What Is an Infopass Appointment and How Does It Work? 📋

An Infopass appointment is (or was) an in-person meeting with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to discuss your immigration case, get updates on your application status, or resolve document issues. The term refers to a specific appointment system that USCIS operated for many years—one that became a lifeline for applicants stuck in processing limbo or facing unclear timelines.

Understanding what Infopass appointments are, how they functioned, and what has changed is essential if you're navigating the immigration system or trying to move forward with a pending case.

The Infopass System: What It Was and What Changed

For decades, Infopass (short for "information passport") was USCIS's way of letting the public book direct, in-person appointments at local immigration field offices. If your case seemed stuck, your application timeline was unclear, or you needed to submit additional documents, you could request a meeting with a USCIS officer to discuss your specific situation.

Here's why this mattered: immigration applications can move slowly, and communication between applicants and USCIS isn't always fast or clear. Infopass filled that gap by offering a direct touchpoint.

Important update: USCIS phased out the traditional Infopass booking system in 2023 and replaced it with a new system called USCIS Appointment Request Online (AURO). This change means the old Infopass website and appointment process no longer work. Applicants now use AURO to schedule appointments for similar purposes—discussing case status, submitting documents, or addressing case-related concerns.

What You Could (and Can) Do at These Appointments 🏢

Infopass appointments—and the current AURO system—serve specific purposes. You don't use them for initial application filing; instead, they're for case management once you're already in the system.

Common reasons people request these appointments include:

• Checking case status – Getting a direct answer about where your application stands, why it's delayed, or what's pending
• Submitting missing documents – Delivering required evidence that wasn't accepted by mail or online
• Updating information – Changing your address, phone number, or other case details
• Resolving application issues – Addressing rejections, inconsistencies, or requests for evidence (RFE) that you need help understanding
• Requesting expedited processing – Explaining hardship or urgent circumstances that warrant faster handling
• Clarifying next steps – Understanding what happens next in your case and what you need to do

These appointments are typically 15–30 minutes long and are conducted with a USCIS officer or receptionist, depending on what you need to discuss.

Who Can Schedule an Appointment?

Not everyone can request an Infopass or AURO appointment. Eligibility depends on your situation:

The Difference Between Infopass Appointments and AURO

Since the transition from Infopass to AURO, understanding the difference—or recognizing that it's largely a rebrand—helps you know what to expect.

Infopass (legacy system):

• Operated through a dedicated website where you selected a local field office and booked a time slot
• Offered walk-in and scheduled options (walk-in availability varied by location)
• Was free and didn't require advance proof of eligibility

AURO (current system):

• Operates through USCIS's main online portal (uscis.gov)
• Requires you to create or use an existing USCIS account
• Is also free
• Requires you to submit information about your case before the appointment is confirmed
• Offers both in-person and virtual appointment options (depending on your needs and field office capacity)

The core purpose remains the same: connecting applicants with USCIS staff to discuss pending cases. The main practical difference is how you book and what information USCIS asks for upfront.

How to Schedule an Appointment Today

If you need an appointment now, you're working with the AURO system.

The basic steps are:

1. Go to uscis.gov and locate the appointment request section (the website layout changes periodically, but the appointment tool is usually in the account or case management area)
2. Create or log into your USCIS account – You'll need the username and password associated with your USCIS online account
3. Select your reason – Choose from the available appointment categories (e.g., "Case Status," "Document Submission," "Information Request")
4. Provide case details – Enter your case number, application type, and relevant dates
5. Choose your preferred field office and time slot – Availability varies by location and time
6. Review and confirm – Double-check your information and submit your request

After you submit, USCIS will send you a confirmation with your appointment date, time, and location. Some appointments are approved immediately; others may require review by the field office.

What to bring:

• Government-issued ID
• Your appointment confirmation notice
• Any documents related to your case (application copies, previous correspondence, evidence you need to submit)
• If another person is attending on your behalf, their valid ID and a notarized authorization form from you

What Affects Whether You Can Get an Appointment

Several variables shape your ability to schedule and what the appointment will accomplish:

Availability and location:

• Not all field offices offer in-person appointments equally. Urban locations often fill up faster than rural ones. Virtual appointment availability also varies.

Your case type:

• Some case types (work permits, advance parole, green card applications) have clearer appointment procedures. Other cases may have limited appointment availability or require different handling.

How long your case has been pending:

• USCIS prioritizes appointments for cases that have been waiting beyond normal processing times. A case pending for 2 months likely has lower priority than one pending for 2 years.

The field office's capacity:

• Each local office handles a geographic area and has staffing limits. High-demand offices may have limited availability.

Your reason for the appointment:

• Some reasons (submitting required documents) may be handled faster than others (requesting case review or expedited processing).

Whether you need an interpreter:

• If English isn't your primary language, you can request an interpreter. Availability may affect scheduling.

What to Expect: Realistic Outcomes

Going into an Infopass or AURO appointment, it's important to understand what it can and cannot do.

What these appointments typically accomplish:

• USCIS staff can tell you your case status and what stage it's in
• They can confirm whether required documents have been received
• They can explain what your next steps are
• They can accept documents you need to submit
• They can provide clarification on confusing requests or notices

What they typically don't accomplish:

• They don't bypass processing times. An officer can't move your case to the front of the queue just because you came in person
• They don't guarantee a decision. Even if they review your case, they may not be able to decide it on the spot
• They don't change policy. If your case has legal complications or requires supervisory review, the appointment officer may not have authority to resolve it
• They don't apply to every case type. Some cases (like asylum pending in immigration court) aren't handled through these appointments

The value of an appointment is clarity and documentation. You get answers, a paper trail of what was discussed, and often a sense of where things stand. That matters—but it's not a substitute for the normal processing timeline.

When an Appointment Makes Sense (and When It Might Not)

Consider scheduling an appointment if:

• Your case has been pending well beyond the stated processing time (6+ months longer than expected)
• You have documents to submit that were requested but you need to deliver in person
• Your application status online hasn't updated in many months
• You received a request for evidence (RFE) that you don't fully understand
• Your case involves a change in circumstances (job loss, address change, family situation) that affects your eligibility

An appointment may be less useful if:

• Your case is progressing normally (within typical timelines)
• Your question can be answered through USCIS's online case status tracker or by calling their info line
• You're simply waiting for a decision and don't have new information to provide
• Your case requires a decision-maker's review, which an appointment won't accelerate

Key Takeaways

An Infopass appointment (now called an AURO appointment) is a direct way to connect with USCIS about a pending immigration case. It's free, available to eligible applicants, and can clarify status and next steps—but it doesn't bypass processing times or guarantee a favorable decision. The system has shifted to an online booking platform, so if you need an appointment, you'll use USCIS's website to request one. Whether an appointment makes sense depends on your case status, how long you've been waiting, and what specific issue you're trying to resolve. Evaluate your own situation to decide if an appointment would actually move your case forward.