Top Immigration Questions Answered by Attorney Allen E. Kaye

Allen E. Kaye, Of Counsel at Pollack, Pollack, Isaac & DeCicco, LLP and Past President of AILA, answers frequently asked immigration questions in today’s edition of LIVE with PPID.

Question 1:

I have a problem with USCIS. I am told that they will be closed until June 3, 2020, or maybe even longer. Who should I contact?

Answer:

You should call the USCIS Contact Center at 1-800-375-5283. When you get someone on the phone, you should have your receipt number ready. If you have an attorney on the file, the USCIS personnel will not want to speak to you, instead, they are going to ask for your lawyer. The lawyer must have a notice of appearance on the file to show that he or she is your lawyer.

Question 2:

If I had a naturalization interview or a green card interview and did not go because it was postponed, what should I do?

Answer:

You should wait until you hear from the USCIS Office. They will send you another notice when they are fully operating again. The same is true if you had a biometrics appointment to get your fingerprints done, an asylum interview, or an oath ceremony to be sworn in and these appointments were postponed. You should wait until you hear from USCIS. When they are up and running, they will send you a new notice. The Office is currently closed until June 3, 2020, and it may be extended.

Question 3:

I have a problem with the American Consulate. My case has been pending at the National Visa Center or the American Consulate and I have not heard from them, what should I do?

Answer:

There are a few things that you can do:

1. You can call the National Visa Center at 603-334-0700. You may have to stay on the phone for a long time. It’s probably best to call early in the morning or late at night.
2. If you want more information on your case, visit nvc.state.gov. NVC stands for the National Visa Center.
3. If your case is pending at the American Consulate, please visit ceac.state.gov to find out more information about your current case status and required documentation you need to submit.
4. If you want to know when U.S. Embassies or American Consulates reopen again, please visit usembassy.gov for more information.

If you have immigration questions or need legal assistance from our U.S. immigration lawyers, please call 800-223-2814.