Citizenship and Immigration Services Ombudsman

The Citizenship and Immigration Services Ombudsman (CIS Ombudsman) provides recommendations for resolving individual and employer problems with the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). As mandated by the Homeland Security Act of 2002 § 452, CIS Ombudsman is an independent office that reports directly to the Deputy Secretary of Homeland Security. The CIS Ombudsman:

• Assists individuals and employers in resolving problems with USCIS;
• Identifies areas in which individuals and employers have problems in dealing with USCIS; and
• Proposes changes to mitigate identified problems.

In the Spotlight

• USCIS' September 30, 2008 Response to the 2008 Annual Report to Congress (PDF, 24 pages - 168 KB)
• CIS Ombudsman Recommendations on USCIS Processing Delays for Employment Authorization Documents
• Updates to Questions & Answers from CIS Ombudsman's Teleconferences:
  • Teleconference on Biological Relationship Testing: Opportunities and Challenges October 30, 2008 – New 11/26/2008
  • U Visa: One Year After the Interim Final Rule October 17, 2008 - New 11/4/2008

Ombudsman Updates

These periodic updates will share information on current trends and issues to assist individuals and employers in resolving problems with USCIS.

• 2007 Summer Surge a Year Later: Employment Authorization Document (EAD) Processing Delays

Teleconferences

"How Is It Working For You?" The CIS Ombudsman's Community Call-In Teleconference Series provides a forum to hear issues of concern to individuals and employers as they interact with USCIS. See how you can join the discussion.

Teleconference Participation Information

• Questions & Answers from Recent Teleconferences

Annual Reports

The Ombudsman's annual reports focus on identifying systemic issues that caused delay in granting immigration benefits as well as pervasive and serious problems faced by individuals and employers in their interactions with the USCIS.

• CIS Ombudsman's 2008 Annual Report to Congress
• USCIS' September 30, 2008 Response to the 2008 Annual Report to Congress (PDF, 24 pages - 168 KB)
• CIS Ombudsman's 2007 Annual Report to Congress
• USCIS' February 13, 2008 Response (Thematic) to the 2007 Annual Report to Congress (PDF, 8 pages-64 KB)
• USCIS' February 13, 2008 Response (Recommendations) to the 2007 Annual Report to Congress (statutorily due by September 28, 2007) (PDF, 14 pages-100 KB)
• Previous Annual Reports

Contact the CIS Ombudsman

The CIS Ombudsman is dedicated to open and accessible communication with both individuals and employers and not only welcomes, but encourages your comments.

• Send Your Recommendations
• Case Problems

Recommendations

The CIS Ombudsman regularly submits recommendations for process changes to USCIS.

• CIS Ombudsman Recommendations Status Chart (PDF, 7 pages - 428 KB)
• 2007 Annual Report Recommendations
• 2006 Annual Report Recommendations
• CIS Ombudsman Recommendations Submitted to USCIS

About Us

• Mission
• Vision
• Areas of Focus
• Organization
• Authorities