Today, USCIS announced the closing of all field offices. As of yesterday, only field offices in the Bay Area were impacted. However, USCIS has expanded closures to include all field offices. It should be noted that USCIS regional centers currently remain open and will continue processing petitions for the time being.

 

The closure of field offices impacts Naturalization ceremonies, Adjustment of Status interviews, pushing back approvals of Lawful Permanent Residence and the issuance of corresponding green cards. Biometrics appointments are also affected, which will delay the issuance of EAD cards and Advance Parole documents for those applying for Adjustment of Status, and will push back approvals for H-4 spouses.

 

When normal operations resume, USCIS will affirmatively reschedule biometrics appointments. A new appointment letter will be sent by mail. Individuals who had InfoPass or other appointments must reschedule

 

As for the H-1B Cap, as long as Regional Centers remain open, USCIS should accept filings starting April 1st, although as we reported yesterday, USCIS has suspended premium processing on H-1B Cap filings.

 

This is a very fluid situation, so we will continue providing updates as they become available.

 

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