InfoPass Appointments and USCIS Centers During the 2025 Shutdown

USCIS will keep core services open during the 2025 federal government shutdown, including InfoPass appointments at local offices and in-person help at USCIS Customer Service Centers. The agency said it continues to accept and process cases because it operates on application fees, not annual congressional appropriations. That means people with scheduled interviews, biometrics, or InfoPass appointments should plan to attend as scheduled across the United States 🇺🇸, even while other federal offices close.

The USCIS Contact Center also remains open, though it may have fewer staff on some shifts, which can lead to longer wait times for callers seeking live help.

Why USCIS operations continue

• USCIS is a fee-funded agency, so most day-to-day work continues even when other parts of the federal government pause.
• This fee model allows continued processing of common benefit requests such as:
  • Work-related petitions
  • Green card applications
  • Citizenship (naturalization) filings
• InfoPass—the system for booking time with an officer for case-specific questions or urgent service—remains available. If you have an InfoPass slot, plan to go.

Important: attend scheduled interviews, biometrics, and InfoPass appointments unless you receive a new notice telling you otherwise.

What to expect from customer service

• USCIS Contact Center live assistance remains available but may have longer wait times due to reduced staffing.
• Phone-based help still operates, but callers may encounter delays when confirming appointment details, requesting reschedules, or asking about case statuses not available online.
• The agency recommends using self-service features first, then calling if needed.
• If you do call, be prepared to wait longer than normal.

Online tools and digital services

• USCIS online tools remain available throughout the shutdown:
  • Check case status
  • Open or use an online account
  • Read official guidance and messages
• These tools are a reliable first stop, especially if appointment notices raise questions about time, date, or location.
• Note: InfoPass appointments are generally available, though access might be limited if building access or contractor availability is affected.

Practical guidance — what applicants should do

1. Attend all scheduled InfoPass, interview, and biometrics appointments unless you receive a new notice telling you otherwise.
2. Bring the notice and required documents listed on it; arrive early and be prepared.
3. Use your USCIS online account to check updates and messages before calling.
4. If you must call, have your receipt numbers and appointment notices ready.
5. Call the USCIS Contact Center at 1-800-375-5283 for live help when needed.
6. If you cannot travel for safety or other reasons, use your online account or the Contact Center to ask about options promptly.

Employer and interagency impacts

• USCIS continues its case processing, but other agencies involved in immigration-related processes may be affected by the shutdown.
• Examples:
  • Department of Labor (DOL) functions and the E-Verify system can experience disruptions.
• This split can create uneven experiences: USCIS actions may proceed while checks or approvals handled by other agencies could be delayed.
• Employers and workers should:
  • Keep USCIS notices and receipts
  • Monitor online accounts
  • Contact other agencies separately if their processes are involved

InfoPass and walk-in help

• InfoPass appointments remain part of daily operations and are available during the shutdown.
• Local offices may limit walk-ins or require scheduled times depending on local conditions.
• If building access is restricted by a landlord or contractor, that is a facility issue—not a USCIS shutdown policy. Check your online account or call the Contact Center for next steps.

Recordkeeping and proof

• Keep receipts and confirmations if you file during the shutdown.
• Retain appointment notices, stamps, or written notes you receive at interviews or biometrics appointments.
• For InfoPass, keep a record of your scheduled time and any officer directions.

Common questions and answers

• Q: Does a shutdown change my interview or biometrics date?
  • A: No—attend unless you receive a new notice saying otherwise. If travel is unsafe or impossible, contact USCIS via your online account or the Contact Center.
• Q: Can I get InfoPass during the shutdown?
  • A: Yes—InfoPass continues, though local access or scheduling limits may apply.
• Q: What if I need to reschedule?
  • A: Rescheduling or updates should be handled through your USCIS online account or by calling 1-800-375-5283.

Tips for contacting USCIS

• Use online self-service tools first (case status, account messages).
• If calling, try off-peak hours and have your receipt numbers handy.
• Keep a record of your call and any reference numbers provided.
• If you miss a call-back, call again.

Key takeaways

• USCIS continues to accept and process petitions and applications during the 2025 shutdown.
• Attend scheduled appointments, including InfoPass, interviews, and biometrics.
• Online tools remain accessible and are often the fastest way to get updates.
• Contact Center is open at 1-800-375-5283, but expect longer wait times due to reduced staffing.
• Other agencies (DOL, E-Verify) may be impacted, which can cause delays for steps outside of USCIS.

VisaVerge.com analysis notes that the separation between agencies can create uneven experiences: USCIS work remains largely on track while other immigration-related checkpoints slow down. Focus on what USCIS controls—showing up to appointments, responding to notices, and using online tools to track updates.

Official contact and resources

• For updated guidance and contact options, visit the USCIS Contact Center. The page lists phone options, online account access, and tips on preparing for calls and using automated options.

Final reminder

USCIS’s fee-funded model supports continuity during the shutdown. With local Field Offices, Application Support Centers, and InfoPass appointments operating, applicants should keep moving forward with their cases and use online tools or the Contact Center for assistance. If you need to reschedule, check your online account or call 1-800-375-5283 as soon as possible.