If you’ve ever applied for a U.S. visa, you know that getting to the U.S. USCIS is tricky. In recent years, the agency has had a large backlog of visa applications, which increased with office closures and shortfalls during the COVID-19 pandemic.
USCIS is responding to that with over 4,400 open positions, including at Contact Centers, according to a memo from the Office of the Citizenship and Immigration Services (CIS) Ombudsman. The memo even offers tips for contacting USCIS and getting your immigration questions resolved faster.
These are three quick and easy ways to call USCIS and get an answer that saves you from hours of waiting or confusion:
1. Faster Answers with the help of USCIS Online Tools
Getting your questions answered by USCIS is easily accessible through their website. On the USCIS website, you will find a lot of FAQs ranging from application to case status and general immigration requirements. Please check this section to make sure it already has an answer before you call or hold.
If you cannot locate what you are seeking in the FAQs, you can try an e-request. With this, you can message USCIS directly asking questions regarding your case. It’s available all day and night, so you can contact us and answer your questions without having to wait for a working day. If you have an online USCIS account, you can even leave a secure message for a USCIS employee who will pick up when they’re available.
2. Ask Emma – the Virtual Assistant of USCIS.
Also, USCIS has an online virtual assistant called Emma. Emma is designed to cover a lot of the general questions related to USCIS services. Whether it’s how to keep track of your case, how to apply for a visa, or anything in particular regarding your application, Emma will respond to youreal-timetime.
If Emma is unable to answer your question, don’t despair. She will refer you to a live chat agent who can help you directly. If your concern needs to be addressed more, Emma can also assist you in booking an in-person meeting with USCIS to get your case settled.
3. Call the USCIS Contact Center
If you would rather talk to a representative personally, you can always call the USCIS Contact Center. But be ready to walk through their interactive voice response (IVR) system, where you’ll be asked a series of questions about your situation. Your answers determine whether the IVR connects you directly with a live agent or tells you that you will be on hold due to high volume.
This can take some time, but it’s still an easy way to get a personal immigration lawyer for your questions.
USCIS is a large agency and like many other agencies, it’s been struggling in the past few years, particularly with the increase in immigration applications during the pandemic. Staff shortages and a higher volume of applications and inquiries resulted in longer lines and more challenges to contact a representative. But with the recent steps to ramp up staffing and digital services, things are getting better.
What are the best times to call USCIS for a live agent
The best times to call USCIS for a live agent are:
Optimal Calling Times
- Midweek (Tuesday to Thursday): Call volume tends to be lower during these days, making it easier to reach a live representative without long wait times.
- Early Morning: Calling right when the USCIS Contact Center opens at 8 AM Eastern Time can help you avoid peak hours.
- Saturdays: USCIS now offers live assistance on Saturdays from 9 AM to 5 PM Eastern Time, which may be less busy compared to weekdays.
Additional Tips
- Avoid calling on Mondays, as this day typically experiences the highest call volume due to inquiries accumulated over the weekend.
- If you need assistance outside of regular hours, consider using USCIS’s online tools or the virtual assistant “Emma” for immediate help.
How long does it typically take to get a response from USCIS
The response time from USCIS can vary significantly depending on the type of application or petition filed. Here are some typical processing times for various USCIS applications:
General Processing Times
- Initial Acknowledgment: After submitting a petition, such as Form I-130 (Petition for Alien Relative), you can expect to receive a receipt notice (Form I-797C) confirming receipt within 2 to 4 weeks.
- Review Period: For many applications, including the I-130, USCIS may take approximately 10 to 14 months for approval, although this can vary based on the specifics of the case and the service center’s workload.
- Requests for Evidence (RFE): If USCIS issues an RFE, it usually takes about 60 to 90 days to review the additional evidence submitted.
Specific Application Types
- Naturalization Applications (Form N-400): The average processing time for naturalization applications is around 5.5 months, but it can differ based on the field office handling the case.
- Visa Applications: Processing times for visa applications can range from 3 to 5 weeks, but may extend longer depending on the visa type and specific circumstances.
Factors Influencing Processing Times
Processing times are influenced by several factors:
- USCIS Backlog: Each service center has different workloads, which can affect how quickly cases are processed6.
- Type of Application: Different forms and petitions have varying processing timelines.
- Completeness of Application: Submitting a complete and accurate application can help avoid delays caused by RFEs or rejections.
Can I contact USCIS via email for case-specific inquiries and Help
Yes, you can contact USCIS via email for case-specific inquiries, but there are specific guidelines to follow.
Email Communication with USCIS
- Designated Email Boxes: Some USCIS offices provide designated email addresses for case-specific inquiries about pending or adjudicated petitions or applications. It’s essential to check the USCIS Contact Us page to ensure your inquiry is directed appropriately.
- Secure Messaging: The preferred method for case-specific inquiries is through the USCIS online account, where users can send secure messages directly to the USCIS Contact Center. This method allows for a more comprehensive and timely response, typically within 48 hours.
- Privacy Considerations: When contacting USCIS via email, be aware that privacy and confidentiality are prioritized. Officers exercise caution in responding to emails that request case-specific information due to potential privacy issues.
- Alternative Contact Methods: Besides email, applicants can use the National Customer Service Center (NCSC) by calling 1-800-375-5283 for assistance with case-related inquiries. This service is available Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Eastern Time.
Even though you may not always make it through to USCIS, some websites can help — the FAQs, e-Requests, Emma — which will save you time and frustration. If you need direct help, you can still reach out to the USCIS Contact Center but you will have to wait. Remember that USCIS is making every effort to eliminate these delays and provide applicants with an easier experience.
How Law and Visas Can Help?
At Law and Visas, our team of expert immigration consultants is here to make your travel to the U.S. straightforward and successful. Whether you’re applying for an EB-2 Visa or an EB-3Visa, we handle every step—from preparing your application to gathering the required documents.
Our Immigration Consultants and Lawyers ensure that your application meets the highest standards, with no details missed. We’ll also keep you informed throughout the process and coordinate with the immigration office or embassy on your behalf.
Law and Visas has a strong record of helping clients secure the visas/permits they need to visit the United States. You can call us today at +234 812 5505 986 to learn how we can help you.
