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The USCIS Home Visit: What to Expect and How to Prepare

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What To Do When an Immigration Officer Visits Your Address

It’s essential to know what a home visit from the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services ( USCIS ) entails. Being ill-prepared and not knowing how to handle such a visit might ruin one’s chances at permanent residency or citizenship. Moreover, these visits help legitimize you in the eyes of the law.

Whether or not you are expecting a visit from the USCIS soon, this article hopes to be of immense help. Read on to learn about the basics of USCIS home visits. Its purpose, process, and preparations are outlined here, as well as your rights and what to do after a visit.

For more information and specific questions about immigration, contact  Andrew T. Thomas, Attorneys at Law .

What Is a USCIS Home Visit?

Immigration officers from the USCIS may pay you a visit at home to verify certain things you declared in your application for a green card. If there is doubt as to your application, or there is substantial evidence of fraud or deliberate breaching of immigration law, home visits will also be conducted.

Home visits could also be conducted to verify the truthfulness of information presented during an interview. These site visits are routine and shouldn’t cause anyone alarm. 

If an immigration officer visits you, you should cooperate with them by providing them with any information or documentation they may require

Understanding USCIS Home Visits

The purpose of home visits.

A home visit from immigration authorities is one of the ways the USCIS conducts further investigation for marriage-based petitions. This is conducted before granting an adjustment of status petition. An administrative site visit is also usual in cases involving work-based immigration petitions. The home or site visit may be conducted before or after the petition is granted.

One of the quickest ways to become a green card holder is to marry a U.S. citizen. However, it can also be abused and fraudulent.

Some individuals marry U.S. citizens only to obtain immigration benefits. The American citizen may be doing the would-be immigrant a favor or are paid to proceed with the marriage. In certain instances, an immigration officer may suspect that a couple is committing marriage fraud even though they are genuinely in love. This is where home visits come into play.

If marriage fraud is suspected, the case may be forwarded to the USCIS’s Fraud Detection and National Security (FDNS) section. This usually entails visiting the couple’s home to verify their legitimacy after the USCIS interview.

The USCIS Home Visit Process

To verify details on an application for immigration benefits, the USCIS may pay a house visit. When making an unexpected site visit, FDNS officials will introduce themselves by giving their name and badge number. In immigration proceedings involving family members, this visit is standard procedure.

When conducting a home visit, USCIS agents will:

Ask permission before entering the house.

Inquire about the relationship.

Ask questions to ensure you are telling the truth.

Request to see certain rooms and spaces within the house.

Verify the lease’s validity.

Record their observations in writing.

View specific items within the home

Confirm that the couple is residing together.

Check the address.

Confirm your identity.

The USCIS may also:

Examine the applicant’s credit history.

Interview people associated with the applicant.

Your Rights During a Home Visit

In the event of a home visit by United States Citizenship and Immigration Services USCIS, you may:

Only respond to inquiries when an  immigration lawyer  is present.

Give your consulate a call.

Refuse the immigration officers’ entry to your house.

Obtain copies of all the records that pertain to your immigration case.

Refuse to respond to inquiries on your immigration status.

Refuse to present identification documents bearing your nationality.

Refuse to sign any documents before consulting your immigration lawyer.

Remain silent.

However, you have to exercise your rights respectfully. This is because you do not want to ruin your chances of immigrating by lack of cooperation. Remember that being resistant can harm your case, so proceed with caution.

Preparing for a USCIS Home Visit

Documentation and Evidence

During a home visit, it’s better if you’re ready to show the following when asked:

Marriage certificate

Adoption certificate

Birth certificate

Birth registration documents

DHS Arrival/Departure Record

Permanent Resident Card

Proof of family relationship

Make sure to keep all your needed documents in a place that is easy to reach. It will also help if your papers are arranged neatly. Proper storage for your documentation may ease the stress of a USCIS home visit.

Household Readiness

Expect immigration officers to do a lot of things during the interview. If you allow them, they might look through the entire house. They may also observe spaces where you eat, sleep, and where you keep your things. These are also known as “bed checks.” These are done to confirm that you are really living together as a couple. You can legally refuse, but suspicions may arise.

After the Visit: Next Steps

To identify any signs of fraud or noncompliance, USCIS will examine an officer’s Compliance Review Report. In that case, the FDNS will forward the matter to the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement for an investigation.

The USCIS takes three to four months to assess an application fully. The agency could need more time if any paperwork is missing or some things need to be sorted.

If any discrepancies are found, your application could be rejected. If the USCIS denies an appeal, you may have to correct a mistake before you can apply again.

You must complete and submit these papers to the USCIS. Usually, you will visit the USCIS field office closest to your location for your scheduled biometrics appointment or interview. For example, if you are in Texas, the nearest office to you might be the  USCIS office in Dallas  or San Antonio.

What To Do If Issues Arise

In case of disputes or misunderstandings arising from a USCIS home visit, it may be best to speak with an immigration attorney. Trying to resolve things on your own might exacerbate issues. On the other hand, an  immigration lawyer  would act in your best interest. Do some research to find an attorney who will fight for your rights to the end.

In Texas, it is best to contact the  USCIS office in San Antonio  or Dallas. You can obtain additional information by visiting a USCIS office, especially if you run into trouble.

Reach Out To an Experienced Immigration Attorney For Help

Preparing for a USCIS home visit is essential in your path toward becoming a green card holder. If things go awry, you may need more help to set things right.

We at Andrew T. Thomas, Attorneys at Law, are happy to assist our clients with immigration matters. Our goal is to help clients obtain legal status by skillfully navigating the difficult U.S. immigration system.

To speak with a competent and compassionate immigration lawyer, contact us to schedule a free consultation!

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USCIS Home Visits during Green Card Process: What to Do if You Get a Surprise Check

During the green card application process, uscis may conduct surprise home visits. if this happens, it is important to remain calm and cooperate..

Key Takeaways:

• USCIS home visits are possible during the green card process to verify the authenticity of a marriage.
• These visits are focused on preventing fraud and ensuring that the marriage is genuine.
• During a home visit, USCIS officers will ask questions and may inspect certain areas of the home.

Navigating the Green Card Process: Understanding USCIS Home Visits

The journey towards permanent residency in the United States is often filled with various forms, interviews, and procedures. One aspect that might come as a surprise to some applicants is the possibility of USCIS home visits during the green card process. In this blog post, we’ll discuss what you need to know about these visits and provide guidance on how to handle them should they occur.

What Are USCIS Home Visits?

USCIS (U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services) is the government agency responsible for overseeing lawful immigration to the United States. Part of their duty includes ensuring the validity of relationships in cases where a green card is sought through marriage to a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.

While USCIS primarily conducts interviews at their local offices, they do have the authority to make surprise home visits to applicants who are undergoing the green card process. These are not routine for every applicant but are within the possible range of checks USCIS may undertake to prevent immigration fraud.

Why Would USCIS Conduct Home Visits?

USCIS home visits are primarily focused on verifying the authenticity of a marriage when a green card is being sought on that basis. If a USCIS officer suspects that a marriage may not be bona fide, they might decide to conduct a surprise visit to gather more evidence. The goal is to ensure that the marriage is not simply a means to obtain immigration benefits .

Also of Interest:

Schengen visa application: step-by-step guide, who needs a schengen visa, what to expect during a uscis home visit.

If USCIS chooses to conduct a home check, here’s what typically happens:

• Unannounced Visit: USCIS officers usually come without advance notice, which could be any time during the day.
• Identification: The officers will identify themselves and show their credentials.
• Questions: They will ask questions to both spouses to confirm that the marriage is genuine.
• Inspection: They may ask to see certain areas of the home to determine if the living situation supports the claim of a bona fide marriage.

What to Do During a USCIS Home Check

The thought of a surprise visit can be unnerving, but being prepared can help alleviate stress. Here are steps you should take if you encounter a home visit:

Verify the Identity of the Officer

First and foremost, ask for identification to confirm that the visitors are indeed USCIS officers. They should be able to present you with their credentials and explain the purpose of their visit.

Be Courteous and Cooperative

Always remain calm and polite. Being hostile or refusing entry without a valid reason can result in unfavorable inferences about your case. Cooperate with the officers but understand that you do have rights as well.

Know Your Rights

You have the right to speak to a lawyer, and you can ask the officers if you can contact one before proceeding with the visit. If you do not feel comfortable speaking English, you may request an interpreter.

Be Honest in Your Responses

Provide truthful answers to the officers’ questions. Honesty is critical in the immigration process, and inconsistencies can lead to suspicions of fraud.

Document the Visit

Take notes during or immediately after the visit. Record the date, time, names of the officers, and the questions asked. This information could be helpful if any issue arises from the visit.

Seek Legal Advice

If at any point you feel overwhelmed, it’s crucial to seek legal assistance from an immigration attorney.

After the Home Visit

Following the visit, talk to your immigration lawyer to discuss any concerns or questions you might have. They can offer advice on any further actions you should take and help alleviate any fears about the process.

While USCIS home visits during the green card process are not the norm, they are a part of the agency’s efforts to prevent fraudulent activities. Being prepared and understanding what to expect can help you handle such a situation with confidence.

For more information on the green card process and potential interviews and visits, refer to the official USCIS website.

Should you experience a surprise visit and need immediate information or assistance, consider contacting organizations such as the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) for support and guidance.

Remember, the green card process is a journey, and while it may seem daunting at times, obtaining accurate information and being prepared for all possibilities is key to navigating it successfully.

Still Got Questions? Read Below to Know More

What should i do if i’m at work when uscis comes for a surprise home visit.

If you happen to be at work when USCIS comes for a surprise home visit, there are a few steps you should consider taking:

• Communication: Have someone at home (such as a family member) inform the USCIS officer that you are not currently available and ask whether the visit can be rescheduled. It is important to be courteous and cooperative, showing willingness to comply with their requests.
• Rescheduling: If the visit cannot proceed without you, politely request to schedule another time for the officer to return. USCIS agents are typically understanding of such situations as long as you are not perceived to be evading the inspection.
• Documentation: Ensure that whoever is at home takes note of the officer’s name, badge number, and contact information. They should also request for the reason for the visit and any documents that the officer might leave behind.

Remember, USCIS official visits are typically scheduled in advance, and surprise visits are not a standard practice. In the unusual event that it does happen, stay calm and deal with the situation politely and professionally.

For more detailed guidance on this matter or similar situations, refer to the official USCIS website or contact the USCIS Contact Center directly. Here are some links that might be useful:

• USCIS Contact Center: uscis.gov/contactcenter
• General USCIS information and resources: uscis.gov

Note: It’s always best to seek the advice of an immigration attorney if you’re unsure about how to handle any interactions with immigration officials. They can provide personalized advice tailored to your specific situation.

Can family members be present during a USCIS home visit for my spouse’s green card interview?

Family members can generally be present during a home visit from a U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) officer if you are going through the process for your spouse’s green card interview. However, it’s important to note that USCIS home visits are not standard procedure for most green card interviews, which typically happen at a USCIS office. In the event of a home visit, which might be part of a fraud investigation, the following points should be considered:

• Cooperate with the Officers : USCIS officers are federal law enforcement agents, and their visits must be taken seriously. If they arrive for a home visit, you should cooperate fully with their requests. Although family members can be present, the interaction will primarily involve the individuals applying for the immigration benefit.

Understand the Purpose of the Visit : Be aware that if USCIS officers come for a home visit, it may be to verify the authenticity of the marital relationship and the living conditions as part of their investigation.

Preparation and Privacy : While family members may be in the home, the USCIS officers will likely want to speak privately with the applicant(s) or may request to inspect certain areas of the residence. It is essential that family members respect these procedures.

Keep in mind that this information is based on general circumstances, and specific cases may vary. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, always refer to the USCIS’s official website or contact them directly.

For further details on what to expect during the green card interview process and USCIS visits, you can visit the official USCIS website for family-based green cards here: Family of U.S. Citizens . It’s always recommended to review official USCIS materials or consult with an immigration attorney if you have questions about your individual case.

Can I ask USCIS officers to come back later if my house is a mess when they arrive for a surprise visit?

If USCIS officers arrive for a surprise visit, typically known as a site visit, and your house is a mess, it’s important to understand that these officers are primarily interested in verifying information related to your immigration application, not judging your housekeeping. However, if for some reason you are genuinely unable to accommodate the officers, you can request them to come back at another time. Here are a few points to remember in this situation:

• Be Polite: If you need to ask them to come back later, do so very politely. You can say something like, “I apologize for the inconvenience, but I am currently unable to accommodate a visit. Would it be possible to reschedule for another time?”

Valid Reason: Offer a valid reason for the rescheduling. This could be a personal emergency or any other serious issue that prevents you from allowing the visit at that time. Do not focus on the cleanliness of your home as a reason.

Follow-up: Be prepared for the officers to either accept your request to reschedule or insist on proceeding with their visit. If they agree to come back later, make sure to promptly arrange a new time that works for both parties. Be aware that if you refuse entry or seem uncooperative without a valid reason, it could potentially impact your immigration application.

It’s worth noting that site visits are usually for employment-based immigration applications, like H-1B visa compliance checks, to confirm the workplace details and employment. For marriage-based applications where living arrangements might be verified, USCIS typically provides notice of their intent to visit.

For more information on what to expect during USCIS home visits and how best to interact with officers, please visit the official USCIS website: USCIS Home . It’s also advisable to consult with an immigration attorney if you find yourself in this situation, to ensure that your rights and interests are adequately represented.

Is it normal for USCIS to check bedrooms during a home visit for a marriage-based green card?

USCIS home visits for a marriage-based green card are not routine, and it’s relatively rare for USCIS officials to perform them. Home visits, when they occur, are usually to confirm the legitimacy of a couple’s marriage. USCIS is primarily looking to see if the couple’s life together appears genuine and if they share a residence. If an officer were to visit your home, they might request to see common living areas to verify cohabitation and the authenticity of the relationship.

While it’s not standard for USCIS officers to conduct detailed inspections of private areas like bedrooms, officers could potentially ask to see the entire home to ensure the marriage is not fraudulent. The level of scrutiny depends on the specific concerns raised during the application process. Officers are expected to respect applicants’ privacy and abide by certain protocols when conducting home visits.

For accurate information regarding USCIS procedures, always consult the official USCIS website or reach out to an immigration lawyer. For official guidance or to address any concerns about privacy and home visits, USCIS provides resources and contact information for applicants at USCIS Contact Center . It is always best to be prepared and informed about your rights and what to expect during the application process.

If I just moved in and don’t have much furniture, will that affect the outcome of a USCIS home visit?

When the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) conducts a home visit, their primary focus is to verify the authenticity of certain aspects of an immigration application or to check on the welfare of an individual. For instance, in the case of a marriage-based green card application, they might observe the living conditions to ensure the marriage is bona fide. Here’s what they generally look for:

• Evidence of a genuine relationship (for marriage-based applications): Items that can naturally be found in homes shared by couples, such as family photos, shared bills, or joint bank statements.
• Safety and appropriateness of the living conditions (for sponsorship of adoptive children or dependents): This might include ensuring that the child or dependent has adequate space and that the home meets general safety standards.

The amount of furniture in your home is not a direct concern for USCIS. A sparsely furnished home does not necessarily reflect negatively on your immigration application. However, if the situation warrants (like in marriage-based visits), they may take into account the overall authenticity of the living situation.

“USCIS is interested in the substance of your application rather than the furnishings of your residence. Their primary goal is to determine the validity of the relationship or eligibility based on the requirements rather than focusing on the quantity or quality of possessions.”

For official guidelines and what to expect during a USCIS home visit, refer to the USCIS Policy Manual and the official USCIS website: https://www.uscis.gov/policy-manual. Always ensure that you provide genuine information and maintain transparency during any interactions with immigration authorities.

Learn Today:

Glossary of Immigration Related Terms:

• Green Card : A common term for a Permanent Resident Card, which grants an individual the right to live and work permanently in the United States.

USCIS : U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, a government agency responsible for overseeing lawful immigration to the United States.

Home Visit : A surprise visit conducted by USCIS officers to an applicant’s residence as part of the green card process, typically to verify the authenticity of a marriage.

Bona Fide Marriage : A genuine marriage entered into for reasons other than obtaining immigration benefits.

Immigration Fraud : The deliberate misrepresentation of facts or the use of fraudulent methods to obtain immigration benefits.

Unannounced Visit : A home visit conducted by USCIS officers without advance notice, usually during the day.

Identification : The process of confirming the identity of USCIS officers during a home visit by requesting their credentials and verifying their purpose.

Cooperation : The act of remaining calm and polite during a home visit, answering questions truthfully, and allowing officers to inspect the home if requested.

Rights : Legal protections and entitlements that individuals have during a home visit, such as the right to speak to a lawyer and the right to an interpreter if needed.

Interpreter : A person who translates spoken language between parties who do not share a common language.

Inconsistencies : Discrepancies or contradictions in the information provided by the spouses during a home visit, which may raise suspicions of fraud.

Legal Assistance : Support and guidance provided by an immigration attorney to individuals going through the green card process.

Fraudulent Activities : Deceptive actions aimed at obtaining immigration benefits through dishonest or illegal means.

AILA : American Immigration Lawyers Association, an organization that provides resources, support, and assistance to individuals seeking immigration-related legal advice.

Immigration Attorney : A lawyer specializing in immigration law who provides legal advice and representation to individuals navigating the immigration process.

And there you have it! Navigating the green card process can be an adventure, with USCIS home visits being one unexpected turn along the way. Remember, if you ever find yourself facing a surprise visit, stay calm, be cooperative, and know your rights. For more expert advice and information on visas and immigration, be sure to check out visaverge.com. Happy exploring!

This Article in a Nutshell:

USCIS home visits are surprise visits conducted during the green card process. They are conducted to verify the authenticity of a marriage when a green card is applied through marriage to a U.S. citizen or permanent resident. If you encounter a home visit, verify the officers’ identities, be courteous, know your rights, be honest in your responses, document the visit, and seek legal advice if needed.

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Home Visits by USCIS

Is USCIS coming to my house?

Hi, I'm Jim Hacking , immigration lawyer, practicing law throughout the United States at our office here in St. Louis, Missouri. It's sure fun being an immigration lawyer, and you get to learn a lot of things over the years.

One of the things we've learned is that in many marriage cases, USCIS comes to visit the house. They want to make sure that the address on file is valid. That the couple has a valid lease there. That the couple is living together as spouses, that each spouse has evidence of staying there.

They'll come and knock on your door. They'll say, "Hey, my name is Agent Joe Blow from USCIS, or HSI, or ICE or whoever." They might say, "Can we look around?"

Now, if you have a pending immigration case, you're going to have to let them in. But of course, you always probably want to talk that through with a lawyer ahead of time to get good advice and to know when to let them in and when not.

But if you do have a marriage case on file, they're probably at some point going to come check you out.

Now, the purpose of this video is to talk about when does that happen? So in my experience, USCIS doesn't come out before the actual interview at USCIS.

So in a marriage based case , you file the I-130, you file the I-45, and you file all the accompanying forms. The foreign national gets fingerprinted. There's a background check.

And then at the end of the background check, you get that work and travel card and then after that, you get scheduled for an interview. So it's very unusual for USCIS to come out and do an interview on site, before the interview at the USCIS office, the green card interview .

So that would be unusual. I think I've heard of it happening, I don't know that it's ever happened to any of my clients, but it does happen from time to time.

But typically, the site visit is going to be after the interview. So in that scenario, you have your interview. You don't get a decision right away and then your case is pending for a while.

Then at some point, I assume that what happens at USCIS is there are officers who can refer it to the fraud unit and then the fraud unit puts it on the list of cases to investigate.

Then weeks or months later, they'll come and knock on that door of your house, usually do it at 5:30, 6:00 to catch people sleeping. See if they're both there.

Then they'll talk to the couple or they'll talk to whoever's home, they'll look around.

They'll see, "Hey, does this look like a place where valid marriage is occurring?" If that makes sense. Then things will go from there.

So it's unlikely that USCIS is going to come visit you at your house before your interview. So that's the point of the video.

If you have any questions about this or about a site visit, or if you're thinking about filing for a marriage-based case, things are getting a lot harder.

You might want to give us a call at (314) 961-8200.

You can join us in our Facebook group, that's called, Immigrant Home. We'd love to have you in there. We put in a lot of good immigration news each day.

You should follow me on LinkedIn and on YouTube and Twitter, Twitter @Jimhacking. Our YouTube channel we update every day with a new video, and there's a lot of good conversations going on in there. If you liked this video, please share it out on all your social media platforms. We'd really appreciate it. Thanks a lot. Have a great day.

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Can your petition be at risk if USCIS visits your home?

Sometimes, married couples, even if in love and that entered the marriage in good faith, might raise suspicions to an immigration officer. This can be triggered sometimes because of miscommunications, misunderstandings, anxiety, being too nervous and giving answers that don’t match; age, race, cultural and background difference also might be a factor. If that is the case the immigration officer may ask the couple to come back for second and third interview. Their case in such situations may also be referred to USCIS’s Fraud Detection and National Security (FDNS) unit to make a site visit to the couple’s home.

If you are in this situation and you are called back for another interview, or USCIS makes a visit at your home, suspecting that you are in a fixed marriage, please don’t try to “fix” your marriage on your own, but reach out to a competent attorney who can review and savage your case.

If FDNS comes to your house, it is typically an unannounced and unplanned visit, usually early in the morning. During the time of FDNS visit, the officers wants to observe and confirm that both spouses are living in the same house and share the same living space, especially if you marked on your documents that both of you are living at the same address. If one of you in reality is leaving elsewhere, even is the couple might have a documented reason of not leaving together, due to one of the spouses’ work or school, this for sure will raise the USCIS’s officer’s suspicions about you being in a fixed marriage. The FDNS will also want to see your sleeping arrangements, if both of the spouses are sleeping in the same room and bed. Does the couple have roommates living under same roof, such as US citizen’s ex- girlfriend or boyfriend? Are there any pictures/portraits on the walls of US citizen’s ex-girlfriend or boyfriend or ex-spouse? Or if the house is full of married couple’s pictures together and memories (photobooks, ornament decorations with names or dates related to the married couple, decorative gifts from other family members or friends).

FDNS could also check your closets and medicine cabinets, to see if both your clothes are in the closet and if the medicine cabinet contains men’s and women’s care products, such as cologne for men and perfume for woman, shaver, etc. If the closets contain only one spouse’s articles of clothing, and the medicine cabinet contains only that spouse’s medications as well, it looks like you’re not living together. They will also want to see that there are two toothbrushes in the bathroom and ask which one is each of the spouses. They might also ask you to show them your house key, car keys, etc.  FDNS could also knock on neighbors’ doors, and ask your neighbors if they are aware you are husband and wife, if they saw each of the spouses coming and going out of the house. They may even be shown a picture of the couple. If the neighbors say they saw only one person living there, and they never saw the other spouse, it could also be a sign of a fixed marriage.

Nowadays, USCIS has become more sophisticated and their databases are way more extended than in the past. USCIS has access today to many more agencies and authorities, that is why I cannot stress enough that people should never enter into a fixed marriage. There are cases you might hear about that someone was able to trick the system and was lucky to “get away”. If an immigration officer will decide that you are in a fixed marriage, you are blacklisted for life, and no future petition can be approved in your name.

If you do find yourself in a situation that USCIS has suspicions that you are in a fixed marriage, but in reality you are in a bone fide marriage, based on love, I strongly recommend reaching out to  an attorney for assistance, so that a specialist can take another look at your case and provide you with needed legal guidance to  reduce the USCIS suspicions and questions, and mediate any miscommunications that lead to raising initially those suspicions.

For more info and consultation, please schedule an appointment. Call us at ‭( 410)978-7007 ‬ or send email at [email protected]. You can also see more details on our website www.iorgalaw.com We speak Romanian , Russian, English!

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USCIS Deadlines for Weekend and Holiday Submissions

The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has recently announced an update to its Policy Manual for filing deadlines to address situations when the last day to file a benefit request or respond to a USCIS action falls on a Saturday, Sunday, or federal holiday. This update aims to increase flexibility for applicants and beneficiaries by allowing an extra day for submission of paper-based documents in certain cases. In this blog post, we will discuss the key points of this update and how it affects those interacting with USCIS.

The Update: Providing Flexibility for Paper-Based Submissions

According to the updated USCIS Policy Manual, when the last day to file a benefit request or respond to a USCIS action falls on a non-business day (Saturday, Sunday, or federal holiday), a paper-based submission will be considered timely if received by the end of the next business day. While the receipt date for these cases will continue to reflect the date USCIS physically received the request, USCIS will consider the benefit request to have been filed on time. The change takes effect immediately and applies to all paper benefit requests or responses to USCIS actions received on or after March 29, 2023.

Filing a paper-based benefit request on the last day before a requestor’s or beneficiary’s birthday, the last day of a qualifying time period for filing or responding to a Request for Evidence or a notice of intent to deny, rescind, revoke, or terminate within the specified time frame for a response are examples of such time-sensitive submissions.

Electronic Filings Remain Unaffected

It is important to note that this update does not affect electronic filings or responses submitted electronically. These submissions are considered received immediately upon submission, and the flexibility with deadlines granted for paper-based submissions will not apply.

Non-Retroactive Application

The updated policy is not retroactive. This means that it will not apply to submissions that were made before the effective date of the update (March 29, 2023). In such cases, the original deadlines and rules will still apply.

The USCIS Policy Manual update provides additional flexibility for individuals who need to submit time-sensitive paper-based benefit requests or responses to USCIS actions when the deadline falls on a non-business day. By extending the deadline to the next business day, USCIS aims to better accommodate the needs of applicants and beneficiaries. However, it is crucial to remember that this update does not apply to electronic submissions, and the policy will not be applied retroactively. If you have any questions about your immigration case or would like to speak with one of our experienced professionals, please do not hesitate to contact us . We look forward to the opportunity to assist you in achieving your immigration goals.

Your marriage petition could be in trouble if USCIS visits your home

30 may 2017 your marriage petition could be in trouble if uscis visits your home.

Marrying a US citizen is one of the fastest and most commonly known ways to obtain a green card. It is also subject to much fraud and abuse, where people will enter into a marriage of convenience with a U.S. citizen solely for immigration benefits. The U.S. citizen might be a friend willing to do the person a “favor”, or demands the payment of money to go through with the marriage and marital interview.

There may be cases where a couple is truly in love, but because of miscommunications, misunderstandings, confusion, anxiety, nervousness, answers that don’t match,  age or cultural difference, or not providing sufficient documentation, the immigration officer becomes suspicious it is a fixed marriage.

The couple may be asked to come back for a second or third interview. Their case could also be referred to USCIS’s Fraud Detection and National Security (FDNS) unit to make a site visit to the couple’s home.

If you are called back for a second or third interview, or USCIS visits your home, there can be no clearer sign that USCIS suspects you are in a fixed marriage, even if yours is a bona fide, love marriage. If that is your case, rather than trying to “repair” your marriage case on your own, have an attorney evaluate and salvage your case.

If FDNS comes to your house, it is typically an unannounced visit, usually early in the morning. During the visit, they want to observe and confirm both spouses are living in the same house. If you put down in your papers that both of you are living at the same address, but in reality one of the spouses is living elsewhere, this will only increase USCIS’s suspicions it’s a fixed marriage. (In fact, there may be a legitimate reason for not living together, such as work or school. But still, it creates the suspicion of a fixed marriage).

They will also be checking sleeping arrangements. Are both spouses sleeping in the same room and/or bed? Or, is one spouse sleeping in the bedroom, while the other sleeps on the living room couch? Does the couple have roommates living under the same roof, such as the US citizen’s ex-boyfriend or girlfriend? Are there pictures on the wall of the US citizen’s ex-boyfriend or girlfriend or ex-spouse?  Or are their pictures of the married couple together?

FDNS could also check your closets and medicine cabinets, to see if both your clothes are in the closet and if the medicine cabinet contains men’s and women’s care products, such as cologne for men and perfume for woman, shaver, etc. If the closets contain only one spouse’s articles of clothing, and the medicine cabinet contains only that spouse’s medications as well, it looks like you’re not living together.

FDNS could also knock on neighbors’ doors, and ask your neighbors if they are aware you are husband and wife. They may even be shown a picture of the couple. If the neighbors say they saw only one person living there alone, and they never saw the other person, it could also be a sign of a fixed marriage, and that you’re not really living together.

I want to emphasize that people should never enter into a fixed marriage. I know that there are stories of people who “got away with it,” but USCIS has become more sophisticated and their databases provide far more information than in the past. If you’re found in a fixed marriage, you are blacklisted for life, and no future petition can be approved on your behalf.

However, if you are truly in a bona fide, love marriage, and USCIS suspects it’s fixed, you should definitely seek the assistance of an attorney. Multiple interviews and site visits are clear signs of USCIS’s concerns over a fixed marriage. Having an attorney handle your case from the outset could greatly reduce the chances of suspicion, because the attorney could help you properly gather and package the relevant documentation, and clear up any confusion or miscommunication that may arise at your interview or in the processing of your case or petition.

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• USCIS Service Centers

Is the Uscis Open on weekends?

By kcsjoseph May 5, 2014 in USCIS Service Centers

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3 posts in this topic

Recommended posts, kcsjoseph   1.

Does the uscis open on weekdays to process applications or its just monday to friday?

AOS TIMELINE 2014 APRIL 28TH MAILED OUT TO CHICAGO LOCKBOX APRIL 29TH DELIVERED AND SIGNED FOR MAY 6TH EMAIL NOTIFICATION AND MONEY ORDER CASHED MAY 9TH RECEIVED 3 NOA'S MAY 12TH RECEIVED BIOMETRIC APPOINTMENT FOR 6/04/14 MAY 13TH WALK-IN BIOMETRIC SUCCESSFUL

MAY 27TH EMAIL CAME I-485 CHANGED TO TESTING AND INTERVIEW

JUNE 24TH EMAIL AND TEXT CARD PRODUCTION FOR EAD DUE TO EXPEDITE APPROVAL

JUNE 30TH EAD RECEIVED

INTERVIEW DATE AUGUST 27TH

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Merrytooth   5,748

This thread might be old but maybe it is what you are asking for.

http://www.visajourney.com/forums/topic/130244-uscis-employee-hours/?p=1936492

Done with K1, AOS and ROC

TBoneTX   43,064

One post removed as being unsupportive. Topic title edited for more clarity. Thread moved from Off Topic to the USCIS Service Centers forum, to be among similar posts.

06-04-2007 = TSC stamps postal return-receipt for I-129f.

06-11-2007 = NOA1 date (unknown to me).

07-20-2007 = Phoned Immigration Officer; got WAC#; where's NOA1?

09-25-2007 = Touch (first-ever).

09-28-2007 = NOA1, 23 days after their 45-day promise to send it (grrrr).

10-20 & 11-14-2007 = Phoned ImmOffs; "still pending."

12-11-2007 = 180 days; file is "between workstations, may be early Jan."; touches 12/11 & 12/12.

12-18-2007 = Call; file is with Division 9 ofcr. (bckgrnd check); e-prompt to shake it; touch.

12-19-2007 = NOA2 by e-mail & web, dated 12-18-07 (187 days; 201 per VJ); in mail 12/24/07.

01-09-2008 = File from USCIS to NVC , 1-4-08; NVC creates file, 1/15/08; to consulate 1/16/08.

01-23-2008 = Consulate gets file; outdated Packet 4 mailed to fiancee 1/27/08; rec'd 3/3/08.

04-29-2008 = Fiancee's 4-min. consular interview, 8:30 a.m.; much evidence brought but not allowed to be presented (consul: "More proof! Second interview! Bring your fiance!").

05-05-2008 = Infuriating $12 call to non-English-speaking consulate appointment-setter.

05-06-2008 = Better $12 call to English-speaker; "joint" interview date 6/30/08 (my selection).

06-30-2008 = Stokes Interrogations w/Ecuadorian (not USC); "wait 2 weeks; we'll mail her."

07-2008 = Daily calls to DOS: "currently processing"; 8/05 = Phoned consulate, got Section Chief; wrote him.

08-07-08 = E-mail from consulate, promising to issue visa "as soon as we get her passport" (on 8/12, per DHL).

08-27-08 = Phoned consulate (they "couldn't find" our file); visa DHL'd 8/28; in hand 9/1; through POE on 10/9 with NO hassles(!).

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Ted Hesson is an immigration reporter for Reuters, based in Washington, D.C. His work focuses on the policy and politics of immigration, asylum and border security. Prior to joining Reuters in 2019, Ted worked for the news outlet POLITICO, where he also covered immigration. His articles have appeared in POLITICO Magazine, The Atlantic and VICE News, among other publications. Ted holds a master's degree from the Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism and bachelor's degree from Boston College.

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USCIS to Open International Field Offices in Qatar and Turkey

WASHINGTON— U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) today announced the upcoming opening of international field offices in Doha, Qatar, and Ankara, Turkey, to increase capacity for refugee processing, strengthen strategic partnerships, and facilitate interagency cooperation.

“Opening these field offices establishes a USCIS presence and expertise in critical locations in the Middle East and is part of our commitment to the Biden-Harris administration’s efforts to facilitate safe, lawful, and orderly migration and family reunification,” said USCIS Director Ur M. Jaddou. “Our presence in Qatar and Turkey expands USCIS’ footprint outside the United States, supports our humanitarian mission, and strengthens the integrity of the U.S. immigration system.”

The Biden-Harris administration set the refugee admissions ceiling for fiscal year 2024 at 125,000 refugees. Establishing USCIS field offices in Qatar and Turkey will support the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program’s infrastructure in the region. It also will directly support long-established and increasing USCIS refugee processing circuit rides.

Qatar is a critical location and a regional refugee processing hub. Refugee coordinators from the U.S. Department of State’s  Bureau of Population, Refugees, and Migration (PRM), as well as a suboffice for the  Resettlement Support Center for the Middle East and North Africa , are already in Qatar. USCIS’ Doha Field Office will be located in the U.S. embassy facility at Camp As Sayliyah,   and staff will also periodically meet with the public for scheduled appointments at the U.S. Embassy in Qatar.

Turkey is also a critical location and regional refugee processing hub. The headquarters office for the  Resettlement Support Center for Turkey and the Middle East is in Turkey, as are  PRM refugee coordinators and a regional office for the  United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees . USCIS’ Ankara Field Office will be located in the U.S. Embassy Ankara.

USCIS staff will assume responsibility for processing  Form I-730, Refugee/Asylee Relative Petition , from State Department consular staff, assist with certain fraud detection-related activities, and provide other limited services. Services at both locations will be available only by appointment. USCIS will update the  International Immigration Offices webpage to include information about the field offices, services and appointments.

With the opening of the Doha Field Office on May 7, 2024, and the Ankara Field Office on May 9, 2024, USCIS will have 11 international field offices. Other international field offices include Beijing; Guangzhou, China; Guatemala City; Havana; Mexico City; Nairobi, Kenya; New Delhi; San Salvador, El Salvador; and Tegucigalpa, Honduras.