In 2004, United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) implemented InfoPass, a free online service providing applicants with the option to schedule an appointment with a USCIS immigration officer through the USCIS website. Since then, InfoPass has been modified, updated and refreshed many times. More recently, USCIS developed a pilot program to replace InfoPass entirely.
The pilot program, titled the Information Services Modernization Program, was introduced for testing in the Spring of 2018. USCIS was pleased with the results of the program and it became implemented nationwide in November of 2018. The Information Services Modernization Program will ultimately replace the traditional InfoPass system entirely by September of 2019.
Based on surveys and other data, USCIS determined that most people who made in-person information service appointments through InfoPass could have received the same information by calling the USCIS Contact Center or checking the USCIS website. The new system is intended to streamline information services by centralizing case status inquiries and information resources in the USCIS Contact Center. There, applicants can receive immediate assistance through online messaging and live phone-based support. By ending InfoPass and redirecting applicants to the Contact Center, USCIS hopes to focus more support on those applicants facing emergency situations or those applicants who need services that can only be provided in person. USCIS also hopes that by reducing in-person appointments, resources can be better allocated toward processing and adjudicating applications, areas in which USCIS suffers from a significant backlog.
For those who still require in-person assistance, appointments can still be made through the Contact Center. USCIS is hoping to make further improvements to the Call Center in the future, such as shortening call back times and providing call backs from an officer in your zip code. Presently, the applicant could be speaking to an officer anywhere in the country. However, these goals are presently aspirational.
If you have any further questions or concerns about the replacement of the InfoPass system, please do not hesitate to contact Berardi Immigration Law to set up a consultation with one of our experienced and knowledgeable immigration attorneys today!
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