Breaking News: USCIS Waives In-Person Interviews for Some Green Card Cases

I have some exciting news to share with you regarding the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

USCIS has recently announced that they are waiving in-person interviews for some marriage-based and employment based adjustment of status cases. This means that for eligible individuals, the green card application process can be completed without the need for an in-person interview.

If you are already in the U.S. legally and would like to get a green card, you would apply for an "Adjustment of Status."  This means you are asking USCIS to "adjust your status" from your old visa status to a lawful permanent resident (or a green card) status.  Usually when you do this, the USCIS requires you to complete an adjustment of status interview.  This is true for family-based and employment-based green cards.  In recent years we’ve seen USCIS waive interviews for some family-based cases, like parents, and many employment-based green card interviews.  However, USCIS has always been strict about requiring interviews for marriage-based applications, and most couples have had to go through the green card interview process.

Starting this year, that has changed.  USCIS has begun waiving interviews for marriage-based green card applications! 

This recent change in not requiring those interviews is due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and is aimed at ensuring the safety of both USCIS staff and applicants while still processing green card applications in a timely manner.  

Please note that this waiver only applies to certain cases, there is no way to apply for a waiver.  USCIS will determine which cases will receive the waiver, and retains the right to request an in-person interview if necessary.  This is not a change in the law or an official permanent change in policy.  The best thing you can do to increase your chances of getting an interview waived is to make sure you are working with an attorney to file a complete and well-documented petition.

You may have heard rumors that this also applies to spouses of US citizens seeking immigrant visas overseas.  Those rumors are false!  Currently, immigrant visa interviews for spouses are not included in the waiver policy.  

The duration of the waiver of in-person interviews has not been specified by USCIS. It may last until the end of the COVID-19 pandemic, or until further notice. It is important to stay informed about any updates from USCIS, as the situation is constantly evolving.

We know the interview process can often be stressful and if this waiver is applied to your case it can really speed up the process for you, which is great news! 

We will continue to closely monitor any updates from USCIS and will keep you informed of any changes that may impact your case.

Thank you for your continued trust in our services. If there is anything else we can assist you with, please do not hesitate to reach out.