The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) offers a variety of resources to assist individuals navigating the complex world of immigration services. Understanding how to access these services efficiently can significantly streamline your immigration journey. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of the USCIS contact options and online tools available to help you manage your case and find the information you need.
For immediate updates on your case status, the USCIS case status web page is your first and most convenient resource. Accessible 24/7 from any device, it provides real-time information mirroring what a USCIS representative would offer. This tool empowers you to stay informed about your application or petition at your convenience.
However, for inquiries beyond basic case status updates, the USCIS Contact Center is available to provide personalized assistance. If you are within the United States or a U.S. territory and require direct communication, reaching out to the Contact Center is a valuable step in accessing immigration services.
Representatives at the USCIS Contact Center are available via phone and live chat, Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Eastern Time, excluding federal holidays. This service ensures you can speak with a knowledgeable professional during standard business hours to address your immigration service needs. For complex issues requiring escalation, the Contact Center may return calls between 7 a.m. and 8 p.m., Monday through Saturday, demonstrating their commitment to resolving your inquiries.
Technical Support and Online Account Assistance
USCIS provides dedicated support for technical issues related to their online services, recognizing that digital access is crucial for modern immigration services.
USCIS Online Account Help: For assistance with your USCIS online account, including password resets or other technical difficulties, visit my.uscis.gov/account/v1/needhelp. Alternatively, you can send a secure message directly from your USCIS online account inbox for tailored support.
FOIA Related Inquiries: For questions specifically concerning the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), you can reach the USCIS FOIA team directly via email at [email protected]. This dedicated channel ensures your FOIA-related immigration service inquiries are addressed by specialists.
myE-Verify Support: Employers and employees using myE-Verify can find dedicated support resources online. Visit myEverify for help with myE-Verify related immigration services and technical assistance.
Case-Specific Inquiries and Service Centers
For questions directly related to your immigration case, USCIS offers online tools and contact options based on the location of your case processing.
Online Case Inquiry Tools: Before contacting the USCIS Contact Center for case-specific questions, utilize the USCIS online tools. These tools are designed to answer common questions and provide updates efficiently, potentially resolving your inquiry without needing to speak to a representative.
Submitting an Online Inquiry: If the online tools do not resolve your question, you can submit an online case inquiry. This streamlined process allows you to formally request information about your case.
USCIS Service Centers and NBC: USCIS operates service centers across the country (California, Nebraska, Texas, Vermont, and Potomac) and the National Benefits Center (NBC) to process immigration applications and petitions. While these centers do not offer in-person assistance, the USCIS Contact Center can escalate inquiries to the relevant service center if needed. If you have contacted the USCIS Contact Center regarding a case at a service center or the NBC, expect a response to your service request within 30 days (or 15 days for expedited requests). For unresolved or incorrect responses, you can request escalation through the USCIS Contact Center, ensuring accountability in immigration service delivery.
Lockbox Inquiries
For inquiries regarding filings mailed to a USCIS Lockbox facility (Chicago, Dallas, Phoenix, or Elgin Lockbox), email [email protected] for prompt assistance. Lockbox-related immigration services include questions about rejected submissions, proper filing procedures, and receipt notice delays. When emailing, include the form number, receipt number, petitioner/applicant name, and mailing address (without Social Security numbers for security).
Specialized Immigration Services and Contact Points
USCIS provides specialized teams and contact points for specific immigration services and situations.
Adoptions: USCIS has a dedicated team to guide you through adoption-related immigration processes. Visit the USCIS Adoption Contact Information page for specific details and contact information.
Administrative Appeals Office (AAO): For information on appeals, consult the Contacting the AAO webpage to understand how to engage with the Administrative Appeals Office for immigration service-related appeals.
VAWA, T, and U Filings: For cases related to Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), T visas, and U visas, including Form I-751 abuse waivers, call the USCIS Contact Center at 800-375-5283 (TTY: 800-767-1833). This dedicated line ensures sensitive cases receive specialized attention within immigration services. For these cases, written inquiries can be mailed to specific service centers based on receipt number prefixes, as detailed on the USCIS website. Attorneys and accredited representatives can also email inquiries with a properly filed Form G-28.
Inquiries for Employers, Investors, and Military Personnel
USCIS recognizes the unique needs of specific groups seeking immigration services and provides tailored support.
Employers (E-Verify): The E-Verify Contact Center offers comprehensive support for employers using E-Verify, covering technical issues, policy questions, Form I-9 guidance, and employment eligibility verification.
Immigrant Investor Program Office (IPO) (E-B5): For inquiries about the Immigrant Investor Program, contact E-B5 support directly.
Military Help Line: USCIS provides a dedicated Military Help Line at 877-CIS-4MIL ((877) 247-4645) for military members and their families seeking immigration services. This service acknowledges the specific immigration needs of those serving in the U.S. military.
Media Inquiries and Public Engagement
For media professionals and those seeking to engage with USCIS on policy and outreach, dedicated channels are available.
Media Inquiries: For media inquiries, speak with a USCIS spokesperson to ensure accurate and timely information dissemination.
Public Engagement Division: To contact the Public Engagement Division or a community relations officer, please contact the Public Engagement Division. This division facilitates communication and collaboration between USCIS and the public.
Providing Feedback and Staying Informed
USCIS values public feedback and offers mechanisms to stay informed about policy updates and opportunities to provide input.
Feedback on Policies, Forms, and Regulations: Stay informed about opportunities to provide feedback by signing up for automatic notifications from USCIS. You can also search the USCIS Federal Register notifications for the latest updates on regulations and forms related to immigration services.
Submitting Feedback: Provide feedback on USCIS policies through the Policy Manual Feedback page. For regulations, forms, and other information collection activities, submit comments through regulations.gov during designated public comment periods. For general feedback, visit the Feedback Opportunities page.
Visiting a USCIS Field Office
If online tools and the Contact Center cannot resolve your immigration service needs, you can request an appointment at a USCIS field office by calling the USCIS Contact Center. Field office visits are reserved for situations requiring in-person assistance.
Accessing Records and Historical Information
USCIS provides access to records and historical information through various channels.
Freedom of Information Act (FOIA): Make a FOIA request through the FOIA and Privacy Act webpage to access USCIS records.
Historical Reference Library: Researchers can visit the USCIS Historical Reference Library by appointment. Email [email protected] to schedule a research appointment.
Genealogy Program: For genealogy research, visit the USCIS Genealogy program webpage to request genealogy records and make general genealogy inquiries.
Reporting Fraud, Misconduct, and Website Errors
USCIS takes reports of fraud, misconduct, and website issues seriously and provides reporting mechanisms.
Immigration Fraud and Abuse: Report immigration fraud through the Report Fraud webpage.
USCIS Employee Misconduct: Report USCIS employee misconduct via the report employee violations, misconduct, or abuses webpage.
Website Errors and Feedback: Provide website feedback or report errors by emailing [email protected] (or [email protected] for Spanish feedback). Remember, this email is for website feedback only and not for case-specific inquiries.
By utilizing these diverse contact methods and resources, individuals can effectively navigate USCIS and access the immigration services they need. USCIS is committed to providing accessible and comprehensive support throughout your immigration journey.
