USCIS appointments

What happens, what to take, and what to avoid.

Biometrics Interview 485 Interview n400 Interview 751 Oath ceremony Infopass

InfoPass Appointment

15-30 minutes

An InfoPass appointment allows you to meet with a USCIS officer to discuss your case, ask questions, or resolve issues. These are typically scheduled when phone support cannot resolve your inquiry.

What happens

1Arrive at the USCIS field office and check in at the reception desk
2You may need to pass through security screening (similar to courthouse security)
3Wait in the lobby until your appointment time or name is called
4You will meet with a USCIS officer at a window or desk
5Present your questions or concerns about your case
6The officer may be able to resolve your issue immediately or may need to escalate it
7You may receive a written response or be told to expect communication by mail

Take with you

InfoPass appointment confirmationYour printed or digital appointment confirmation
Valid government-issued photo IDPassport, driver's license, state ID, or green card
Receipt notices for relevant casesI-797C notices for any cases you want to discuss
All relevant case correspondenceif you have itAny notices, RFEs, or letters from USCIS related to your inquiry
Written list of questionsif you have itPrepare your questions in writing so you do not forget anything during the appointment
Supporting documentsif you have itAny documents that support your inquiry or that you need USCIS to review

Before the day

1
Write down your questions3 days before
Prepare a clear, concise list of questions or issues you want to address. Prioritize the most important items in case time is limited.
2
Gather all case documents2 days before
Collect all receipt notices, correspondence from USCIS, and any supporting documents related to your inquiry.
3
Check your case status onlineDay before
Review the current status of your case on the USCIS website so you have the most up-to-date information before your appointment.
4
Arrive on time with your documentsDay of
Bring your appointment confirmation, ID, and all prepared documents. Arrive 15 minutes early.

What people get wrong

Not preparing specific questions beforehand -- vague inquiries get vague answers
Forgetting your appointment confirmation or photo ID
Not bringing relevant case documents or receipt numbers
Expecting the officer to make a decision on your case during the appointment
Being confrontational -- officers respond better to polite, direct questions
Not taking notes during the appointment and forgetting key information afterward

Afterwards

Review your notes from the meeting and write down any action items Follow up on any tasks the officer asked you to complete If told to expect communication by mail, check your mailbox regularly over the next 2-4 weeks If your issue was not resolved, consider contacting an immigration attorney or your congressional representative Document the date, officer name (if given), and outcome of the appointment for your records Continue monitoring your case status online

Worth knowing

Prepare specific questions rather than vague inquiries -- you will get more useful answers
Bring all relevant case documents, even if you think they may not be needed
Be polite and patient -- the officer is there to help but may have limited time
Take notes during the appointment so you remember what was discussed
If the officer cannot resolve your issue, ask about next steps and who to contact
InfoPass appointments are limited in scope -- they cannot adjudicate your case on the spot
If your case has been pending beyond normal processing times, mention this specifically
Bring a written summary of your case timeline to save time during the appointment

Questions

How do I schedule an InfoPass appointment?

InfoPass appointments are now typically scheduled through the USCIS Contact Center (1-800-375-5283) or through your USCIS online account. The old InfoPass online scheduling system has been replaced.

Can an attorney attend with me?

Yes. You can bring an attorney or accredited representative to your InfoPass appointment. They can help you communicate your concerns and understand any guidance provided.

What can an InfoPass appointment resolve?

Common reasons include: emergency travel documents, case inquiries when processing times have been exceeded, document errors, biometrics issues, and questions about next steps in your case.

How long will it take to get an appointment?

Availability varies by field office. Some offices have appointments within days, others may take weeks. Emergency situations may be accommodated sooner.

If you cannot attend, reschedule before the date on your notice — not turning up without rescheduling can have an application treated as abandoned. Find your office on the offices page.