USCIS Starts Reopening Field Offices and ASC Biometrics Facilities

After a 2.5-month closure, USCIS has announced that they are in the process of reinstating public services at USCIS field offices and ASC biometrics facilities. It is expected that most field offices and application support centers (ASC) will begin reopening on or shortly after June 4th. There will be fewer appointments and health and safety protocols will be place.

Interviews and Appointments

USCIS will send notices to applicants with previously-scheduled appointments and interviews. USCIS will only allow the applicant, one representative, one family member and one individual providing disability accommodations, if needed. A translator will have to be arranged by the applicant to appear by phone.

Naturalization Ceremonies

USCIS will continue scheduling naturalization ceremonies and they will send notices to applicants to rescheduled postponed ceremonies. The ceremonies are expected to be much shorter and attendance is limited to the naturalization candidate and individuals providing assistance to disabled person.

Biometrics and Application Support Centers

USCIS will automatically reschedule any necessary ASC appointments that were cancelled due to the closures. Applicants are expected to appear for their new appointment date, as scheduled or submit a timely request to reschedule. According to USCIS, individuals attempting to appear at a time or date other than what is on the appointment notice may encounter “significant processing delays” (except for military members). In other words, “walk-in” biometrics are likely to be significantly more difficult to do.

Our office has seen USCIS attempt to reuse recent biometrics from a prior case so in certain cases we have seen USCIS waive the biometrics requirement if they are able to reuse prior and recent biometrics. But this option does not apply to all cases and we do not know if this practice would continue after the application support centers resume operations.

Guidelines for Entering USCIS Facilities

USCIS has also provided guidelines with respect to visiting a USCIS facility.

• Visitors may not enter a USCIS facility if they:
  • Have any symptoms of COVID-19, including cough, fever or difficulty breathing;
  • Have been in close contact with anyone known or suspected to have COVID-19 in the last 14 days; or
  • Have been individually directed to self-quarantine or self-isolate by a health care provider or public health official within the last 14 days.
• Visitors may not enter the facility more than 15 minutes prior to their appointment (30 minutes for naturalization ceremonies).
• Hand sanitizer will be provided for visitors at entry points. 
• Members of the public must wear facial coverings that cover both the mouth and nose when entering facilities. Visitors may be directed to briefly remove their face covering to confirm identity or take their photograph. There will be markings and physical barriers in the facility; visitors should pay close attention to these signs to ensure they follow social distancing guidelines.
• Individuals are encouraged to bring their own black or blue ink pens.

Conclusion

We welcome the reopening of USCIS facilities but at the same time we urge our clients and readers to exercise patience and caution. The backlog of cancellations will likely mean that the wait times for interview or biometrics will be notably longer. Also, we caution our readers to note the guidelines for USCIS interviews to avoid delays.

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