USCIS just made a big change. As of May 18, 2026, they’ve officially ended remote attorney participation in immigration interviews. No more Zoom calls for lawyers during your critical meetings. Field office interviews, asylum interviews, NACARA interviews — your attorney needs to be there in person, period. Got an interview coming up? This affects you directly, and having the right legal support matters more than ever.
What’s Behind This New USCIS Policy?
Remember when COVID hit and everything went virtual? USCIS allowed remote attorney participation to keep things moving while keeping everyone safe. That was temporary, and now it’s over. USCIS says they need attorneys physically present to maintain the “integrity and effectiveness” of interviews. Whether you agree with their reasoning or not, this is the new reality we’re working with.
Here’s what’s affected by the new policy:
- Adjustment of status interviews at USCIS field offices
- Naturalization interviews
- Asylum interviews
- NACARA (Nicaraguan Adjustment and Central American Relief Act) interviews
- Marriage-based green card interviews
- Employment-based adjustment interviews
Limited exceptions exist for extraordinary circumstances, but these require prior approval from USCIS and must be requested well in advance of the scheduled interview date. The agency has emphasized that such exceptions will be granted sparingly and only in cases of documented emergencies or health-related issues that prevent physical attendance.
How This Affects Immigration Cases Nationwide
This policy change has far-reaching implications for immigrants and their families across the United States. Many individuals who previously relied on attorneys located in different states or cities may now face challenges in securing proper legal representation for their interviews.
The impact is particularly significant for:
Asylum Seekers: Those seeking asylum often work with specialized attorneys who may not be located in the same city as the asylum office. The new requirement means these individuals must either find local representation or ensure their current attorney can travel to attend the interview in person.
Rural Communities: Immigrants living in rural areas where immigration attorneys are scarce may face increased difficulty accessing legal representation. The nearest qualified attorney may be several hours away, making in-person attendance more challenging and potentially more expensive.
Complex Cases: Individuals with particularly complex immigration situations who have developed working relationships with specialized attorneys may need to make difficult decisions about continuing with their current representation or finding local alternatives.
Cost Considerations: The requirement for physical presence may increase legal costs, as attorneys may need to factor in travel time and expenses when representing clients at distant USCIS locations.
What You Should Do Now
If you have an upcoming immigration interview or are planning to file an application that will require an interview, take these immediate steps:
1. Contact Your Attorney Immediately: If you currently have legal representation, discuss the new requirements with your attorney as soon as possible. Confirm their availability to attend your interview in person and understand any additional costs that may be involved.
2. Verify Interview Locations: Ensure you know exactly where your interview will take place and confirm that your attorney can physically attend at that location. Some cases may be transferred to different offices, so stay informed about any changes.
3. Plan for Travel and Logistics: If your attorney needs to travel to attend your interview, coordinate schedules well in advance. Consider potential delays, weather issues, and other factors that could affect attendance.
4. Consider Local Alternatives: If your current attorney cannot attend in person, research qualified immigration services attorneys in your area who can provide representation for your interview.
5. Prepare Documentation: Ensure all necessary documentation is organized and ready, as in-person interviews may proceed more quickly without technical delays that sometimes occurred with remote participation.
6. Request Exceptions if Necessary: If extraordinary circumstances prevent your attorney from attending in person, work with them to submit a formal request for an exception to USCIS as early as possible.
Why Choose Tez Law P.C. for Your Immigration Needs
At Tez Law P.C., we understand the challenges created by this new USCIS policy and are fully prepared to provide in-person representation for immigration interviews nationwide. Under the experienced leadership of Managing Attorney JJ Zhang (California Bar #326666), our team has adapted our practice to ensure seamless compliance with the new requirements.
Our commitment to our clients includes:
Nationwide Coverage: We handle immigration cases across the entire United States and are prepared to travel to USCIS offices nationwide to ensure you have qualified legal representation at your interview.
Comprehensive Preparation: We thoroughly prepare our clients for their interviews, ensuring you understand what to expect and are ready to present your case effectively.
Experienced Representation: Our team has extensive experience with all types of immigration interviews and understands the nuances of presenting cases before USCIS officers.
Clear Communication: We keep you informed throughout the entire process and ensure you understand how the new requirements affect your specific case.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I attend my immigration interview without an attorney?
Yes, you have the right to attend your immigration interview without legal representation. However, having an experienced attorney present can significantly improve your chances of success, especially in complex cases or if English is not your first language. An attorney can help clarify questions, object to improper inquiries, and ensure your rights are protected throughout the process.
What happens if my attorney cannot attend my interview in person?
If your attorney cannot attend in person, you have several options: you can request a postponement to allow your attorney to arrange attendance, seek local representation, request an exception from USCIS for extraordinary circumstances, or proceed without legal representation. We recommend discussing these options with your attorney to determine the best course of action for your specific situation.
Will this policy change affect the timeline of my immigration case?
The policy change may affect individual case timelines depending on your specific circumstances. If you need to find new representation or if your attorney needs additional time to arrange travel, there could be delays. However, USCIS has indicated that the overall processing times should not be significantly impacted by this change. It’s important to plan ahead and communicate with your legal representative early to minimize any potential delays.
The end of remote attorney participation in immigration interviews represents a significant shift in USCIS policy that requires immediate attention from anyone involved in the immigration process. Don’t let this change jeopardize your case or leave you without proper legal representation. Contact Tez Law P.C. today for a free consultation to discuss how we can ensure you have experienced, in-person legal representation for your upcoming immigration interview, regardless of where it takes place in the United States.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Contact Tez Law P.C. at 626-678-8677 or [email protected] for advice specific to your situation. Results may vary.