USCIS Changes InfoPass Scheduling Method

USCIS has announced plans to expand the InfoPass pilot program. InfoPass, Information Services Modernization Program, is a free online service that allows individuals to schedule an appointment with a U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) immigration officer at any of USCIS’ field offices. Currently, an individual can go online at any time to schedule an appointment to fix their I-94’s, get I-551 visa stamps, enquire about the status of their applications, or ask general immigration questions. This service has been available to anyone that had an inquiry for years.

Earlier this year, USCIS introduced a pilot program where it took away the ability to self-schedule appointments. UCSIC claimed that this change was implemented in order to eliminate appointments being utilized for routine inquiries that can be resolved via the Customer Service Hotline. Under the new pilot program, which was implemented at 5 field offices at first, in order to schedule an appointment at these offices, individuals had to first contact the USCIS National Customer Service Center at 1-800-375-5283 and speak to a Tier 1 officer to request an appointment. The call will then be escalated to a Tier 2 officer who will confirm the issue is appropriate for an appointment before one can be made. Under this pilot program, in-person appointments will be scheduled only for document services and emergencies. Individuals with questions about pending application or general immigration questions will not be allowed to schedule an appoint.

On October 30, 2018, USCIS has announced plans to expand this pilot program to additional field offices throughout the United States. This will first affect the Detroit and Los Angeles Field Office by November 13, 2018. Offices in Newark, the Great Lakes, and San Jose will follow by the first quarter for FY 2019. All remaining field offices are expected to follow by the end of FY 2019.