What Is Infopass
Infopass is USCIS's appointment scheduling system that lets you request an in-person visit to your local USCIS office. You use it to meet with a USCIS officer or information specialist to discuss your case, get updates on your application status, or resolve processing issues. USCIS discontinued the Infopass online booking system in 2021, replacing it with a phone-based appointment system and online case status tools. However, the term "Infopass" is still widely used by immigrants and practitioners to describe in-person USCIS office visits.
When You'll Need It
You typically request an in-person appointment when you need direct answers that online tools cannot provide. Common reasons include:
- Your case shows no activity for 60+ days beyond normal processing times for your form type
- You're adjusting status and need to verify receipt of your I-485 or medical exam documents
- You have a pending green card application and need to confirm your priority date or A-number
- Your case status online hasn't updated despite submitting evidence for consular processing
- You're responding to a Request for Evidence (RFE) and want confirmation that your documents were received
- You need to report a lost receipt notice or resolve discrepancies in your file
How to Request an Appointment
Since 2021, you schedule appointments through the USCIS phone line at 1-800-375-5283, not through an online portal. You'll need your receipt number (starts with EAC or WAC followed by numbers) and basic case information. USCIS typically requires 1 to 3 weeks notice for appointment availability, though wait times vary by location. In high-volume cities like Los Angeles or New York, appointments may take 4 to 6 weeks.
You can also request an appointment by visiting your local USCIS office in person and speaking with the receptionist, though this does not guarantee immediate help.
What to Bring
- Your receipt notice (I-797)
- Valid government-issued ID
- Copies of all supporting documents you've submitted (medical exam results for I-485, employment verification, etc.)
- A written summary of your case and the specific issue you need help with
- Documentation of any communications with USCIS (emails, letters, prior visit notes)
Limitations and Reality
An in-person appointment does not guarantee your case will be expedited or approved. USCIS officers at local offices often have limited access to your complete case file, especially for adjustment of status cases that are processed at service centers. Some officers cannot override processing delays or provide binding commitments about your case outcome. The appointment is primarily for informational purposes.
Processing times for common forms (as of 2024) range widely. I-485 (Adjustment of Status) takes 12 to 36 months depending on visa category and field office. I-140 (Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker) takes 3 to 9 months. In-person office visits do not change these timelines significantly.
Common Questions
- Can I bring a representative or attorney to my Infopass appointment?
- Yes. You can bring an accredited representative, attorney, or immediate family member. The representative or attorney must have Form G-28 (Notice of Entry of Appearance as Attorney or Representative) on file with USCIS, or they can complete one at the appointment.
- What if USCIS denies my request for an in-person appointment?
- USCIS may deny requests if your case is current (within normal processing times) or if the office has backlogs. In that case, check your Case Status online at uscis.gov/case-status or call customer service. You can also file a congressional inquiry through your representative's office if you believe your case has been delayed beyond normal timeframes.
- Does scheduling an Infopass appointment affect my case processing?
- No. Requesting or attending an appointment does not pause, delay, or accelerate your case. It is purely informational from USCIS's perspective.