As USCIS opens back up, a new Visitor Policy offers applicants several safety measures

USCIS is reopening its offices to many functions, and will be enforcing a variety of safety measures for staff and visitors. According to its new Visitor Policy, all applicants, petitioners, and other visitors over the age of 2 will be required to wear face coverings while in a USCIS office. More specific instructions may appear on any notices USCIS sends regarding your appointment, so please pay close attention to all mail.

The new policy also includes restrictions on who may accompany an applicant with a scheduled appointment. If you have an appointment, you may only be accompanied by the following:  

• An attorney;

• An interpreter (in some cases, interpreters will need to be available by phone);

• A parent, legal guardian, or a trusted adult, if the applicant being interviewed is a minor;

• Immediate family members listed as dependents on the application or interview notice;

• An individual assisting a disabled person.

For the time being, Naturalization ceremonies will not be allowing guests. Only the candidates who are scheduled for the ceremony and assistants to disabled people can attend. Regardless of whether the ceremony is held at a USCIS facility or not, face coverings are required of all attendees.

USCIS advises that you should not attend any appointment or ceremony if you are feeling sick. Your notice will provide instructions for rescheduling, and there is no penalty if you are sick. Specifically, you should not enter USCIS offices if you:     

• Are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19;

• Have had close contact within the last 14 days with a person known or suspected to have COVID-19;

• Have been instructed by a healthcare provider or public health authority to isolate or self-quarantine within the last 14 days; or

• Refuse to wear a face covering or mask in accordance with USCIS policy.

For more information, please see USCIS’s website: https://www.uscis.gov/about-us/uscis-visitor-policy