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InfoPass is a free service that lets you request information or inquire about your immigration case by scheduling an appointment with your local U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) office. Please note that the main USCIS District Office for New York City immigration activity is located at 26 Federal Plaza in Manhattan, and there is an additional USCIS office located in Long Island City, Queens. This service is available to anyone, and you do not technically need to be represented by an attorney. However, if you do have an attorney, you should be sure to consult with him/her before engaging in any communication with the USCIS.
InfoPass appointments can be scheduled or cancelled over the internet at http://infopass.uscis.gov. The website allows you to select from one of 12 languages, then asks a few simple questions before scheduling the appointment. If you do not have access to a computer, most USCIS offices have computer terminals available to the public to access the InfoPass system.
You may have to wait several weeks (or more) for an appointment. If the system states that there are no appointments available, you should keep checking. Even if it takes you a few tries to book an appointment, it’s still preferable to waiting for hours without an appointment, hoping to speak with an immigration officer who can answer your questions.
When you book your appointment, be sure to print out the appointment notice and bring it with you to your InfoPass appointment. When you come to your appointment, be sure to also bring your government-issued identification, such as a passport or photo ID, and copies of all immigration forms, receipt notices, approval or denial letters, translations and original documents that relate to your inquiry.
If you just have a routine matter such as obtaining immigration forms or renewing or replacing a permanent resident card, you probably don’t need an InfoPass appointment. These types of routine inquiries can be easily handled over the telephone or online.