On May 27th, the USCIS announced that it expects to begin reopening domestic offices and public services beginning on June 4th or later. All asylum interviews, naturalization ceremonies, interviews, appointments, and biometrics appointments canceled due to office closures will be automatically rescheduled. All applicants will be issued new notices confirming the rescheduled event.
In consideration of COVID-19, USCIS will be reducing the number of appointments, interviews, and number of visitors to USCIS facilities.
Naturalization Ceremonies are expected to be shorter in duration. Videos that were previously shown during ceremonies will be accessible via the USCIS website. Attendance will also be limited to the naturalization candidate and those assisting disabled persons.
Interviews and appointments at local USCIS field offices will be limited to the applicant, one representative, one family member, and one individual providing disability accommodations. Interpreters can appear at interviews and appointments telephonically.
Asylum interviews are expected to now be video-facilitated, where “applicants sit in one room and the interviewing officer sits in another room.” Applicants will still be required to bring listed dependents and an interpreter as applicable, and those requiring disability accommodations may attend the interview.
As the situation surrounding COVID-19 continues to change, we at MPLG want to assure you that we are here to support and guide our clients.