U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) opened a new international field office on September 9, 2026. The new office is in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia and handles USCIS immigration matters in the country. The move is part of broader USCIS policy consolidating immigration operations on the African continent.
According to USCIS, the new field office will:
- Verify the authenticity of foreign documents.
- Investigate suspected issues relates to immigration cases.
- Collect DNA evidence for confirming familial relationships (when applicable).
Historically, these functions happened within the wider purview of the U.S. Department of State (DOS). The new branch lets USCIS perform these duties directly and in the affected country. Services at the Addis Ababa office are only available via appointment. The office won’t take walk-ins.
As always, ILBSG actively monitors ongoing U.S. immigration news. If you have questions about any U.S. immigration related issue, contact us. Working with an experienced attorney ensures you get the right advice based on the most recent laws. In an ever-evolving immigration policy landscape, it’s particularly critical.