Trying to get information from USCIS can be a difficult task. Here is some information about how USCIS’ customer service works so you can better understand what you can expect. I’ve also provided some tips based on my experience contacting USCIS.

How can I speak to a person at USCIS?

USCIS offers multiple ways you can get in touch with them including a toll free phone number. You can easily call USCIS and speak to a live person. You may wait on hold for awhile but it is an option.

If you would like to speak with a person over the phone it is not as difficult as many think. The toll-free customer service number for USCIS is 1-800-375-5283.

Navigate the Automated Menu to Speak to A Human

1. Dial the number 1-800-375-5283
2. Press 1 for English. Press other numbers for other languages that are available
3. Press 1 to check your case status
4. Press 2 if you no longer have access to your receipt number
5. Press 2 to talk to a USCIS representative

If you respond to the prompts in the manner above you will get to a representative as quickly as possible. While the automated assistance phone number is available 24/7 live human assistance is not. You can only speak to a representative between the hour of 8 am to 9 pm EST, Monday through Friday. You cannot speak to a representative on the weekends or holidays.

If when you call you are asked to “state the reason for your call” rather than getting the prompts above then the answer that will get you to a representative the fastest is, “infopass.” If you say you are calling to schedule an infopass appointment then you will be connected to a representative right away with no further robots.

Before Calling USCIS

USCIS representatives will not be able to assist you, or even talk to you at all, unless you have certain information. Also, they will only be able to talk to the Petitioner, the beneficiary (or applicant), or the attorney of record with a valid Form G-28 on record with the Service. They will confirm that you are one of those people by asking for your name and date of birth or A number.

Before you call USCIS make sure you have the following:

• The receipt or at least the receipt number for the petition or application you are calling about;
• Your A number ;
• A pen and paper to take down the USCIS representative’s ID # and the Service Request ID for your phone call (or any phone number they may provide to contact another agency);
• A list of questions so you don’t forget to ask about something and have to call back;
• All your immigration papers in case they ask for more information.

Be prepared to wait on hold for some time. You should call early in the day for less of a chance of long waits and less of a chance of waiting on hold for hours only to be told that they are closing and you have to call back tomorrow.