U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will begin reopening its offices and resume citizenship oath ceremonies in early June, more than two months after the agency canceled in-person services as a protective measure during the coronavirus pandemic.
On May 27, 2020, USCIS announced that it will reopen some of its U.S. offices on June 4, while scheduling fewer visa appointments and interviews “to ensure social distancing, allow time for cleaning and reduce waiting room occupancy,” and holding some interviews over video in separate rooms at an agency office.
The agency will also begin holding naturalization oath ceremonies but the ceremonies will be shorter and only the candidates will be permitted to attend to limit exposure, with exceptions for children and people with disabilities who require assistance.
Additionally, people entering USCIS facilities must wear face masks covering their mouths and noses and cannot arrive for interviews more than 15 minutes early or with too many people. Individuals should not come to their appointments if they are feeling sick, and there will be no penalty for rescheduling for that reason, the agency said. USCIS also encouraged applicants to bring their own pens.