USCIS Visitor Policy

To protect the workforce and the public from exposure to the coronavirus (COVID-19), we require all applicants, petitioners and visitors over the age of 2 years to wear face coverings that cover both the mouth and nose while in a USCIS office. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention provide measures for selecting and wearing face coverings.

Due to potential safety risks, we do not allow masks with exhaust valves, neck gaiters or bandanas to be used as face coverings. If you appear at a USCIS office without an acceptable face covering, we may offer you a replacement mask or ask you to reschedule your appointment. We reserve the right to deny entry to anyone who does not wear an acceptable face covering.

We may direct you to briefly remove your face covering to confirm your identity or take your photograph. Please follow the instructions included in your appointment notice, including for your scheduled appointment at the designated date and time.

Face coverings are not a replacement for social distancing. Follow USCIS signs or instructions to maintain social distancing during screening and while in USCIS space. To limit the number of people in the waiting room, applicants with scheduled appointments may only be accompanied by:

  • An attorney;
  • An interpreter (if permitted under specific guidance regarding interpreters for affirmative asylum interviews);
  • A parent, legal guardian or a trusted adult, if the applicant being interviewed is a minor;
  • Immediate family members listed as dependents on the application or interview notice; and
  • An individual assisting a disabled person.

For now, we cannot allow guests at naturalization ceremonies. We are limiting attendance at ceremonies to the candidates who are scheduled to be naturalized and individuals helping disabled persons. We require the wearing of face coverings during the naturalization ceremony, even if it is held outside of a USCIS building.

If you are feeling sick, please do not come to our office. Follow the instructions on your appointment notice to reschedule your appointment for when you are healthy. There is no penalty for rescheduling your appointment if you are sick. You will not be allowed to enter the USCIS office if you:

  • Are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19;
  • Have had close contact within the last 14 days with a person known or suspected to have COVID-19;
  • Have been instructed by a healthcare provider, public health authority or government agency to isolate or self-quarantine within the last 14 days; 
  • Are awaiting the results of a COVID-19 test; or
  • Refuse to wear a face covering or mask in accordance with USCIS policy.

Please visit uscis.gov/coronavirus for updates. For the latest information on the status of an office, visit https://www.uscis.gov/about-us/uscis-office-closings.

Last Reviewed/Updated: