Getting in touch with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) can be tricky when you're dealing with visas. They struggle with lots of visa applications, and the pandemic made things worse. Still, there are some easy ways to contact USCIS, as shared in a memo from the Office of the Citizenship and Immigration Services (CIS) Ombudsman.
Unlock Direct Access: 3 Effortless Ways to Connect with USCIS
- Harness the Power of Online Resources: USCIS offers a treasure trove of information on its website, complete with an extensive FAQ section. If your queries remain unresolved after scouring these FAQs, consider using the e-Request feature. This user-friendly tool is at your disposal 24/7, allowing you to submit questions pertaining to your case without enduring the agony of prolonged phone waits. For those with USCIS online accounts, a secure messaging option is available, ensuring that a USCIS Contact Center representative promptly addresses your inquiries.
- Engage with Emma, Your Virtual Assistant: Meet Emma, USCIS's online virtual assistant, who is ready to provide instant responses to your queries regarding USCIS services. Emma can also serve as your personal guide through the labyrinth of the USCIS website. If Emma encounters a question beyond her purview, she can seamlessly transfer you to a live chat representative or assist in scheduling an in-person appointment if necessary.
- Dial into the USCIS Contact Center: When opting for the traditional route of contacting the USCIS Contact Center by phone, you'll first encounter their "interactive voice response" (IVR) system, which will prompt you to answer a series of questions. Based on your responses, the IVR will either expedite your connection to a live representative or inform you of an expected hold time due to high call volumes.