U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Expands In-Person Interviews for Employment-Based Green Card Applicants

Effective October 1, 2017, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will require in‑person interviews for certain green card applicants, including all applicants who apply for a green card based on employment.

Previously, most employment-based green card applicants did not need to attend an in-person interview with USCIS before USCIS adjudication of their applications.  This change in policy relates to Executive Order 13780, “Protecting the Nation From Foreign Terrorist Entry Into the United States,” and reflects the Administration’s plan to develop more vigorous screening and vetting processes for individuals seeking immigration benefits in the United States.  USCIS plans to expand the in-person interview requirement to additional types of green card applicants in the future.

If you have questions regarding the information in this alert, please contact Carol A. Friend, Meghan N. Covino, or Sarah A. Robison Iyer.