.