Immigration Services Available for Those Affected by California Wildfires

USCIS offers immigration services that may help people affected by unforeseen circumstances, including the California wildfires.

 The following services may be available on a discretionary basis upon request:

• Changing a nonimmigrant status or extending a nonimmigrant stay for an individual currently in the United States. If you don’t apply for the extension or change before your authorized period of admission expires, we may excuse the delay if it was due to extraordinary circumstances beyond your control;
• Re-parole of individuals previously granted parole by USCIS;
• Expedited processing of advance parole requests;
• Expedited adjudication of requests for off-campus employment authorization for F-1 students experiencing severe economic hardship;
• Expedited adjudication of employment authorization applications, where appropriate;
• Consideration of fee waivers due to an inability to pay;
• Extension of response time or acceptance of a late response to a Request for Evidence or a Notice of Intent;
• Rescheduling an interview with USCIS;
• Expedited replacement of lost or damaged immigration or travel documents issued by USCIS, such as a Permanent Resident Card (Green Card); and
• Rescheduling a biometrics appointment.

Note: When making a request, please explain how the wildfires in California are related to the need for the requested relief.

To learn how to request these measures or determine if an office is open, visit our USCIS Office Closings webpage. If your InfoPass appointment was affected by the fires, you can reschedule your appointment online. If you need additional help, visit the USCIS Contact Center webpage for more information.

All Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification, requirements remain in place. If you have been affected by the California wildfires and your documents were lost, stolen, or damaged, review the list of Form I-9 acceptable documents and receipts for more information on how to complete the Form I-9. You may also visit I-9 Central for more information.