Key Points
- USCIS has updated its COVID-19 visitor policies based on CDC guidance
- Fully vaccinated individuals may enter USCIS facilities even if they have traveled by air or cruise ship in the past 10 days
- Vaccinated individuals may also visit a USCIS facility even if they have had contact with a person who has COVID-19 in the past 14 days
- Facial coverings are no longer required for fully vaccinated visitors to USCIS facilities
- Individuals must have received a full course of vaccine shots to be considered fully vaccinated
- USCIS still requires all applicants, petitioners, and visitors two years of age or older who are not fully vaccinated to wear face coverings that cover both the mouth and nose while in a USCIS office
Overview
Following guidance from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has updated its COVID-19 policy for visitors.
What are the Changes?
In accordance with CDC recommendations, USCIS has relaxed COVID-19 protocols for fully vaccinated individuals who do not have symptoms of COVID-19. Fully vaccinated individuals may visit a USCIS facility even if they have traveled by international air, domestic air, or a cruise ship in the past 10 days. Fully vaccinated individuals may also enter USCIS facilities even if they have had contact with non-vaccinated people who have been diagnosed with COVID-19 in the past 14 days.
Along with permitting entry to its facilities, USCIS no longer requires facial coverings to be worn by fully vaccinated visitors. USCIS notes that the term “fully vaccinated” means that a person has received a full course of COVID-19 vaccine shots, and it has been at least two weeks since the final shot was administered.
USCIS still requires all applicants, petitioners, and visitors two years of age or older who are not fully vaccinated to wear face coverings that cover both the mouth and nose while in a USCIS office.
The latest USCIS regulations supersede all state, local, territorial, and tribal rules regarding face coverings.
Looking Ahead
Further updates on USCIS COVID-19 policies will be provided as available.
