Quick Summary: On August 21, 2023, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced an online form for requesting certain in-person appointments at local USCIS field offices. The form may make it easier to ask for an appointment without first calling the USCIS Contact Center. However, it does not let a person choose and book an appointment directly.

For people handling an immigration matter, an in-person USCIS appointment can be important. This update created another way for individuals, attorneys, and accredited representatives to ask USCIS for certain types of appointments. Below, we explain the announcement in clear, practical terms.

What USCIS Announced

USCIS announced an online appointment request form for people who need to request an in-person visit at a local field office. Before this option, people generally needed to contact the USCIS Contact Center to request this type of appointment.

The online form is for submitting a request. It is not an online calendar, and it is not a system where a person can immediately reserve a time.

Who Can Use the Request Form

According to the USCIS announcement, the form may be used by individuals, attorneys, and accredited representatives. This means a person may submit a request personally, or a qualified legal representative may request an appointment on that person’s behalf.

The request is for an appointment at a local USCIS field office. It is not described as a general tool for all USCIS questions or every immigration service.

Examples of Reasons for an In-Person Appointment

USCIS stated that the form can be used to request field-office appointments for matters including ADIT stamps, Emergency Advance Parole, and Immigration Judge Grants. USCIS also indicated that the form may be used for other qualifying appointment needs.

These examples matter because the form is intended for specific situations that require an in-person visit. A request should clearly explain why an appointment is needed and provide the information USCIS asks for.

You Are Requesting an Appointment, Not Scheduling One

This is the most important point to understand. Submitting the form does not mean USCIS has scheduled an appointment. It also does not guarantee that USCIS will provide an appointment on the date or time requested.

A person may ask for a preferred date and time. USCIS will review the request and check appointment availability at the appropriate field office. If USCIS approves and schedules the appointment, USCIS will provide the available date and time.

In plain language: you can ask, but USCIS makes the final scheduling decision.

What Happens After You Submit the Form

USCIS stated that the Contact Center will review the submitted request. In some cases, the information provided may allow USCIS to schedule the appointment without further contact.

In other cases, USCIS may need more information. The Contact Center may contact the person by phone or email, depending on the reason for the appointment and how urgent the situation is. The announcement notes that the reference number received when the request is submitted may be used during this process.

It is helpful to keep that reference number in a safe place. It connects the request to later communication with USCIS.

Practical Steps to Take

If you believe you need an in-person USCIS appointment, start by identifying the reason for the visit. Make sure the reason fits the type of field-office appointment USCIS is accepting through the request process.

• Complete the request form carefully and provide the requested information.
• If you have a preferred date and time, you may include it, but understand that it is not guaranteed.
• Save the reference number you receive after submitting the request.
• Watch for possible USCIS follow-up by phone or email.
• Wait for USCIS to confirm whether an appointment is available and, if so, when it is scheduled.

Because immigration matters can be time-sensitive, it is important to review official USCIS instructions carefully and respond promptly if USCIS contacts you.

Why This Update May Help

USCIS said the online request process was intended to improve the customer experience. By collecting information at the beginning, USCIS may be able to review a request more efficiently and may not always need an additional conversation with the Contact Center before scheduling an appointment.

For individuals and families, the practical benefit is a possible alternative to calling first. For employers, HR professionals, and others supporting a worker’s immigration matter, a clearer request process may also help organize time-sensitive information for the person who needs the appointment.

How Ventresca & Ventresca LLP Can Help

At Ventresca & Ventresca LLP, we understand that immigration questions can feel urgent and difficult to manage, especially when an in-person USCIS appointment may be needed. Our responsive attorneys help clients understand immigration updates and consider the next steps based on the facts of a pending or planned matter.

This post summarizes the USCIS announcement released on August 21, 2023. It does not replace USCIS instructions or legal guidance for an individual situation.

FAQ

Can I choose my own USCIS appointment time through this form?

No. You may request a specific date and time, but USCIS does not guarantee it. USCIS reviews the request and schedules an available appointment if appropriate.

Does submitting the form mean my appointment is confirmed?

No. The form is a request for an appointment. USCIS must review it and confirm any appointment date and time.

Do I still need to watch for a call or email from USCIS?

Yes. USCIS may contact you by phone or email if more information is needed, depending on the reason for the request and its urgency.

What should I keep after submitting the request?

Keep the reference number provided when you submit the form. USCIS may use that number when communicating about the request.

Can an attorney request an appointment for a client?

USCIS stated that attorneys and accredited representatives may use the online appointment request form, in addition to individuals.

If this update affects a pending or planned immigration matter, contact Ventresca & Ventresca LLP to discuss your situation and next steps.