How to Schedule and Prepare for an InfoPass Appointment at USCIS

What an InfoPass appointment is and how to get one

An InfoPass appointment is a face-to-face meeting at a USCIS office where you can ask questions about your case, pick up documents, or get information about your immigration status. You do not need an InfoPass appointment for most USCIS transactions — many can be done by mail or online — but one can be useful if you need to speak directly with a USCIS officer or if your case is stuck and you want to understand what is happening.

USCIS no longer schedules InfoPass appointments through a dedicated online system. Instead, you request one by contacting your local USCIS field office directly. The method varies: some offices accept requests by phone, some by email, and some through their website. You will need to call or visit the USCIS office that handles your area to find out how they take requests.

The office will ask you what you need the appointment for and may ask for your case number or A-number (the eight-digit number on your immigration documents). They will give you a date and time, usually within two to four weeks. Some offices are busier than others, so wait times vary.

Key Takeaways

• Contact your local USCIS field office directly by phone, email, or website to request an InfoPass appointment — there is no central online booking system.
• Have your case number or A-number ready when you call, along with a clear explanation of why you need to meet with an officer.
• Bring a photo ID, your appointment notice, and any documents related to your case when you arrive.
• InfoPass appointments are most useful when your case is delayed, you need to pick up documents, or you have questions a phone call cannot answer.

Finding your local USCIS office and how to request an appointment

Start by going to the USCIS office locator at uscis.gov. Enter your zip code or city name, and the tool will show you which field office serves your area. Write down the office address, phone number, and hours of operation.

Call the office during business hours and tell them you want to request an InfoPass appointment. Have ready: your full name, date of birth, case number (if you have one), and a brief explanation of what you need. For example: "I am checking on the status of my I-485 application" or "I need to pick up a document from my file."

Some offices prefer email requests. If the office website lists an email address for appointments, send a message with the same information: your name, date of birth, case number, and reason for the appointment. Include your phone number so they can call you back with a date and time.

A few USCIS offices allow you to request an appointment through their website. Check your local office's page on uscis.gov to see if that option is available.

What to bring to your InfoPass appointment

Bring a valid photo ID — a passport, driver's license, or state ID card. USCIS will not let you in without one. Bring your appointment notice if the office gave you one, or bring the confirmation email or phone number where they told you the date and time.

Bring any documents related to your case: your I-797 notice of action, your green card or work permit, your passport, or any letters from USCIS. If you are asking about a specific application or petition, bring copies of what you filed. If you are picking up documents, bring a list of what you are there to collect.

Do not bring originals of important documents unless USCIS specifically asked you to. Bring copies instead. If you are worried about losing something, leave the original at home.

What happens during the appointment

You will check in at the front desk and wait to be called. Wait times vary — some people are seen within 15 minutes, others wait an hour or more. Bring something to read or do.

When you are called, a USCIS officer will meet with you in a private or semi-private area. Tell them what you need. If you are asking about your case status, they will look it up in the system and tell you what they can see. If you are picking up documents, they will retrieve them from your file. If you have questions about your options, they can explain them.

The officer cannot make decisions on the spot or speed up your case just because you came in person. They can tell you where your case stands, what documents are missing, or what the next step is. If your case is delayed, they may file an inquiry with the processing center, but that happens after the appointment, not during it.

Ask the officer for clarification if you do not understand something. Write down what they tell you, including any next steps or documents you need to send. If they say you need to submit something, ask for the address and deadline.

When an InfoPass appointment makes sense and when it does not

An InfoPass appointment is worth requesting if your case has been pending longer than the normal processing time and you want to know why. It is also useful if you need to pick up a document that USCIS will not mail, or if you have a complex question that requires a face-to-face conversation.

You do not need an InfoPass appointment for routine things like submitting an application, paying a fee, or checking your case status online. You can do those by mail or through the USCIS website. An appointment also will not speed up your case — USCIS processes cases in the order they receive them, not based on who came in to ask about them.

If your case is stuck because documents are missing, calling the office or checking your USCIS account online is often faster than waiting for an appointment. If you have a legal question about your options, talking to an immigration attorney is more useful than talking to a USCIS officer, because officers can only explain what USCIS does, not what you should do.

What to do if you cannot reach your local office or if they deny your request

If the phone line is always busy or you cannot get through, try emailing the office or visiting in person during walk-in hours. Some USCIS offices have specific times when they accept walk-in questions. Check the office's page on uscis.gov for those hours.

If the office tells you they are not scheduling InfoPass appointments right now, ask when they will start again. Some offices pause appointments during busy periods or staffing shortages. You can also ask if there is another way to get the information you need — by phone, email, or through your online USCIS account.

If your case is urgent — for example, you have a court date or a deadline coming up — explain that to the office. They may be able to fit you in sooner or direct you to a different way to get help. If you are working with an immigration attorney, they can sometimes request an appointment on your behalf or contact USCIS through official channels.

Understanding your USCIS account as an alternative to InfoPass

Before you request an InfoPass appointment, check your USCIS online account at uscis.gov. If you have a case number, you can create an account and see the status of your application, any notices USCIS has sent you, and what documents they have received. This information is often enough to answer your question without needing an appointment.

Your online account will show you the current step in your case and, in some situations, the expected completion date. If documents are missing, the account will usually tell you that. If you need to submit something, the account will show you what and by when.

If your account does not have the information you need, or if you want to talk to someone about what you are seeing, that is when an InfoPass appointment becomes useful.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I bring someone with me to my InfoPass appointment?

Yes. You can bring a family member, friend, or attorney. If you bring an attorney, tell USCIS when you request the appointment. The attorney will need to show a photo ID and may need to provide a notice of representation (Form G-28) if they are officially representing you in your case.

What if I miss my InfoPass appointment?

Call the office as soon as you realize you cannot make it and ask to reschedule. If you do not show up without calling, the office may not schedule another appointment for you for some time. If you have a legitimate reason for missing it — illness, emergency, transportation problem — explain that when you call to reschedule.

Will the officer at my InfoPass appointment make a decision about my case?

No. An InfoPass appointment is for information only. The officer can tell you the status of your case, what documents are missing, or what the next step is, but they cannot approve or deny your application during the appointment. Decisions are made by the processing center handling your case.

How long does an InfoPass appointment usually take?

Most appointments last 15 to 30 minutes, depending on what you need. If you are just picking up a document, it may be faster. If you have multiple questions or your case is complicated, it may take longer. Plan to spend at least an hour at the office, including wait time.

Can I request an InfoPass appointment if I do not have a case number yet?

Yes, but you will need to give the office other information to identify yourself — your full name, date of birth, and passport number, for example. Tell them what you are trying to do, and they can tell you whether an appointment will help or whether you should submit your application first.