Because of the coronavirus pandemic, immigration offices in the US and abroad have been closed or offering limited services since March 2020. As of July, what’s their status?
USCIS is the main immigration agency in the U.S. and has offices throughout the country; some are open to the public (field offices) and others are not (service centers). USCIS employees have continued working at service centers throughout the pandemic, but field offices were closed to the public until June. The closures caused cancellations for interviews, biometric appointments, and naturalization ceremonies. Citizenship oath ceremonies are now taking place again. Biometrics appointments are supposed to resume July 13. USCIS will send notices for rescheduled appointment dates. USCIS is also threatening furloughs due to budget shortfalls; Congress is trying to provide funding to prevent furloughs. Expect delays; some applications have been approved more quickly than expected but many are proceeding very slowly.
The State Department operates consulates and embassies abroad, and offices in the U.S. that prepare applications for the foreign consulates. Foreign consulates remain mostly closed to visa applicants, except for certain emergencies and those who are allowed visas under the various presidential proclamations such as spouses and minor children of U.S. citizens.
Some Immigration Courts are open for filings and detained hearings only, while others are open for all hearings. Check the status of your court before traveling. Postponed hearings will be rescheduled and notices sent out.
