COVID-19 update: USCIS to close offices to the public

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services announced Tuesday evening that it will close its offices to the public and suspend in-person services until at least April 1.

Key Points:

• In-person services, including all interviews and naturalization ceremonies, will not be available during the suspension, which begins Wednesday, March 18.
• 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 announcement only applies to in-person services at USCIS field offices, asylum offices, and Application Support Centers, and does not reference 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. USCIS has a COVID-19 webpage where it is posting updates.

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

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