How to Get a USCIS Appointment: The Current InfoPass Process

Meta description: Learn how to request a USCIS appointment, what replaced InfoPass, how to prepare, and what to do if the matter is urgent.

People searching for a USCIS InfoPass appointment may find instructions that no longer match the current process. USCIS has largely moved appointment scheduling to its online tools and Contact Center. In most cases, applicants should first check whether the service can be handled online, by mail, or through a scheduled phone call. If an in-person visit is necessary, USCIS generally directs people to request an appointment rather than simply arrive at a field office. The right steps depend on the service, urgency, and the applicant’s immigration situation.

What Happened to InfoPass?

InfoPass was an online system that allowed some people to schedule appointments at local USCIS offices. USCIS phased out the public self-scheduling system for most field office services and replaced it with appointment requests handled through the agency’s current online tools and Contact Center.

Some older USCIS pages, forms, or search results may still mention InfoPass. The term is also used informally to describe an in-person appointment at a USCIS office. Today, however, an applicant generally cannot use the old InfoPass system to select an office, date, and time for routine service.

Key point: An appointment is not automatically available just because someone needs to speak with USCIS. The agency decides whether an in-person visit is appropriate and provides instructions if one is approved.

How to Request a USCIS Appointment

The appropriate method depends on why an appointment is needed. USCIS recommends using its official website and Contact Center, not third-party appointment sellers or unofficial scheduling services. An appointment request does not guarantee an appointment, and the agency may offer another way to resolve the issue.

Use the USCIS website first

Start at USCIS.gov and look for the page or tool that matches the service. A USCIS online account may provide case updates, secure messages, document uploads, or other case-specific options. The agency’s Meetings and Appointments page provides current information about appointment requests and office visits.

Before contacting USCIS, check whether the request can be completed through an existing process. For example, many applications can be filed online or by mail, and some document requests can be answered through an account or by following the instructions on a USCIS notice. An office appointment is generally not a substitute for filing a required form or responding to a deadline.

Contact the USCIS Contact Center

If the online information does not resolve the issue, contact the USCIS Contact Center at 800-375-5283. For TTY service, USCIS lists 800-767-1833. The Contact Center’s hours and available services can change, so applicants should verify current details on USCIS.gov before calling.

Describe the issue clearly and explain why an in-person appointment may be necessary. Have the relevant receipt number, form type, A-Number if applicable, and any USCIS notice available. The representative may provide information, create a service request, arrange a callback, or refer the matter for further review. If an in-person appointment is approved, follow the scheduling instructions USCIS provides.

USCIS uses automated telephone prompts and may route callers to different options depending on the request. A caller should answer the prompts accurately and avoid repeatedly submitting duplicate requests for the same issue. Keep a record of the date of contact, any reference number, and the instructions received.

Request an appointment online when directed

USCIS may provide an online appointment request option for certain services. Use the official USCIS appointment page or the link supplied by USCIS, and enter information exactly as it appears on immigration documents. The available options may vary by service, location, and current agency procedures.

Do not assume that an online form is a self-service calendar. It may be a request for USCIS to assess the need for an appointment, rather than a way to choose a date immediately. Applicants should wait for confirmation and follow the specific instructions they receive.

When an In-Person USCIS Appointment May Be Needed

USCIS offices handle different matters, and not every case issue is handled at a field office. An appointment may be considered when a service requires in-person identity verification, a physical immigration document, or assistance that cannot reasonably be provided through other channels.

Common reasons people ask about appointments include:

• Temporary proof of permanent resident status: A lawful permanent resident may need temporary evidence of status, sometimes called an ADIT stamp, when a Green Card is expired, lost, stolen, or unavailable and proof is needed for a specific purpose.
• Urgent travel or other time-sensitive needs: USCIS may review urgent requests based on the circumstances and available procedures. Supporting evidence is important, and approval is not guaranteed.
• Case-specific assistance: A person may need help with a matter that cannot be resolved online, by mail, or through a Contact Center service request.
• Biometrics or interviews: These are generally scheduled by USCIS through a formal notice. Applicants should attend the appointment on the notice rather than trying to arrange a separate InfoPass visit.

For passport or visa services, applicants should contact the U.S. Department of State or the relevant passport agency, not assume USCIS can provide the service. USCIS handles immigration benefits within its authority; it does not issue U.S. passports or visas.

Emergency and Urgent Appointment Requests

USCIS may consider urgent appointment requests, but “urgent” does not mean that every short deadline qualifies for immediate access. The agency evaluates requests individually. A person should explain the time-sensitive problem, the consequences of delay, and why normal processing or another service channel will not meet the need.

Examples that may warrant asking USCIS about expedited or urgent handling include a serious, documented emergency or an immediate need for temporary proof of immigration status. The applicable criteria depend on the requested service. USCIS may ask for evidence such as travel documents, medical records, employer information, or proof of a scheduled appointment with another government agency.

When a request is urgent, the applicant should clearly state the date by which assistance is needed and provide a concise explanation. It is generally useful to have supporting documents ready before contacting USCIS. Do not make nonrefundable travel plans based only on an appointment request or an expectation that USCIS will approve it.

How to Prepare for a USCIS Appointment

If USCIS schedules an in-person visit, the appointment notice or confirmation should control. It will identify the office, date, time, and any service-specific instructions. The office location may not be the closest USCIS facility, so applicants should verify the address and travel time before leaving.

A preparation checklist can help prevent delays:

• Bring the appointment notice or confirmation, including any barcode or reference number.
• Bring a valid government-issued photo ID, such as a passport or driver’s license, if available.
• Bring the relevant USCIS receipt notices and original immigration documents requested for the service.
• Bring copies of supporting evidence and any forms or correspondence related to the issue.
• For a representative or interpreter, check the notice and USCIS instructions for any required authorization or identification.
• Arrive according to the instructions, and review the office’s security and visitor policies before the appointment.

Only bring documents relevant to the matter unless USCIS requests additional records. If a document is not in English, USCIS may require a complete English translation with a translator’s certification, depending on the filing or service. Applicants should check the instructions for the specific document rather than assume that a translation is optional.

What to Do If No Appointment Is Available

If USCIS does not approve an appointment request or the issue remains unresolved, the next step depends on the underlying case. Review the latest receipt notice, request for evidence, or other correspondence for deadlines and response instructions. A missed deadline can have serious consequences, so an appointment request should not replace a required response.

Applicants can use a USCIS online account to check case status and, where available, send a secure message or upload requested documents. They can also use the USCIS case status tool with a receipt number. If the case is outside normal processing times, USCIS provides online tools for submitting an inquiry when the case meets the agency’s criteria.

For a matter that cannot be resolved through USCIS channels, a person may contact the office of a U.S. senator or representative for help with a federal agency inquiry. Congressional offices can ask USCIS for a status update, but they cannot order the agency to approve a benefit or bypass legal requirements. Applicants should sign any required privacy release and provide accurate case information.

People with complex legal questions, a denial, removal proceedings, or a serious risk to immigration status may wish to consult a qualified immigration attorney or a Department of Justice-accredited representative. A notary public is not necessarily authorized to provide immigration legal advice in the United States.

Common USCIS Appointment Mistakes to Avoid

• Using unofficial appointment websites: USCIS appointments should be requested through official government channels. Avoid paying a third party that claims it can guarantee a slot.
• Going to a field office without confirmation: USCIS generally requires an appointment for office visits. Showing up without one may result in being turned away.
• Confusing USCIS with other agencies: Passport, visa, Social Security, and consular services may belong to other agencies.
• Ignoring written notices: USCIS notices contain instructions and deadlines that remain important even when a person has requested an appointment.
• Sending unnecessary sensitive information: Use secure USCIS channels when available, and do not share personal documents with unverified websites or callers.
• Assuming an appointment means case approval: An appointment provides an opportunity to address a particular service need; it does not guarantee a favorable decision on an application.

Official Resources for USCIS Appointments

Because appointment procedures and online tools can change, applicants should confirm the latest instructions directly with USCIS. The following official resources are useful starting points:

• USCIS Meetings and Appointments explains how to request appointments and what to expect when visiting an office.
• USCIS Contact Center provides contact options and information about getting assistance.
• USCIS Tools links to case status, online accounts, processing-time information, and other services.
• USCIS Expedite Requests describes the agency’s general criteria for considering expedited requests.

In practical terms, the modern InfoPass process begins with identifying the exact service, checking the USCIS website, and contacting the agency through its official channels. A clear explanation, complete case details, and relevant supporting evidence can help USCIS determine whether an appointment is appropriate and what the next step should be.