What Is the Role of USCIS?
The DHS United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) oversees the citizenship and immigration processes of the United States government. The USCIS works through USCIS domestic field offices inside and outside the United States, along with online customer care and phone service. The United States Customs and Immigration Services website has an office locator to help you find the correct field office.
If you’re seeking immigration rights, you must complete and submit paperwork to the USCIS. Usually, you will visit the USCIS field office closest to your location for your scheduled appointment or interview. But immigration paperwork and procedures can be strenuous and tedious.
That’s why you should consult a dedicated immigration attorney to increase your chances of success. Andrew T. Thomas, Attorneys at Law, will hold your hand throughout the process and ensure you get a favorable immigration outcome.
USCIS Dallas Field Office
USCIS field offices in the U.S. handle prearranged interviews on non-asylum petitions. In addition to the information available on the USCIS website, you can get limited supplemental information by physical visitation at a USCIS office.
The local USCIS Office in Dallas is located at 6500 Campus Circle Drive, East Irving, TX 75063.
The Dallas USCIS Office serves Dallas, Fort Worth, and Irving cities.
What Is the USCIS Lockbox Dallas Facility?
Government and business entities can utilize Lockboxes to collect and deposit payments safely.
A financial agent designated by the Department of Treasury provides Lockbox services for USCIS. The Lockbox service operator is responsible for processing mailed-in applications for USCIS benefits and collecting associated costs.
However, the Lockbox service provider doesn’t adjudicate the immigration petitions received.
USCIS Dallas Field Office Processing Times
The USCIS website shows a processing time based on the average time it took to resolve 80% of cases in the last six months. The processing time for an application, petition, or request is the amount of time, in days (or months), from the date USCIS received the paperwork and the date USCIS processed the application within six months.
Many factors determine how long it’ll take USCIS to adjudicate a petition, request, or application. They include:
- The number of requests, petitions, or applications received
- Staffing allocations and workload at a time
- Operational and policy changes
- The time taken by the applicant to furnish evidence
If you’re unsure about the filing procedure, timelines, and standard of proof requirements, seek the services of a naturalization lawyer to expedite your application.
Checking the status of your application doesn’t require you to visit the USCIS Dallas office. Visit the official USCIS website to check the status of your case.
Here are generally the processing times for common immigration processes:
- Naturalization takes between 14.5 to 16 months.
- A certificate of citizenship takes between 4.5 to 12.5 months.
- Citizenship certification takes between 6.5 to 25.5 months.
USCIS Dallas Office Hours
The USCIS Dallas Office is open from Monday to Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
Storms or other unforeseen circumstances may also force office closures. Be sure to check the official government website of the USCIS Dallas field office before your meeting. You’ll find a list of offices that are closed or whose hours have been altered. You can also find guidelines to reschedule your appointment on this page.
USCIS Dallas Field Office Phone Number
The USCIS Dallas Field Office phone number is +1 800-375-5283, should you wish to schedule an appointment or find out more about their hours.
How Do I Make an Appointment With USCIS Office in Dallas
Walk-ins are not allowed at the USCIS Dallas Office. Booking an appointment is required before visiting their field offices. You may find the USCIS official website helpful. Some services you’ll find in these field offices include:
- The collection of filing fees for certain immigration forms
- Interview visa applicants
- Perform Naturalization Ceremonies
- Provide immigration resources and information not available on the website
COVID-19 Protocols at the Dallas Local Offices
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 Dallas 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 Dallas 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.
When I Visit the Dallas Field Office, Do I need an Immigration Attorney?
Before your USCIS appointment, you may find it beneficial to consult with a citizenship attorney for a number of reasons.
A lawyer can also assist you in preparing for your USCIS interview and preparing any documents you may need to help you feel more confident during the interview.
Green card interviews and other immigration processes play an important role in determining whether your application will be approved. In light of this, you should make sure your appointment goes smoothly, even if that means hiring a lawyer. The benefits certainly outweigh the costs.
Contact Andrew T. Thomas, Attorneys at Law, if you have any further questions regarding green cards, naturalization, or any other immigration process at the USCIS field office in Dallas, Texas. We would be happy to assist you in resolving any immigration issues you may have.
