This winter has certainly had its inconveniences, from floods, blizzards and polar vortexes to unbearable wind chills and more. The harsh weather continues to impact services and operations at United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) Field Offices in many areas of the country. Today alone, all federal offices are closed in the Washington, D.C. area, as well as field offices and/or applicant support centers (ASC) in Maryland, Oklahoma, Virginia and Texas.
So what do you do when your long-awaited immigrant visa interview is cancelled or you are unable to provide the required biometrics due to an office closing? USCIS has created a chart to provide guidance on rescheduling when your office or ASC is closed. However, USCIS also advises that applicants check with their specific office once operations resume. Information on your specific office can be found on your Interview Notice. You can also call the National Customer Service Center at 1-800-375-5283.
Field Office and International Office Closures | |
If You | Then |
Have an appointment for an interview or biometrics and the USCIS office you have been scheduled for is closed, | USCIS will automatically reschedule as soon as possible. |
Scheduled an InfoPass (https://infopass.uscis.gov/) or other appointment and the USCIS office you have been scheduled for is closed | We recommend you reschedule a new appointment on your own as soon as possible. |
ASC Closures |
||
If an ASC | Then We | Note |
Is closed temporarily on the day of your biometrics appointment for an unforeseen circumstance such as inclement weather or a power outage; | Will automatically reschedule all applicants to the next available appointment date | If you would prefer to come in once the office reopens we will process walk-ins on a case-by-case basis; however, the ASC may experience multiple walk-ins on the days following a closure and you may experience longer wait times. |
Has closed until further notice and the reopen date is not known | Will automatically reschedule your appointment to the nearest ASC for processing based on your ZIP code | This will continue until the ASC has confirmed a reopening date. |
Source: www.uscis.gov/about-us/uscis-office-closings
If you would like to speak with one of our immigration attorneys regarding any immigration topic, including questions related to federal office closures, please contact us to schedule a consultation.
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