COVID-19 update: U.S.-Canadian border, USCIS services

The United States and Canada have agreed to close the border to nonessential traffic, and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services has closed its office to the public and suspended in-person services until at least April 1.

Key Points:

• U.S. Canadian border. Nonessential traffic between the United States and Canada will be halted, but the border will remain open or essential travel. Few additional details are available at this time, but BAL continues to monitor the situation and will provide additional information when it is available.
• USCIS services. In-person services, including all interviews and naturalization ceremonies, will not be available during the suspension.
• USCIS will continue to provide emergency services. Those requesting an emergency service should contact the USCIS Contact Center.
• USCIS will send de-scheduling/cancelation notices to all individuals scheduled for an appointment, naturalization ceremony or asylum interview. Applicants will be rescheduled when normal operations resume.
• The agency will automatically reschedule Application Support Center appointments. Applicants will receive a new appointment letter in the mail.
• Individuals who had InfoPass or other appointments at a USCIS field office must reschedule through the USCIS Contact Center.

Additional information: The USCIS announcement only applies to in-person services at USCIS field offices, asylum offices, and Application Support Centers, and does not refer to USCIS Service Centers where immigration applications are processed. BAL will continue to monitor the impact of COVID-19 on immigration in the United States and will update clients as new information becomes available.

This alert has been provided by the BAL U.S. Practice group. For additional information, please contact berryapplemanleiden@bal.com.