How to Make a USCIS Appointment Using My Appointment

The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has long been the gateway for individuals seeking immigration and citizenship services. Recognizing the need for a more streamlined and user-friendly experience, USCIS has recently launched the “My Appointment” online platform. Let’s take a closer look at what this platform offers and how you can make the most of it.

What is “My Appointment”?

“My Appointment” is a groundbreaking online form introduced by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Designed to simplify and streamline the process of requesting in-person appointments at local USCIS field offices, “My Appointment” represents a significant advancement from the previous Infopass appointment system.

Key Features of My Appointment

Overall, “My Appointment” modernizes USCIS’s approach, prioritizing efficiency, clarity, and user experience in immigration services. Key features of the upgraded system include:

• Simplicity: A user-friendly design allows easy appointment requests without complex procedures.
• Adaptability: It addresses various needs, from evidence of residence to specific immigration concerns.
• Streamlined Process: Although specific slots aren’t guaranteed, the system efficiently manages and confirms appointments.
• Clear Communication: Users get confirmations post-submission, ensuring requests are in process.

Before You Start: Choose Your Language

Upon entering the platform, users are greeted with a straightforward option to select their preferred language. The page will display in the user’s language of choice.

How to Schedule USCIS Appointments from Within the US

If you’re currently residing within the United States, take note: the previous InfoPass system for domestic office appointments is no more. But fret not! “My Appointment” provides a plethora of online tools allowing users to check their case status, see processing times, and even change addresses. Here’s how to do it:

1. On the Appointment Types screen, make sure your appointment type can be scheduled.
2. Click on the “Next” button.
3. On the Appointment Options screen, click “Next.”
4. On the Requester Information screen, choose “Applicant or petitioner.”
5. Choose ADIT Stamp, Emergency Advance Parole (EAP), or Immigration Judge Grants.
6. Enter the requested information, depending on the previous step.
7. Complete the form for “About You.”
8. Ensure you receive a confirmation message or email after submitting.

How to Make USCIS Appointments Outside the US

For users outside of the U.S., “My Appointment” simplifies the process of scheduling. Simply select the international USCIS office that has jurisdiction over your current residence, and you’re on your way. Here’s how to do it:

1. Scroll to the “Outside the United States” section.
2. Use the dropdown or provided links to choose the international USCIS office relevant to your residence.
3. Each office may have its own process, so ensure you follow the provided steps carefully.
4. Once scheduled, double-check the confirmation details.

How to Check Your Appointment

For those who’ve already taken the leap and scheduled an appointment, the platform offers easy access to view it. Here’s how to do it:

1. Find the “Have An Appointment Already?” section.
2. Hit the “View your appointment” button.

Once on the appointment page, you can choose to print your appointment confirmation or to cancel your appointment.

To print your appointment:

1. Enter your first and last name into the fields.
2. Enter your Date of Birth into the field.
3. Click “Next.”

On the next screen, you should see your appointment information, which you will be able to print.

To cancel your appointment:

1. Enter your confirmation number.
2. Enter your pin number.
3. Click “Next.”

On the next screen, you will be promoted to confirm your cancelation.

Note that only domestic appointments can only be canceled if they were scheduled at a US field office. Similarly, international appointments can only be canceled if they were scheduled at an international field office.

Other Ways to Schedule an Appointment With the USCIS

To book an appointment with USCIS offline, call 800-375-5283 or use contact methods from their official website and contact center page. An automated voice will guide you. If unresolved, a live operator assists you. Complex issues are noted by a USCIS officer, who’ll call you later. Based on this discussion, they’ll determine if an in-person appointment is needed and schedule it at the nearest office.

Troubleshooting USCIS Appointment Issues

Encountering challenges while scheduling or attending a USCIS appointment? Here’s how to address the most common issues:

Difficulty in Securing an Appointment

• Be Persistent: If you can’t get an appointment immediately, try calling the USCIS contact center again later.
• Visit in Person: Consider going to your nearest USCIS office and wait in line.
• Use Online Resources: Explore alternative contact methods, like the links provided earlier.

Unable to Attend a Scheduled Appointment

• If unforeseen circumstances, like a severe illness, prevent you from attending, notify the USCIS.
• Rest assured, they will reschedule without imposing any penalty for genuine reasons.

Is It Possible to Request an Urgent In-Person Appointment in Emergency Situations?

Yes, there is a provision to schedule urgent in-person appointments at USCIS offices in case of emergency situations. But the decision of how urgent or serious the situation is, and w

Why do I Need to Make a USCIS Appointment?

Here are some of the services that the USCIS offers:

• Citizenship process for legal immigrants
• Immigration process for family members of U.S. citizens and permanent residents
• Getting a work permit in the U.S.
• Humanitarian projects
• Adoption process (for adopting children from outside the U.S.)

While these are the primary services provided by the USCIS, there are a few other services that we haven’t listed here. For a detailed list of all USCIS services, you can check their official site.

You might need an appointment with a USCIS officer in one of their local offices if:

• You have questions regarding any of the above services
• You have applied for any of the processes mentioned above and want to check the status
• You need to follow some formalities for any of the above processes (such as a green card for permanent residents, document verification, I-551 stamps, etc.)

What Documents Must I Bring to a USCIS Appointment?

Depending on the nature of your visit, you may need to bring different documents to your USCIS appointment. However, most appointments are related to immigration and citizenship cases. And for such cases, the following documents are often mandatory:

• Proof of permanent residence
• Passport with immigration visa
• Any document issued by the U.S. after entering the country as a legal immigrant
• Proof of identification, such as a Passport, Driver’s License, I-94, or Green Card (I-551)

These are just a few of the important documents you might need when visiting the USCIS. As appointments are booked only after a phone conversation with an officer, they will instruct you in detail about all the necessary documents.

Read More

• How Do I Speak to a Live Person at USCIS?
• How Many Citizenships Can You Have?
• How Do I Know Which USCIS Service Center?
• How Do I Know If USCIS Received My Application?
• What “Country of Residence” and How to Know Yours When on a Visa
• How to Check Dropbox Eligibility with the App
• Guide: Visa Appointment Wait Times

Final Thoughts

With the online system of scheduling appointments now canceled, some people may find it difficult to get an appointment with a USCIS officer. However, the current system has its advantages too.

By directing every query through a phone conversation, it saves a lot of time and effort for both the USCIS and the public. Simple and non-urgent issues can be resolved over the phone. And this ensures that only important queries are given an in-person appointment.

FAQ: Making an Appointment with USCIS

Below, you find some commonly asked questions about scheduling an appointment with USCIS.

How can I schedule an appointment with USCIS?

You can schedule an appointment by calling the USCIS Contact Center at 800-375-5283 or using the “My Appointment” online platform.

Can I choose a specific date and time for my appointment?

While you can request a specific date and time using the “My Appointment” platform, USCIS does not guarantee that your preference will be accommodated. Appointments are based on availability.

What if I miss my scheduled appointment?

If you miss your appointment due to a genuine reason, inform USCIS as soon as possible. They may reschedule without penalties in certain cases.

How do I cancel or reschedule my appointment?

You can cancel or reschedule by calling the USCIS Contact Center or using the tools available on the “My Appointment” platform.

What do I do if I’m having difficulty securing an appointment?

You can try calling the USCIS Contact Center at different times or consider visiting your nearest USCIS office to wait in line. Using online resources and exploring alternative contact methods can also be helpful.

Can I make an appointment from outside the U.S.?

Yes. If you’re outside the U.S., select the international USCIS office relevant to your residence to schedule an appointment.

Is there a fee to schedule an appointment?

Generally, there’s no fee to schedule an appointment. However, specific services or processes might have associated fees.

What should I bring to my USCIS appointment?

Bring any relevant documentation related to your case, your appointment confirmation, and identification like a passport or driver’s license.

How early should I arrive for my appointment?

It’s recommended to arrive at least 15 minutes before your scheduled time. This allows for security checks and any other necessary pre-appointment procedures.

How long does a typical appointment last?

The duration varies based on the nature of your query or concern. Simple inquiries might take only a few minutes, while more complex cases could take longer.

Frank Gogol

I’m a firm believer that information is the key to financial freedom. On the Stilt Blog, I write about the complex topics — like finance, immigration, and technology — to help immigrants make the most of their lives in the U.S. Our content and brand have been featured in Forbes, TechCrunch, VentureBeat, and more.

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