New USCIS Online Form

Updates to the USCIS Online Form

The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services has updated their online form with a new feature that allows individuals, attorneys, and accredited representatives to apply for an in-person appointment at a local field office without the need to call the USCIS Contact Center.

This enhancement is applicable for services such as:

• ADIT stamps
• Emergency Advance Parole
• Immigration Judge Grants

However, this does not permit individuals to independently schedule their appointments. The USCIS Contact Center remains responsible for reviewing the requests and determining the availability at specific field offices. Although individuals can suggest a preferred date and time for the appointment, there is no guarantee that USCIS will be able to accommodate the request.

Once confirmed, USCIS will schedule the applicant for an available date and time for the in-person appointment.

The new online appointment request form is designed to improve user interaction by gathering necessary details at the outset, potentially enabling the scheduling of the requested appointment without any additional contact with the USCIS Contact Center. Depending on the purpose and urgency of the appointment, the Contact Center might still need to reach out to an individual through phone or email, using the reference number issued when the request was made.

Requesting an Appointment as an Asylum Seeker or NACARA Applicant

The new USCIS online form can also be utilized by asylum seekers or Nicaraguan Adjustment and Central American Relief Act (NACARA) applicants to request an appointment.

However, it is crucial to note that this provision is only applicable under specific circumstances: if your case is being processed at the Arlington Asylum Office and is related to either an asylum application, a NACARA application, or a credible fear or reasonable fear protection screening process.

When scheduling an appointment with the asylum office, it is essential to ensure you have a pending asylum application. If an individual without a pending asylum application attempts to schedule an appointment, USCIS will cancel the appointment. This policy is in place to ensure that the asylum office can efficiently process asylum cases.

The Role of an Attorney in Streamlining the Immigration Process

The new USCIS online form undoubtedly presents a more streamlined approach for scheduling appointments at immigration offices. However, it's critically important to consult with an attorney prior to requesting an appointment.

An attorney familiar with the immigration process can provide invaluable guidance and help prevent any potential missteps that could adversely affect your case. They can also help you verify that your case is eligible for the use of the online scheduling tool.

Here's a brief rundown of how an attorney can aid in the immigration process:

• Case Evaluation: An attorney can help you understand the complexities of your case and suggest potential ways forward.
• Documentation: They can guide you through the labyrinth of documents required for your application and help you ensure they're correctly filled out and filed.
• Representation: If your case involves a hearing or an appeal, your attorney can represent you and advocate for your rights.
• Case Monitoring: Attorneys can track the progress of your case, helping you meet all deadlines and respond to any requests from USCIS promptly.
• Legal Advice: They can provide legal advice tailored to your specific circumstances, advising you on potential risks and pitfalls.

Remember, while the new USCIS tool is designed to make the process smoother, immigration laws and procedures can be complex. Having a skilled attorney by your side can make a significant difference in the successful resolution of your case.

If you need help scheduling an appointment with USCIS or with another immigration matter, reach out to Verma Law Firm. Our team is prepared to help you.