April 1 WSM COVID-19 Updates

April 1, 2020

 

USCIS Cancels Biometrics Appointments, AOS Interviews, and Other In-Person Services Through at least May 3 

The USCIS will extend its office closures until at least May 3.  Previously, they had announced closures until April 1. In field offices that remain open, USCIS staff will continue to perform duties that do not involve contact with the public. However, for limited situations, USCIS will provide emergency services. To schedule an emergency appointment, contact the USCIS Contact Center. 

According to the USCIS website: 

USCIS domestic field offices will send notices to applicants and petitioners with scheduled appointments and naturalization ceremonies impacted by this closure. When USCIS again resumes normal operations, USCIS will automatically reschedule Application Support Center appointments due to the office closure. You will receive a new appointment letter in the mail. Individuals who had InfoPass or other appointments at the field office must reschedule through the USCIS Contact Center, once field offices reopen to the public. Please check the USCIS Field Offices page to see if your field office has reopened before reaching out to the USCIS Contact Center. 

For specific information about the status of your local field office, visit the USCIS website.  

 

60 Day Extension on all RFE Responses 

For Requests for Evidence (RFE) dated March 1 to May 1, all responses submitted within 60 days from the due date indicated on the RFE Notice will be considered timely filed.  

 

EAD Extensions will be processed using previous biometrics 

Applicants for an EAD extension who had an appointment scheduled with an Application Support Center after their closure on March 18 or who have filed a Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization, extension will have their application processed using previously submitted biometrics.  

 

Previous Updates 

I-9 and E-Verify Guidance, premium processing suspended, and electronic reproductions of signatures permitted. 

 

U.S. Embassies and Consulates Suspend Visa Appointments  

The U.S. Department of State announced that in response to COVID-19, it is suspending routine visa services at all U.S. embassies and consulates. All routine visa appointments at embassies and consulates will be cancelled as of March 20, 2020. According to their website, embassies and consulates will continue to provide urgent and emergency visa services as their resources allow. Services to U.S. citizens will continue to be available at this time.