If you or your attorney has recently received an email from a USCIS Field Office ahead of a scheduled Adjustment of Status (AOS) interview, you are not alone. Over the past year, USCIS Field Offices across the country have begun sending courtesy email notices to attorneys of record in advance of scheduled interviews. Here is everything you need to know about these notices and how to respond.
What Are These Emails?
These courtesy emails are being sent by USCIS Field Offices to attorneys representing applicants for Adjustment of Status and underlying petitions. The emails appear to be part of a broader effort by USCIS to encourage applicants and their attorneys to use the online myUSCIS portal to upload and update case documents before the interview takes place.
Who Is Sending Them and What Do They Look Like?
The emails are sent from official uscis.gov email addresses, though the exact sender varies by field office. Some notices come from a district-wide address, others from an email specifically created for these notices, and some even from an individual USCIS officer’s email address. The notice typically includes identifying information such as the applicant’s name and/or receipt number, and provides a list of documents USCIS would like uploaded to the myUSCIS portal prior to the interview.
What Documents Are They Asking For?
While the specific list varies by USCIS district, notices generally request that attorneys or applicants upload supporting evidence such as:
— Updated evidence of the qualifying relationship — Form I-864, Affidavit of Support, and supporting financial documents — Any other updated or supplemental case evidence
Important: Sealed medical examination envelopes should NOT be opened or uploaded. These must be brought to the interview in their original sealed condition.
Is Uploading Required?
No — the notice does not state that uploading documents is required, nor does it indicate there will be negative consequences if documents are not uploaded. USCIS also makes clear that applicants must still bring all original documents to the interview regardless of what has been uploaded online.
That said, there have been instances where adjudicators at the interview have requested that hard copy documents be uploaded to myUSCIS on the spot. To avoid any delays or complications, we strongly recommend uploading all available documents in advance.
A Note for Non-English Speakers
Some of these courtesy emails include a reminder that applicants who do not speak English are responsible for bringing their own interpreter to the interview. USCIS does not provide interpretation services, so this should be arranged well in advance.
Our Recommendation
Based on our review of these notices, we advise all applicants and attorneys to access the myUSCIS portal and upload updated supporting documents as early as possible before the scheduled interview. This allows the adjudicating officer to review your documents electronically in advance, alongside the rest of your case file, which generally leads to a smoother and more efficient interview experience.
If you have questions about your upcoming USCIS interview, what documents to prepare, or how to navigate the myUSCIS portal, our office is here to help.
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This post is intended for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For advice specific to your case, please consult a qualified immigration attorney.