USCIS is limiting live assistance through the USCIS Contact Center to better assist those who require live
assistance. In those instances where self-service is available, the IVR will not present an option for a caller
to reach live service.
The USCIS Contact Center wait times have increased due to a number of reasons, including decreased
staffing levels, something USCIS and the contract vendor are actively working to address.
Be strategic when calling the USCIS Contact Center. Call volume is heaviest on Mondays and tends to get
lighter throughout the week.
Help – the USCIS IVR menu options led me to a dead end.
Emma, the online virtual assistant on the USCIS website, has a “Live Chat” feature that enables you to
reach live assistance Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Eastern Time in certain instances if
Emma cannot answer the question.
o You can also submit a case inquiry or service request using e-Request.
o If you filed a form online through myUSCIS, you have access to all of the account features (such
as a secure inbox and the ability to view notices, respond to RFEs, check case status, etc.) and can
send a secure message from within your USCIS online account. If you did not file your case online
but have a receipt number that begins with “IOE,” you have access to all account features AFTER
you (1) create your online account AND (2) link your paper filing to your myUSCIS account using a
unique Online Access Code (OAC) that USCIS provides via mail. You can then send secure messages
to USCIS.
What else can I do in my online account to bypass the USCIS Contact Center?
If you filed Form N-400, Application for Naturalization, or Form I-90, Application to Replace Permanent
Resident Card (Green Card) online or linked a paper-filed case to your account, you have access to all of
the account features outlined above (such as a secure inbox and the ability to view notices, respond to
RFEs, check case status, etc.). Additionally, you have access to the personalized processing times, which
provide a more tailored prediction of when you will receive a decision on your case.
How can I make sure I get my call returned?
USCIS makes two attempts to contact customers. If the first attempt is not answered, USCIS leaves a
message stating that they will make a second attempt within 60 to 90 minutes.
If USCIS is unable to reach the individual after the second attempt, the USCIS Contact Center will send an
email stating that the agency tried to reach them and instructs them to call back or use other tools.
Why won’t USCIS talk to my paralegal?
USCIS can only provide case information to legal representatives with a Form G-28, Notice of Entry of
Appearance as Attorney or Accredited Representative, on file in the case.
(Revised September 2021) Page 2