If your green card interview time falls off, don’t be alarmed. There are a few steps you can follow to reschedule it with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). This is what you do:
1: Call the USCIS Contact Center.
The first is to contact the USCIS Contact Center directly. To make the call, remember to have these details in hand:
- Your Alien Registration Number (A-Number)
- The ID number from your I-485 (Adjustment of Status) application
- When you are assigned to an agent, explain that you missed your interview and request to be escalated to a Tier 2 officer. The officer above will be in a better position to assist you further with rescheduling your interview.
2. Mail a Letter to USCIS.
If you would like to request your interview rescheduled, you can also send a letter to USCIS. Your letter should include:
- (Name, address, phone) Your entire contact information
- Your Alien Registration Number (A-Number)
- The receipt number on your Form I-485.
- A copy of any Change of Address (Form AR-11) verification, if any.
- Copy of the I-797 receipt notice for your Form I-485.
- In the letter, include in your letter exactly why you did not attend the interview. Please keep it brief but add everything that may explain to USCIS what is going on. For instance, if you couldn’t make it due to an emergency or travel, mention that.
Print One Out and Follow Up on the Letter.
Write a copy of the letter after you’ve completed it for yourself. You can also opt to send the letter with tracking so you can verify when it reached USCIS.
Key Tips
- Don’t wait too long: Do not wait too long to cancel your interview. : The earlier you act, the better.
- Tell them what happened: Explain why you missed the interview and tell them in advance. — USCIS knows things can go awry and needs to know why.
- Read for the next steps: When your rescheduling request is processed, USCIS will work with you to set an appointment time.
How to Reschedule Your Green Card Interview
Rescheduling a green card interview can be necessary for various reasons, such as medical emergencies or scheduling conflicts. Understanding the process and requirements for rescheduling is crucial to minimize delays in your green card application.
Requesting a Rescheduled Interview
- Contact USCIS: To initiate the rescheduling process, contact U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) as soon as you know you cannot attend the scheduled interview. You can do this by calling their National Customer Service Center at 1-800-375-5283 or by following the instructions provided on your appointment notice.
- Timing: It’s best to request a new interview date as soon as possible. If you miss your original interview, you may still have opportunities to reschedule, but acting quickly is essential to avoid complications.
- Potential Penalties: While there is generally no penalty for rescheduling due to valid reasons, missing an interview without prior notification can lead to delays or even a denial of your application. USCIS may interpret failure to attend as a lack of interest in pursuing your green card.
Required Documentation
When rescheduling, be prepared to provide documentation or explanations supporting your request:
- Valid Reason: Clearly state the reason for rescheduling. Acceptable reasons include medical emergencies, family emergencies, or significant scheduling conflicts.
- Supporting Documents: If applicable, provide documentation such as medical records, appointment confirmations, or other relevant evidence that justifies your need to reschedule.
The Impact of Missing Your Interview on Your Green Card Application
Missing your green card interview can have serious consequences for your application process.
Delays in Processing
- Processing Delays: If you miss your interview, it could significantly delay the processing of your green card application. USCIS may require you to wait for several weeks or even months before being able to reschedule.
- Assessment by USCIS: When assessing a missed interview, USCIS will consider whether you provided a reasonable explanation for your absence. If they determine that your reason was insufficient, they may deny your application.
Risk of Denial
- Possibility of Denial: If you miss your interview without a valid reason and do not communicate with USCIS beforehand, there is a risk that your application may be denied outright.
- Avoiding Denial: To avoid this situation, always inform USCIS of any issues preventing you from attending the scheduled interview as soon as possible and provide supporting documentation.
What to Do if You Have a Valid Reason for Missing Your Interview
If you have a legitimate reason for missing your green card interview, it’s essential to follow specific steps to ensure that USCIS considers your situation appropriately.
Acceptable Reasons
- Types of Valid Reasons: USCIS may consider various reasons acceptable for missing an interview, including:
- Medical emergencies (e.g., hospitalization)
- Family emergencies (e.g., death or serious illness of a family member)
- Travel issues (e.g., unavoidable travel due to work commitments)
Documenting Your Reason
- Proof of Valid Reason: Gather documentation that supports your claim. This may include:
- Medical records or doctor’s notes
- Death certificates or hospital admission papers
- Travel itineraries or tickets showing unavoidable commitments
- Requesting Rescheduling: When formally requesting to reschedule due to a valid reason, include all supporting evidence in your communication with USCIS.
What Happens If USCIS Denies Your Green Card After you Miss an Interview?
If you miss an interview and subsequently receive a denial notice from USCIS, understanding the next steps is crucial.
Risks of Denial
- Understanding the Risks: If you miss the interview without a valid reason, USCIS may deny your green card application based on abandonment of the process.
Legal Steps After Denial
- Filing an Appeal or Motion: If denied, you may have options such as filing an appeal or a motion to reopen the case:
- Appeal: You can appeal the decision if you believe it was made in error.
- Motion to Reopen: If new evidence arises that justifies reopening the case (such as proof of a valid reason for missing the interview), you can file this motion with supporting documentation.
- Receiving Denial Notice: If you receive a denial notice after missing an interview, carefully review the reasons stated and consult with an immigration attorney if necessary to discuss potential next steps.
Can You Attend Your Green Card Interview If You Miss It by Accident?
In certain circumstances, it may be possible to attend your green card interview even if you missed it initially.
Possibility of Attending Without Rescheduling
- Walk-In Interviews: Depending on the circumstances and timing, some applicants might be allowed to attend their interviews without needing to formally reschedule.
- Contacting USCIS: It is essential to contact USCIS immediately after missing the appointment to confirm whether they will allow you to attend as a walk-in or if you must formally reschedule.
Importance of Confirmation
- Confirming Attendance Options: Always confirm with USCIS regarding their policies on walk-in interviews after missing an appointment. Each case may be treated differently based on individual circumstances and local office policies.
Losing your green card interview is an unfortunate thing to do but USCIS has rescheduling options. Whether you need help in this or simply wish to make sure that everything is in order, Law and Visas can help you every step of the way. Let us make sure your rescheduling request is submitted correctly and that you’re all set for your next interview.
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 a K-1 Visa or a EB-2 Visa 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.
