Official website of the Department of Homeland Security
CIS Ombudsman
The Office of the Citizenship and Immigration Services Ombudsman (Ombudsman) is dedicated to improving the quality of citizenship and immigration services delivered to the public by providing individual case assistance, as well as making recommendations to improve the administration of immigration benefits by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
Created by section 452 of the Homeland Security Act of 2002, the Ombudsman is an impartial and confidential resource that is independent of USCIS.
Your Ombudsman
Maria M. Odom was appointed Citizenship and Immigration Services Ombudsman in September 2012. Maria Odom also serves as the Department's Chair of the Blue Campaign, which is the unified voice for DHS's efforts to combat human trafficking.
Ombudsman Spotlight
- 2016 Annual Report to Congress
- Ombudsman's Facebook Page
- Save the Date: 2016 Sixth Annual Conference
- 2015 Fifth Annual Conference Blog
- Blue Campaign
USCIS Updates:
- Mailing Notice Final Rule Summary
- USCIS Interim Guidance on When to File an Amended H-1B Petition after the Simeio Solutions Decision
- Reminder: USCIS Case Status Inquiries with the Service Centers
How We Can Help
Case Assistance
Submitting a Request for Case Assistance: Form DHS-7001; Instructions; Tip Sheet and Checklist; FAQs; Requests as an Attorney or Accredited Representative; and Ombudsman Scope of Assistance.
Recommendations
The Ombudsman recommends ways to fix systemic problems that people face when they seek services from USCIS.
Public Engagement
Share information on specific topics and discuss interactions with USCIS.
Annual Report to Congress
A summary of the most pervasive and serious problems encountered by individuals and employers applying for immigration benefits with USCIS.
Contact CISOMB
You can contact the Office of the Citizenship and Immigration Services Ombudsman (CISOMB) through the information below.
Case Assistance Inquiries: cisombudsman@hq.dhs.gov
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