Published by Mei in Resources | Updated 2024
If you need to contact USCIS, it is best to exhaust all other contact means before phone calling (phone number below). They handle over 16.8 million cases annually so please don’t waste their time.
Here is their website information https://www.uscis.gov/contactcenter
Article Quick Links
How to Contact USCIS: A Step-by-Step Guide
Phone calling USCIS
Ask your question in English or Spanish
- Domestic: 800-375-5283 (TTY 800-767-1833)
- International: +1-212-620-3418
The Premium Processing dedicated line is 866-315-5718. You can call this number Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM Eastern Time.
USCIS Chatbot: Emma
Emma can help you with a variety of immigration-related tasks. Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. She can be accessed through the USCIS website or by phone.
Here are some examples:
- A question about the eligibility requirements for a green card, Emma can help you to find the relevant information on the USCIS website, although this doesn’t always work for EB1 visas or other specialty visas.
- Help filling out an immigration form, Emma can walk you through the process step-by-step.
- Waiting for a decision on your immigration application, Emma can check the status of your application and let you know when a decision is expected.
- To schedule an appointment with a USCIS officer, Emma can help you to find an appointment time that is convenient for you.
- Ready to submit an immigration application, Emma can help you to gather the required documents and submit your application online.
USCIS e-Request
If your document or notice has a mistake or was not delivered, or if you need an accommodation for an appointment, use uscis.gov/e-request.
- To ask a question about your immigration case. If you have a question about your immigration case, you can submit an e-Request to ask USCIS for help. USCIS will typically respond to e-Requests within 30 days.
- To report a problem with your immigration application. If you have a problem with your immigration application, you can submit an e-Request to report the problem to USCIS. USCIS will typically investigate the problem and take steps to fix it.
- To request a service from USCIS. If you need a service from USCIS, such as a replacement card or a change of address, you can submit an e-Request to request the service. USCIS will typically respond to e-Requests within 30 days.
- To provide feedback to USCIS. If you have feedback about USCIS, such as a suggestion for improvement or a complaint, you can submit an e-Request to provide feedback. USCIS will typically review your feedback and take steps to improve its services.
e-Request is a convenient way to contact USCIS and get help with your immigration case. It is also a way to provide feedback to USCIS and help it improve its services.
Case Status—uscis.gov/casestatus
Processing Times—uscis.gov/processingtimes
Other Online Tools—Check out all our online tools at uscis.gov/tools.
Change of address—Make sure to keep your address current at uscis.gov/addresschange. If your receipt number begins with IOE, it is better and faster to update your address in your USCIS online account.
Online filing—You can submit our most popular forms online with an account. Having an account allows you to sign up for automatic case alerts, see processing times, upload evidence, update your address, and send us secure messages using any device!
The Best Ways to Contact USCIS: Phone, Chat, and More…
The best way to contact USCIS will depend on your specific needs. If you have a simple question, you may be able to get the answer by visiting the USCIS website or by calling the USCIS Contact Center. However, if you have a more complex question, you may need to contact USCIS by chat.
Here is a breakdown of the different ways to contact USCIS, along with their pros and cons:
- Phone: The USCIS Contact Center is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. However, the wait times can be long, especially during peak hours. If you use the Premium Processing service you get to use their dedicated phone number.
- Email: USCIS did use an email service that they typically responded to within 5 business days – this has been removed except for some Lockbox requests and feeback – more info on the USCIS contact page.
- Chat: USCIS offers live chat support from 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM EST, Monday through Friday. This is a good option if you have a quick question that you need answered.
- eRequest: 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
Before you call
If you need to contact USCIS, there are a few tips that you can follow to get the best results.
- Be prepared. Before you contact USCIS, make sure that you have all of your immigration paperwork ready. This will help the customer service representative to better assist you.
- Your name
- Your A-number (if you have one)
- The type of immigration application you are filing
- The date you filed your application
- The receipt number for your application
- Be clear and concise. When you are speaking to the customer service representative, be clear and concise about your question or issue. This will help the representative to understand your problem and provide you with the best possible assistance.
- Be patient. The wait times to speak to a customer service representative can be long, especially during peak hours. Be patient and polite, and the representative will be more likely to help you.
- Follow up. If you do not get the answer you are looking for from the customer service representative, be sure to follow up. You can do this by calling back or chatting with USCIS.
Make use of the USCIS case status checking system.
What to Expect When You Call
When you call USCIS, you can expect the following:
- A long wait time. The wait times to speak to a customer service representative can be long, especially during peak hours.
- A recorded message. When you first call USCIS, you will hear a recorded message that will provide you with information about the different ways to contact USCIS.
- A customer service representative. Once you have waited on hold for a while, you will be connected to a customer service representative.
- Questions about your immigration status. The customer service representative will ask you questions about your immigration status in order to better assist you.
- A possible transfer to a different department. When you initially call you will talk with Tier 1 contractors. If your question is not something that the customer service representative can answer, they may transfer you to a different department or Tier 2.
- A follow-up call. If the customer service representative is unable to resolve your issue during your initial call, they may ask you to call back or email them with additional information.
- A possible call back. USCIS makes two attempts to contact customers. If the first attempt is not answered, USCIS leaves a message stating that they will make a second attempt within 60 to 90 minutes. If that call is also missed they may email you with instructions to call back or use other tools.
Here are some additional tips for calling USCIS:
- Call during off-peak hours. If you can, try to call USCIS during off-peak hours, such as early in the morning or late at night. This will help you to avoid long wait times.
- Call from a landline. If possible, call USCIS from a landline. This will help to ensure that your call is not dropped.
- Have your immigration paperwork ready. When you call USCIS, have your immigration paperwork ready. This will help the customer service representative to better assist you.
- Be patient and polite. The customer service representatives at USCIS are often overworked and underpaid. Be patient and polite with them, and they will be more likely to help you.
- Ready with pen and paper. You should note the date, time of your call and the representative you spoke with. They may also give you a reference code to call back with.
Speak to my Attorney
If you have a new attorney since you applied the USCIS might not discuss your case with them. Submit Form G-28 with the new attorneys information. Allow time for a Form G-28 change, if one is needed, to catch up to the file. This administrative task is taking longer than it has in the past.
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All articles are written from our experiences and the experiences of our colleagues. These are fantastic visas and we wish to empower others in applying. This information is for general guidance only and shouldn’t be considered legal advice.
If you have any questions or encounter any issues that we have left out let us know – it is important that others are aware. Email here!