U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has released a new online form where applicants, attorneys, and accredited representatives can request an in-person appointment at their local field office. This is beneficial as previously the options for an appointment with USCIS were unclear and there were many obstacles in calling the USCIS Contact Center number.

An appointment can only be scheduled if the issue falls into one of their eligible categories:

1. ADIT Stamp: This is a stamp, also known as an I-551 stamp, which provides temporary evidence of permanent resident status. This is helpful in situations where a green card has been lost and a Form I-90 is pending. In this situation, the applicant can make an appointment to obtain an ADIT Stamp as proof of their continued permanent residence.

2. Emergency Advance Parole: This option will be helpful for religious workers with pending permanent residence applications who require emergency travel. USCIS has the discretion to determine if the request is for an emergency AND is emergent. USCIS defines "emergent" as "arising unexpectedly” and "emergency" as a situation "calling for prompt action."

3. Other reasons: There are other specified reasons an appointment can be made with the online request form:

   • When needing proof of permanent residence or asylum granted by an Immigration Judge.
   • Afghan nationals who have been admitted to the U.S. in certain categories that require a medical exam to remove conditions on their permanent residence.
   • American Indians born in Canada.
   • To obtain certified copies of a Naturalization Certificate.
   • Deferred Action.
   • T, U, VAWA inquiries.
   • Cuban Paroles and Re-Paroles.
   • If admitted into the U.S. as an immigrant and it has been over three months since the immigrant fee was paid and the immigrant packet is possibly lost.
   • USCIS account is locked.

The form is submitted with a requested date and time, which USCIS will then confirm. In some situations, the requested date and time may not be available, and an alternative option will be given. All RIS Clients, please contact your assigned attorney if you have a situation for which you would like to submit an appointment request.