How to Schedule and Prepare for an InfoPass Appointment at USCIS

What an InfoPass Appointment Is and When You Need One

An InfoPass appointment is an in-person meeting at a USCIS office where you can discuss your immigration case with a USCIS officer. You do not need an InfoPass for routine matters — USCIS handles most cases by mail or through their online account system. You should consider scheduling one when you have a specific problem that requires explanation: a case that has stalled for months, a notice you do not understand, a missing document that was supposed to arrive, or a situation where written correspondence has not resolved the issue.

InfoPass appointments are free and open to anyone with a pending immigration matter or an existing case file at USCIS. The officer you meet with can review your file, answer questions about your specific case, and sometimes take action on the spot — such as requesting a missing document or escalating a delayed case. However, an InfoPass appointment cannot override policy or force a decision; it is a chance to get clarity and move a stalled process forward.

Key Takeaways

• InfoPass appointments are scheduled through the USCIS website at infopass.uscis.gov, not by phone or mail, and you must create an account to book one.
• You can only schedule an appointment at the USCIS field office that has jurisdiction over your case, which depends on where you live or where your case was filed.
• Bring your receipt notice, passport, state ID, and any documents related to the specific issue you want to discuss, because the officer will review your file during the appointment.
• Wait times vary by location and season; some offices have appointments available within two weeks, while others may be booked out several months.
• If you cannot attend your scheduled appointment, cancel it through the same website at least 24 hours in advance so the slot opens for someone else.

How to Schedule an Appointment on the USCIS Website

Go to infopass.uscis.gov and select "Schedule an Appointment." You will be asked to create a login account using your email address and a password. If you already have a USCIS online account (from checking your case status), you can use those same credentials — you do not need a separate account.

After logging in, you will see a form asking for your case information. Enter your receipt number (the A-number on your notice), your date of birth, and the reason for your appointment. The reason field is important: be specific. Instead of writing "case question," write something like "case pending 18 months, no decision, need status update" or "received notice of intent to deny, need to discuss response options." The more specific you are, the better the officer can prepare.

Next, you will select your preferred USCIS field office. The system will show you the office that has jurisdiction over your case based on your address or case file. You cannot choose a different office — you must use the one assigned to your case. Once you select the office, the system will show available appointment dates and times. Book the earliest slot that works for your schedule.

You will receive a confirmation email with your appointment details, including the date, time, office address, and a confirmation number. Save this email or print the confirmation page. You will need to bring it or show the confirmation number when you arrive.

What to Bring to Your InfoPass Appointment

Bring your receipt notice (the I-797 or similar document with your case number and A-number). Bring a valid photo ID — a state driver's license, passport, or national ID card. If you are bringing a family member or representative, they should bring their ID as well.

Bring any documents directly related to the issue you are discussing. If your case has stalled and you want a status update, bring your receipt notice and any follow-up letters you sent to USCIS. If you received a notice you do not understand, bring that notice and any related documents. If you are missing a document that was supposed to arrive, bring proof that you requested it or any correspondence about it. The officer will have your file in front of them, but having your own copies shows you are organized and helps the conversation move faster.

Do not bring original documents unless you are prepared to leave them with USCIS. Bring copies instead. If the officer needs an original, they will tell you and you can submit it by mail afterward. Do not bring children unless they are directly involved in the case — childcare is not available at USCIS offices.

What to Expect During the Appointment

Arrive 10 to 15 minutes early. You will check in at the front desk, show your ID and confirmation, and wait to be called. Wait times at the appointment itself are usually short — you should be seen within 30 minutes of your scheduled time, though this varies by office.

When you are called, you will meet with a USCIS officer in a private or semi-private area. The officer will have your file open and will ask you to explain the issue. Be clear and factual: explain what you are waiting for, when you last heard from USCIS, and what you have already done. The officer may ask questions about your case history or your documents. Answer honestly and directly.

The officer can review your file, check the status of your case in the system, request missing documents, or escalate a delayed case for supervisor review. They cannot make a final decision on your case during the appointment, but they can sometimes take immediate action — such as issuing a request for evidence on the spot or flagging your case for priority processing. Ask what the next step is and when you should expect to hear back.

The appointment usually lasts 15 to 30 minutes. You will receive a summary of what was discussed, though this is not always provided in writing — take notes during the appointment so you have a record of what the officer said.

How Long It Takes to Get an Appointment

Wait times depend on your location and the time of year. Some USCIS field offices have appointments available within two to three weeks. Others, particularly in large cities or during busy seasons, may be booked out two to four months. There is no way to speed up the booking process — you can only choose from the available dates the system shows.

If no appointments are available when you first check, check back in a few days. USCIS releases appointment slots in batches, and new dates often open up as cancellations happen. You can also try scheduling at a different time of day — early morning or late afternoon slots sometimes have less demand.

If you have an urgent situation — such as an imminent deportation hearing or a critical deadline — mention this in the reason field when you schedule. Some offices have emergency appointment procedures, though these are not may provide. You can also contact your local USCIS office by phone to ask if they have an expedited process, though most do not.

Canceling or Rescheduling Your Appointment

If you need to cancel, log back into infopass.uscis.gov, find your appointment, and select "Cancel Appointment." You must cancel at least 24 hours before your scheduled time. If you cancel less than 24 hours before, the system may not allow it, and you should call the USCIS office directly to explain.

To reschedule, cancel your current appointment and then schedule a new one through the website. You will be placed back in the queue for available dates. If you are canceling because you need a later date, do this as soon as you know, because rescheduling can take time and you may not get your preferred slot.

If you miss your appointment without canceling, USCIS may close your case or take other action depending on your situation. If you miss an appointment, contact the field office by phone immediately to explain and ask if you can reschedule.

What to Do If You Cannot Schedule an Appointment

If the website is not working or you cannot create an account, try a different browser or device. Clear your browser cache and cookies, then try again. If the problem persists, call the USCIS field office directly during business hours — the phone number is on the infopass.uscis.gov website under your local office.

If all appointment slots are booked and you have an urgent issue, call the field office and explain your situation. Ask if they have an emergency appointment process or if they can add you to a waitlist. Some offices will accommodate urgent cases, but this is not may provide and depends on the office's policy.

If you do not have internet access or cannot use the website, ask a trusted family member, friend, or community organization to schedule the appointment for you. They will need your case number and date of birth, but the appointment will be in your name and you will attend in person.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I bring a lawyer or representative to my InfoPass appointment?

Yes. If you have a lawyer or accredited representative, they can attend with you. They should bring their own ID and any documentation showing they are authorized to represent you (such as a Form G-28 if it is on file with USCIS). The officer will speak with you, but your representative can ask questions and take notes.

What if I do not have a receipt number or case number?

You need a receipt number to schedule an appointment through the website. If you do not have one, you may not have an active case file yet. Call the USCIS field office directly and explain your situation — they can tell you whether you need an appointment or what step to take next.

Will the officer tell me if my case will be approved or denied?

No. The officer cannot make a final decision during an InfoPass appointment. They can tell you the status of your case, what documents are missing, and what the next step is, but they cannot predict the outcome or may provide approval.

Can I schedule an InfoPass appointment for someone else?

You can schedule it for them if you have their case number and date of birth, but they must attend the appointment in person. The appointment is tied to their case, and only they can discuss it with the officer (unless they bring an authorized representative).

What if my case is with USCIS but I do not know which field office has it?

When you start the scheduling process on infopass.uscis.gov, the system will show you the correct office based on your address or case file. If you are unsure, you can also call USCIS at 1-800-375-5283 and provide your receipt number — they will tell you which office handles your case.