COVID-19 Update: Operations of different immigration agencies

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Things are developing very quickly in immigration with regard to the operations of the different immigration agencies. Here’s a current summary as of March 20, 2020:

  • USCIS Field Offices: Closed to the general public through at least April 1, 2020. This means that all USCIS interviews are being postponed and rescheduled. This includes USCIS Asylum Offices.

  • USCIS National Service Centers: There hasn’t been clear guidance, but from our recent experience, USCIS is still answering its phones (800-375-5283), and the national service centers are still accepting and processing applications. The USCIS self-service links are still up and running as well. However, given the shelter-at-home orders that are going into place in many states, we expect that there will at least be a significant slowdown in national USCIS operations.

  • EOIR (Immigration Courts): No hearings are currently being held for non-detained immigrants. Some immigration courts, such as New York and Newark, are completely closed. Some immigration courts that operate in detention centers are still open. If you are concerned about an upcoming hearing, you can check on your next hearing date by calling 1-800-898-7180 and entering your alien registration number (“A-number”). Or better yet, contact an attorney!

  • Consulates: All United States consulates have suspended routine visa services, such as spousal visas, fiance(e) visas, student visas, and tourist visas. Different consulates have posted different updates — you can look up your closest consulate here.

We are working from home, but still returning calls and e-mails and still filing applications on behalf of our clients. If we can be of any assistance, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Also, please keep in mind that this situation is evolving very rapidly. This information is accurate as of today, March 20, 2020. We will try to update it as there are further developments.

Please do everything you can to stay safe and healthy.