USCIS Field Office in Houston, Texas
The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is an arm of the US Department of Homeland Security. It is responsible for administering the US immigration system and ensuring the lawful entry of aliens into the country.
For ease of administration and service delivery, the USCIS has field offices in all fifty US states, including Houston, Texas.
The office in Houston is located at 810 Gears Road, Suite 100, Houston, TX 77067. It conducts immigration interviews for non-asylum-related applications and provides extra immigration information and support to supplement what is available on the official USCIS website.
If you live in Houston and you’re applying for a green card or asylum or have any other immigration-related issues, you might likely need to liaise with the USCIS field office at some point. In that case, it is important to know a few things about the office. Information like their opening times, making an appointment, and COVID protocols could make it easier for you to achieve the purpose of your visit.
Read on to learn more about the Houston Field Office, their services, and how to contact them.
Functions of the USCIS Houston Field Office
USCIS Field Offices have a limited but crucial role in the administration of the US immigration system. While most immigration processes take place at the central office, the field offices help out by performing the following functions:
Collecting Filing Fees for Certain Immigration Forms
You can make payments for filing certain forms at the field office, including:
- Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization
- Form I-131, Application for Travel Document
- Form I-694, Notice of Appeal of Decision Under Sections 245A or 210 of the Immigration and Nationality Act
- Form I-290B, Notice of Appeal or Motion
- Form I-212, Application for Permission to Reapply for Admission into the US After Deportation or Removal
While the field office provides in-person payment options, many applicants now prefer online payments through the USCIS website. This is faster and ensures a clear payment trail.
Conduct Immigration Interviews
The field office conducts interviews for all non-asylum immigration cases, such as green card applications. The interview notice conveys the time and location for such interviews to the applicant. If you’ve been scheduled for such an interview, confirm the interview details beforehand to avoid any mistakes.
To prepare for your interview, review the specific requirements in your notice. You should also practice answering potential questions and gather supporting documents to substantiate your application.
Perform Naturalization Ceremonies
The Houston field office also performs naturalization ceremonies for green card holders who have successfully applied for citizenship. During the ceremony, applicants declare allegiance to the United States and become full-fledged citizens.
Provide Immigration Resources and Information
The USCIS Field Office is also a valuable resource for individuals who may require more information or services than they can get from the official government website. The office provides guidance on immigration issues, assists with filing certain forms, and offers translation services in approved languages.
Scheduling an Appointment at the USCIS Houston Office
The USCIS field offices are typically open from 8 AM to 8 PM Eastern time, Monday through Friday. However, walk-in visits are currently disallowed.
So, if you’ve not been scheduled for an immigration interview, you’ll need to book an appointment before you can visit the office.
To schedule an appointment, call the Houston field office at +1 800-375-5283. You can also call the contact center at 800-375-5283 (TTY 800-767-1833).
Note that the field office in Houston, TX, could be closed for various reasons, such as weather or other uncontrollable occurrences. If your appointment date is affected by such issues, you may need to call the office and reschedule.
Documents Needed for Your Appointment At The USCIS Houston Field Office
When visiting the local USCIS office, specifically the Houston Field Office, for your appointment, it’s important to bring specific documents required by the Citizenship and Immigration Services. This typically includes your
- Appointment notice,
- Valid photo identification (such as a passport or driver’s license), and
- Any other documents relevant to your case (like immigration forms, receipts, and previous correspondence with USCIS)
Additionally, for certain services like naturalization, you may need to bring additional paperwork like your Permanent Resident Card.
Always check the specific requirements for your immigration service beforehand to ensure a smooth appointment.
Application/Form Fees
- Each application requires a specific filing fee.
- Current fees are listed on the USCIS Filing Fees page.
- Payments can be made online or by check, depending on the form. Always verify the latest amounts before submission.
Processing Times
- Processing times vary depending on the type of application and workload.
- Applicants can check average timelines using the USCIS Processing Times tool.
- Delays are common, so planning ahead is essential.
The Application Support Center in Houston also provides biometrics services, including fingerprinting and photographs, which are required for many applications.
Attending Your Field Office Interview: COVID-19 Protocols
Currently, USCIS offices are open with cautionary measures due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Individuals who want to get some information or make inquiries are advised to avoid visiting or scheduling an appointment, especially if you can find the information you need on the USCIS website. Alternatively, you can call the USCIS contact center to get personalized clarification on your issue.
To attend an appointment, you can only come earlier by a maximum of fifteen minutes. However, those coming for a naturalization ceremony can come thirty minutes earlier. You also have to accept and use the compulsory hand sanitizer at the entry point of the local USCIS office. The USCIS officials may offer you a mask if you are not using one or you are using one that does not comply with the required standards.
USCIS guidelines concerning mask-wearing in each field office location vary depending on the CDC-established COVID community levels in the area. Currently, the community levels for the county of Houston in Texas are low. Therefore, you may not need to wear a mask inside the field office unless you prefer to. You can monitor any changes in the COVID community levels via the CDC website to ascertain the situation before your appointment.
You may also be questioned about your health status and asked to practice social distancing. Remember to take your pen along in case you need to write anything. If you’re social distancing, you may not be allowed to share.
Lastly, you cannot visit the Houston field office if:
- You have COVID or are experiencing any of its symptoms
- You have been in physical contact with anyone infected with the virus unless you are fully vaccinated or a health worker who used the necessary PPE
- You recently returned from an international ship trip, unless you are fully vaccinated, that is, you have taken the required number of vaccine doses and booster shots (where necessary)
- In the past ten days, you have been advised to quarantine by your healthcare provider, a government healthcare entity, or an authority. If you fall into any of these groups, you are required to reschedule your appointment with the USCIS office by calling the USCIS contact center.
Do I Need an Immigration Attorney for My Houston Field Office Appointment?
There are several reasons why consulting an attorney before your USCIS appointment could be advantageous.
An attorney can prepare you for your USCIS interview and prepare any documentation you might need for the process. This way, you can go through your interview confidently and comfortably, knowing you’ve laid a solid foundation.
Interviews for green cards and other immigration processes are crucial in determining whether your application is approved. As such, it is worth going the extra mile to make sure your appointment goes well, even if it means paying a few extra bucks for the services of a lawyer. The benefits certainly outweigh the cost.
Get Help from an Experienced Immigration Law Firm
If you have further questions about your green card application, naturalization, or any other immigration process at the USCIS field office in Houston, Texas, contact Andrew T. Thomas, Attorneys at Law. Our immigration attorneys can help you with the entire immigration process from beginning to end.
We will also help you prepare for your interview and the required documents. Our team of experienced lawyers is well-versed in all aspects of immigration law and provides premier legal services tailored to meet your needs. Contact us today to book an appointment and get your immigration process underway!
