USCIS Re-Opening Updates: Local Offices will restart Services in June
As services begin to reopen, on or after June 4,2020, USCIS offices will reduce the number of appointments and interviews to ensure social distancing, allow time for cleaning and reduce waiting room occupancy. Appointment notices will contain information on safety precautions that visitors to USCIS facilities must follow. All visitors must follow the Guidelines for Entering USCIS Facilities below.
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.
Application Support Center:
USCIS will automatically reschedule any necessary ASC appointments that were cancelled due to the temporary office closure. Individuals will receive a new appointment letter in the mail with specific safety requirements.
Naturalization Ceremonies:
After USCIS notified the applicants with the new date for naturalization ceremonies the applicant should expect a shorter ceremony and with limited attendance, with availability for accommodations if needed . 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.
Interviews and Appointments:
USCIS will send notices to applicants and petitioners with previously scheduled appointments and interviews. If you have other appointments you must confirm if your local office is reopened and rescheduled through the USCIS Contact Center a new appointment.
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.
Asylum Offices:
USCIS asylum offices will automatically reschedule asylum interviews that were cancelled during the pandemic. Asylum applicants will receive a new interview notice with the new time, date and location for the interview and information about safety precautions.
The interview will be conducted via video, where the applicants sit in one room and the interviewing officer sits in another room. 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 are encouraged to participate telephonically. USCIS will provide contracted, professional interpreters for credible and reasonable fear interviews.
Emergency Services:
If you need assistance with any emergency service please call the USCIS Contact Center or contact our office for any immigration legal assistance or for more information.We are happy to provide free initial consultations.
About Us
The Law Office of Nicholas J. Mireles is an experienced Los Angeles based U.S. Immigration law firm that has been practicing immigration law since 2013. Our background makes us uniquely well suited to help you with any issue relating to your immigration status.
Law Office of Nicholas J. Mireles, APC
411 West 7th St. Ste 310 - Los Angeles, CA 90014
attorney@loonjm.com