Navigating the U.S. immigration system can be complex, and knowing how to get in touch with the right resources at U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is essential. While the online case status web page remains your first port of call for immediate updates, understanding how to utilize the USCIS Contact Center and specifically how it relates to service centers like the Uscis Texas Service Center can significantly streamline your inquiries.
For readily available case information, the online portal mirrors the data accessible to USCIS representatives, providing 24/7 access via any device. However, for issues beyond basic status checks, direct assistance is available.
If you are within the United States or a U.S. territory and require personalized support, the USCIS Contact Center is your primary resource. Trained representatives are ready to assist with a wide array of inquiries, connecting you to the information and support you need.
Representatives are available via phone and live chat from Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Eastern Time, excluding federal holidays. Should your situation require more in-depth investigation, the Contact Center may schedule callbacks, potentially between 7 a.m. and 8 p.m., Monday through Saturday.
Password Assistance and Technical Support for USCIS Online Accounts
Encountering technical difficulties with your USCIS online accounts? USCIS provides dedicated resources to resolve these issues promptly.
For USCIS Online Account Technical Issues:
If you are experiencing technical difficulties such as password resets or login problems, visit my.uscis.gov/account/v1/needhelp. Alternatively, you can send a secure message directly from your USCIS online account inbox for tailored assistance.
For Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) Inquiries:
For questions specifically related to the Freedom of Information Act, you can reach the USCIS FOIA team via email at [email protected].
For myE-Verify Support:
For all inquiries related to myE-Verify, please visit the dedicated myEverify contact page for comprehensive support and resources.
Case-Specific Inquiries and USCIS Service Centers, Including Texas
When it comes to questions about your specific immigration case, USCIS offers multiple avenues for information and assistance.
Utilizing Online Tools for Case-Specific Questions:
USCIS provides a range of online tools designed to help you manage and track your case effectively. These tools should be your first step in seeking case-specific information.
If these online resources do not fully address your needs, you have the option to submit an online case inquiry or contact the USCIS Contact Center directly. Depending on the nature of your inquiry, the Contact Center may escalate your request to the specific USCIS office handling your case. This is particularly relevant when dealing with service centers like the Texas Service Center.
Understanding USCIS Service Centers and Their Role:
The USCIS Service Center Operations Directorate (SCOPS) oversees five service centers across the United States: California, Nebraska, Texas, Vermont, and Potomac. These centers are responsible for processing and adjudicating various immigration applications and petitions. It’s crucial to understand that while the USCIS Texas Service Center, along with the other service centers, plays a vital role in application processing, they do not offer in-person assistance.
Alt text: Map showing locations of USCIS service centers including Texas Service Center for immigration case processing.
The National Benefits Center (NBC), while processing cases with receipt numbers starting with MSC and NBC*, operates differently and is not classified as a USCIS Service Center. Similar to service centers, the NBC does not provide in-person services.
When you contact the USCIS Contact Center regarding a case being processed at one of the USCIS Service Centers, including the Texas Service Center, or the NBC, and a service request is initiated, you should typically expect a response within 30 days, or 15 days for expedited requests. If you do not receive a response within this timeframe, or if you believe the response provided was insufficient, you can request escalation through the USCIS Contact Center.
Lockbox Inquiries
For inquiries related to filings mailed to USCIS Lockbox facilities in Chicago, Dallas, Phoenix, or Elgin, direct email support is available.
For Lockbox-related questions, email [email protected]. USCIS aims to respond to your email as promptly as possible. When emailing, ensure you include the form number, receipt number, petitioner and/or applicant name, and mailing address. Crucially, do not include Social Security numbers in your emails for security reasons.
Examples of typical Lockbox inquiries include:
- Reasons for application or petition rejection.
- Guidance on where and how to correctly submit applications or petitions to Lockbox locations.
- Inquiries about receipt notices for filings made over 30 days prior.
Adoption-Related Inquiries
USCIS has a dedicated team specializing in adoption-related immigration matters.
For adoption-specific questions and assistance, please visit the USCIS Adoption Contact Information page for detailed contact information and resources.
Administrative Appeals Office (AAO) Contact Information
For those needing to contact the Administrative Appeals Office, USCIS provides a dedicated resource page.
For information on contacting the AAO, refer to the Contacting the AAO webpage, which provides guidance and contact methods.
Inquiries for VAWA, T, and U Filings
For cases related to VAWA, T, and U visas, including Form I-751 Abuse Waivers, specific contact procedures are in place to protect sensitive information.
If you have a pending or approved VAWA, T, or U-related case, you can contact the USCIS Contact Center at 800-375-5283 (TTY: 800-767-1833) for case information or services like address changes.
Alt text: USCIS Contact Center representative providing phone assistance for immigration inquiries.
To ensure privacy and security, USCIS will verify your identity before providing any case-specific information. Have your receipt notice(s) and, if possible, a copy of your application or petition readily available when you call. If the Contact Center cannot resolve your inquiry directly, an in-person appointment at a USCIS field office may be scheduled.
Protected individuals can also send secure messages via their USCIS online account for enhanced security.
For written inquiries regarding VAWA, T, and U cases, including biometrics appointment requests, mail to the appropriate service center based on your receipt number:
-
Vermont Service Center (EAC):
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
Vermont Service Center
ATTN: Humanitarian Division
38 River Road
Essex Junction, VT 05479-0001 -
Nebraska Service Center (LIN):
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
Nebraska Service Center
ATTN: I-918
P.O. Box 87918
Lincoln, NE 68501-7918
For Form I-751 waiver inquiries based on battery or extreme cruelty, mail paper correspondence to the specified service center, which may include the Texas Service Center:
- U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
California Service Center
ATTN: WS 13057
P.O. Box 10751
Laguna Niguel, CA 92607-1075 - U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
Nebraska Service Center
P.O. Box 87918
Lincoln, NE 68501-7918 - U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
Potomac Service Center
6046 N Belt Line Rd. STE 114
Irving, TX 75038-0020 - U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
Texas Service Center
ATTN: SRMT/COA or SRMT/IRT
6046 N Belt Line Rd. STE 751
Irving, TX 75038-0020 - U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
Vermont Service Center
ATTN: Humanitarian Division
38 River Road
Essex Junction, VT 05479-0001
Attorneys and accredited representatives can send inquiries via email, provided they have a Form G-28 on file for the specific case. Responses will only be provided to those named on the Form G-28.
Specific Inquiry Types: Employers, Investors, and Military Personnel
USCIS provides specialized contact points for different categories of users.
Employers (E-Verify):
For E-Verify assistance, including technical support, password resets, and policy questions, contact the E-Verify Contact Center.
Immigrant Investor Program Office (IPO – EB-5):
For inquiries related to the Immigrant Investor Program, contact EB-5 support.
Military Help Line:
For military personnel seeking immigration assistance, call the dedicated Military Help Line at 877-CIS-4MIL ((877) 247-4645) or dial 711 for telecommunications relay services. Further information is available on the Military Help Line page.
Media and Public Engagement Inquiries
For media or public engagement related inquiries, USCIS has dedicated divisions.
For media inquiries, speak with a USCIS spokesperson.
To contact the Public Engagement Division or a community relations officer, visit Contact the Public Engagement Division.
Providing Feedback to USCIS
USCIS values public feedback to improve services and policies.
Staying Informed on Feedback Opportunities:
Sign up for automatic notifications from USCIS to receive updates on regulations, policies, and forms. You can also monitor the Federal Register notifications for the latest updates.
Submitting Feedback:
For policy feedback, visit the Policy Manual Feedback page. For regulations and forms, submit comments via regulations.gov as per Federal Register instructions. For general feedback, visit the Feedback Opportunities page.
Visiting a USCIS Field Office
If online tools and the Contact Center do not resolve your issue, you can request a field office appointment through the USCIS Contact Center.
Accessing Records and Research
USCIS offers resources for accessing records and conducting research.
Freedom of Information Act (FOIA):
For FOIA requests, visit the FOIA and Privacy Act webpage.
Historical Reference Library:
Researchers can access the USCIS Historical Reference Library by appointment. Email [email protected] to schedule a visit.
Genealogy Program:
For genealogy records, visit the USCIS Genealogy program webpage to request genealogy records or for general genealogy inquiries.
Reporting Fraud, Misconduct, and Website Errors
USCIS provides channels for reporting various issues.
Immigration Fraud and Abuse:
Report fraud via the Report Fraud webpage.
USCIS Employee Misconduct:
Report employee misconduct via the designated report employee violations, misconduct, or abuses page.
Website Errors and General Feedback:
Report website errors or provide website feedback to [email protected] (Spanish: [email protected]). For systemic operational issues, contact [email protected]. Remember, these email addresses are for website or general feedback only and not for case-specific inquiries.
By understanding the various contact methods and resources available, including the role of service centers like the USCIS Texas Service Center within the broader USCIS framework, you can effectively navigate your immigration journey and access the support you need.
