On March 18, 2020, US Citizenship & Immigration Services (USCIS) temporarily suspended in-person services at its field offices, asylum offices, and application support centers (ASCs) to help slow the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19). USCIS announced late last week that they are now readying offices to reopen on or after June 4, 2020, while still complying with local and state orders. Employees in these temporarily closed USCIS offices are continuing to perform mission-essential services that do not require face-to-face contact with the public, and during this time, individuals may still submit applications and petitions to USCIS service centers. USCIS is also providing limited emergency in-person services.

US Citizenship & Immigration Services (USCIS) announced this week that they will reuse previously submitted biometrics so the agency can process valid Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization, extension requests due to the temporary closure of Application Support Centers (ASC) to the public in response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. The agency notes that this announcement is consistent with existing USCIS authority regarding the agency’s ability to reuse previously submitted biometrics. Applicants who had an appointment scheduled with an ASC on or after the March 18 closure or who has filed an I-765 extension will have their application processed using previously submitted biometrics. USCIS notes this policy will remain effect until ASCs are open for appointments to the public.