Citizenship and Immigration Services Ombudsman

The Citizenship and Immigration Services Ombudsman (CIS Ombudsman) provides recommendations for resolving individual and employer problems with the U.S. 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

• Recommendation to USCIS on Special Immigrant Juvenile Adjudications: An Opportunity for Adoption of Best Practices (PDF, 9 pages, 211 KB) 
• Recommendation to USCIS on Customer Complaints: A Tool for Quality Customer Service and Accountability (PDF, 8 pages, 205 KB)
• USCIS Issues Response to the CIS Ombudsman's 2010 Annual Report to Congress (PDF, 29 pages - 264 KB)

Ombudsman Updates

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

• H-2B Petition RFEs  
• Advance Parole Tips 
• Change of Address with USCIS 
• Unused Family-Based Visas 
• Mailing Issues: Have You Not Received a USCIS Document or Card? 
• Getting the Most Out of Your Call to the USCIS National Customer Service Center 

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
• Teleconference Recaps
  • Export Controls Requirements on Form I-129: A Conversation with the Commerce Department 
  • Family-based Retrogression 
  • Child Status Protection Act (CSPA): How Is It Working For You?
• 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 2010 Annual Report to Congress (PDF, 144 pages - 6.88 MB) 
• CIS Ombudsman's 2009 Annual Report to Congress
• CIS Ombudsman's 2008 Annual Report to Congress
• USCIS' September 30, 2008 Response to the 2008 Annual Report to Congress (PDF, 24 pages - 124 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 Submitted to USCIS
• 2007 Annual Report Recommendations
• 2006 Annual Report Recommendations

About Us

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