Rescheduling Immigration Appointments Due to the Coronavirus

Nobody wants to contract any decease, much less the infamous Coronavirus (COVID-19).  However, if you do get sick, USCIS is asking you to stay home and cancel your immigration appointment.   

Foreigners who are applying for immigration benefits oftentimes are required to personally appear before an immigration officer for questioning.  For example, green card applicants must attend an formal interview during which sworn testimony is taken by an immigration officer.  Similarly, applicants for naturalization are also required to attend an in-person interview and pass a written test to make sure that they meet all legal requirements.

USCIS recently announced to the public that individuals who become ill for any reason, they should not come to their scheduled immigration appointments.  Instead, they should contact USCIS to cancel and to reschedule the appointment to a later date.  USCIS made it clear that the applicants will not be penalized on this account. 

USCIS specifically requested individuals who were in China within 14 days of their appointment, who might have been exposed to the Coronavirus, or who exhibit symptoms of the decease to not come to the USCIS offices for their appointments.

It is important to note that this policy covers not only the Coronavirus but any severe or contagious illnesses including as a cold or the flu.   

Applicants who believe they are sick should follow the instructions on their appointment notice to reschedule their appointment.

If a person shows up at their immigration appointment and appears to be sick, the immigration officer may cancel the appointment or interview. 

Finally, sick applicants must follow the proper procedure for rescheduling. Otherwise,  their applications can be denied in their absence.

3/11/2020 Update

USCIS issued an updated alert advising all applicants to cancel and reschedule their appointments with USCIS if (1) they were in any country designated as a “level 3” by the CDC within 14 days of their appointment; (2) believe they may have been exposed to COVID-19; or (3) are experiencing flu-like symptoms.

Level 3 Countries Designated by CDC as of 3/12 include:

• Austria
• Belgium
• China
• Czech Republic
• Denmark
• Estonia
• Finland
• France
• Germany
• Greece
• Hungary
• Iran
• Iceland
• Italy
• Latvia
• Liechtenstein
• Lithuania
• Luxembourg
• Malta
• Netherlands
• Norway
• Poland
• Portugal
• Slovakia
• Slovenia
• South Korea
• Spain
• Sweden
• Switzerland
• Monaco
• San Marino
• Vatican City
• Venezuela