USCIS Response to the 2019 Coronavirus

Release Date

USCIS is actively monitoring the effects of the public health emergency related to the 2019 coronavirus outbreak on agency operations.

Office Closures in China

According to U.S. Department of State guidance, USCIS is temporarily closing its field offices in Beijing and Guangzhou. We will reschedule all affected appointments and will send new appointment notices to applicants.

Check our Beijing and Guangzhou webpages for updates on the status of these offices.

Rescheduling Appointments in the United States Due to Illness

If you are in the United States and are sick or start to feel symptoms of being sick, please follow the instructions on your appointment notice to reschedule your appointment. There is no penalty if you reschedule your appointment.

General symptoms of illness can include:

  • Fever
  • Cough
  • Shortness of breath
  • Runny nose
  • Headache
  • Sore threat
  • A general feeling of being unwell

For the safety of our employees and those we serve, if you or someone with you appears ill during your appointment, the officer may reschedule your appointment.

Special Situations

When requested, USCIS may provide special support for individuals who may be affected by natural or extreme circumstances. When applying for an extension or change of status due to a special situation that prevented your planned and timely departure, we may take into consideration how the special situation prevented your departure. Check our Special Situations webpage for more information.

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