How to Schedule and Prepare for an Infopass Appointment
What an Infopass Appointment Is
An Infopass appointment is a way to meet in person with a U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) officer at a local field office to discuss your immigration case or get information about immigration processes. You do not need an appointment to ask general questions — you can call USCIS or visit their website — but an Infopass gives you a scheduled time slot with someone who can review your specific documents and situation.
USCIS replaced the Infopass system with a new appointment scheduling system in 2022. The old Infopass website no longer works. If you need to meet with USCIS in person, you now use the USCIS Online Account or call the USCIS Contact Center to request an appointment.
Key Takeaways
- The old Infopass website shut down in 2022; you now schedule in-person appointments through your USCIS Online Account or by calling 1-800-375-5283.
- You need a reason to request an appointment, such as a missing receipt notice, a question about your pending case, or a need to submit documents in person.
- Appointments are typically scheduled weeks or months in advance, depending on your local USCIS office and current demand.
- Bring all relevant documents, including your receipt notice, passport, and any correspondence from USCIS about your case.
How to Schedule an Appointment Through Your USCIS Online Account
If you have a USCIS Online Account, you can request an appointment directly. Log in to your account at uscis.gov, go to the "My Cases" section, and look for the option to request an in-person appointment. You will be asked to select your local USCIS field office and provide a reason for the appointment.
The system will show you available dates and times at that office. Dates are usually several weeks out. Once you select a time slot, you will receive a confirmation with your appointment number and date. Save this confirmation — you will need to bring it or have the number ready when you arrive.
If you do not have a USCIS Online Account, you can create one at uscis.gov. You will need an email address and a valid form of identification to set up the account.
Scheduling by Phone if You Cannot Use the Online System
If you do not have internet access or prefer to schedule by phone, call the USCIS Contact Center at 1-800-375-5283. The line is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Eastern Time. Have your receipt notice or case number ready when you call.
Tell the representative which field office is closest to you and why you need an appointment. They will check availability and book a time for you. They will give you an appointment number over the phone. Write it down and keep it safe.
Wait times on the phone can be long, especially early in the week. Calling early in the morning or late in the day may mean shorter hold times.
What Reasons USCIS Accepts for an Appointment
USCIS will schedule an appointment if you have a legitimate reason related to your immigration case or status. Common reasons include: you did not receive a receipt notice after filing; you need to submit documents that were not included in your original process; you have questions about your pending case that cannot be answered by phone or online; you need to replace a lost or damaged document; or you are following up on a case that has been pending longer than the normal processing time.
You cannot use an Infopass appointment for general immigration questions that do not relate to your own case. If you want to learn about visa types, green card processes, or citizenship requirements in general, use the USCIS website or call the Contact Center instead.
Documents to Bring to Your Appointment
Bring your appointment confirmation and a valid photo ID, such as a passport, driver's license, or national ID card. Bring your receipt notice (Form I-797) if you have one — this shows USCIS that you have an active case with them. If you are following up on a specific issue, bring any related documents, such as medical records, birth certificates, marriage certificates, or previous correspondence from USCIS.
If you are bringing documents to submit, bring the original and two copies. The officer may keep the originals or ask you to leave copies. Do not assume the officer will make copies for you — bring extras to be safe.
If you do not speak English, you may bring an interpreter at no cost. USCIS does not provide interpreters, so you must arrange this yourself. The interpreter should be prepared to translate both spoken words and any written documents you are discussing.
What Happens During Your Appointment
Arrive 10 to 15 minutes early. Check in at the front desk and give your appointment confirmation number. You will wait until your name is called. The officer will review your case, look at your documents, and answer your questions. This usually takes 15 to 30 minutes.
The officer can tell you the status of your case, explain what documents you still need to submit, or clarify next steps. They cannot make decisions on your case during the appointment — that happens later through the mail. If you are submitting documents, the officer will take them and give you a receipt showing what was received and on what date.
If the officer needs more information or documents from you, they will tell you what to send and where to send it. Follow these instructions carefully and keep any receipts they give you.
If You Need to Cancel or Reschedule
If you cannot make your appointment, cancel it as soon as you know. Log into your USCIS Online Account and cancel through the "My Cases" section, or call 1-800-375-5283 to cancel by phone. Canceling early gives someone else the chance to use that time slot and helps USCIS manage their schedule.
To reschedule, follow the same process you used to book the original appointment — either through your online account or by phone. You can request a different date and time at the same office or at a different field office if you have moved or prefer a different location.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get an Infopass appointment?
Wait times vary by location and current demand. Some offices have appointments available within two to four weeks; others may take two to three months. Call or check your online account to see what dates are available at your local field office.
Can I bring someone with me to my appointment?
Yes. You can bring a family member, friend, or attorney. If you bring an attorney, they may be able to speak on your behalf about your case. Bring the attorney's business card or a letter showing they represent you.
What if I miss my appointment?
If you miss your appointment without canceling, USCIS may close your case or delay processing. If this happens, contact USCIS when ready by phone or through your online account to explain and request a new appointment.
Do I need an appointment to submit forms or documents to USCIS?
Not always. Many forms can be mailed to the address listed on the form itself, or submitted through the USCIS website if online filing is available. An in-person appointment is only necessary if you have a specific reason, such as a missing receipt notice or a need to clarify your case with an officer.
Can I request an appointment at a different USCIS office than the one serving my area?
You can request an appointment at any USCIS field office, but the system will usually direct you to the office that serves your address. If you have a reason to use a different office, explain this when you request the appointment, and the representative can help you.
This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.