Hi, everyone. We wanted to share information with you regarding USCIS interviews and the
changes that have been implemented in response to COVID. We've received a lot of questions about
this now that the USCIS offices are reopening and rescheduling interviews. Before we
jump into having me share all of that information with you, I'd like to introduce myself and our firm.
My name is Attorney Megan Pastrana and our firm is Corado-Pastrana, the immigration firm for couples.
Our practices dedicate exclusively to helping couples navigate the immigration
process from marriage-based green cards and fiancé visas to removal of conditions and naturalization.
We'd love to have you subscribe to our YouTube channel and sign up for the
alerts. Also we have a Facebook group called Immigration for Couples. We have weekly
live chats with our attorneys where we answer common questions and give updates.
We also regularly post on our YouTube channel so you have up-to-date information about
what's going on in the world of immigration as it relates to couple-based immigration cases.
To dive into what's going on with USCIS interviews now that they have begun reopening
offices and rescheduling those appointments and implemented new protocols in response to COVID.
The USCIS offices have started the process. They started in July of rescheduling
appointments that had been cancelled and also scheduling new appointments for individuals
whose applications are in line. Some of the main changes that we have seen is that
you'll notice that when you get your interview notice, those changes will be listed in
there as well. But one of the main changes is that they're asking that you not arrive more
than 15 minutes before your scheduled interview. It's always good to be early and on
time. What we've recommended to our clients is if you arrive early, you can wait
in your car or wait outside of the building and then go up 15 minutes before your interview.
They're also asking that you bring your own pens. Bring several pins, black or blue
ink is allowed. But they're asking you bring your own pins. It's also very important you have a
face mask. We've all gotten pretty used to having to carry around our
face masks and using those in public. It's very important you have those or they won't let you in
the building. We've received a lot of questions about what you should do if you get sick
before your interview. We really hope that doesn't happen but if it does happen
the most important thing to know is that that's not going to negatively impact you if you need to
reschedule your interview. USCIS has asked that you don't attend your interview for the safety
of everyone. If that happens, you're asked to call USCIS at the customer service number.
It would be listed on your interview notice as well and let them know so they can reschedule
your interview when you're better. We hope that does not
happen but just know it's important to know what steps you need to take if that were to happen.
The other changes that we are seeing is that there'll be a lot more plexiglass installed in
the actual immigration offices across the desks. Two things are happening. They're
either going to put you in a room separate from the immigration officer where you'll actually see
the officer on a computer screen or on some type of screen and you'll be in a separate room
from the officer. The other thing we've been seeing again is they have a plexiglass barrier
to separate the officer and you typically across their desk. If either one of those scenarios
happens, you can be prepared for that. The other thing that they're asking is if you need to have
an interpreter at your interview. That the interpreter actually not
go with you to the interview, they would need to fill out a form that you would take with you.
And the officer will call your interpreter. The other thing is that they're asking that
attorneys can attend in person but they are suggesting that it's best if we
call in by phone. For our client's safety, the officer safety, and everyone, we are
representing clients by phone. If you're one of our clients,
we've given you a letter that has our contact information on it. The officer calls us
and then we can be able to represent you by phone. If you have an interpreter again, they'll be
by phone. Those are just a few of the changes and suggestions for you to be aware of
for the USCIS interviews. Again, we have a Facebook group called Immigration for Couples.
We'd love to have you join our Facebook group and also subscribe to our YouTube channel.
We regularly post updates about what's going on in the world of immigration. We'd love
to see you in our Facebook group and have you subscribed to our channel. Thanks for watching.