The Office of the Citizenship and Immigration Services Ombudsman (CIS Ombudsman) released a short infographic providing a roadmap on how to request support from the office.  A simple four-step process is outlined and is available in twelve languages.

  • Step One: Try to resolve issues directly with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)
    • Submit a request to USCIS online, through your account, Ask Emma, or an e-Request
    • Call the local USCIS Contact Center
    • For lockbox issues and refugee processing, contact those departments directly
    • Contact USCIS through their general Contact Us page
  • Step Two: Contact Department of Homeland Security (DHS) CIS Ombudsman office
    • Use DHS Form 7001, Request for Case Assistance
    • Additional requirements apply for legal representatives or those applying for a T, U, VAWA, asylee, or refugee status
  • Step Three: CIS Ombudsman Office reviews the request for support
    • Confirmation of receipt of request
    • Review request, verifying no duplicate request submitted
    • Confirmation of ability to assist or not, and why
  • Step Four: CIS Ombudsman Office Action, if possible
    • CIS contact USCIS office
    • Updates to requestor throughout process

As always, working with an experienced attorney improves your odds of a successful outcome. If you have questions about any U.S. immigration related issue, contact us at ILBSG. We work with our clients in their specific situations to ensure they get the right advice.

CIS Ombudsman