The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will establish an international office in Quito, the capital of Ecuador, aiming to boost refugee processing and family reunification efforts.
According to their official website, USCIS aims to support "the U.S. government's efforts to resettle refugees from the Americas, as outlined in the Los Angeles Declaration on Migration and Protection of June 2022." The office will also focus on family reunification efforts and resume other critical tasks at the embassy.
Office Opening and Services
The office will open to the public on September 10 and will be located inside the U.S. Embassy in Ecuador. Services will be available by appointment only through the USCIS platform. This will be the twelfth international office for the entity, joining others in locations such as Ankara, Turkey; Beijing, China; Guatemala City, Guatemala; Mexico City, Mexico; Doha, Qatar; Guangzhou, China; Havana, Cuba; Nairobi, Kenya; New Delhi, India; San Salvador, El Salvador; and Tegucigalpa, Honduras.
According to USCIS, personnel will assist with interviewing petitioners, processing certain forms, fingerprinting beneficiaries of specific USCIS applications, overseeing DNA sample collection, and conducting fraud detection activities.
Given that some services are suspended in Cuba since the U.S. withdrew personnel from Havana, Cuban citizens may use this new avenue similarly to how they process applications in offices located in Guyana, Mexico, and other countries.
This new office aims to streamline and strengthen immigration-related services in the region, addressing the growing demand for assistance from those seeking refuge or family reunification in the United States.
FAQs on USCIS Office in Ecuador
Here are some frequently asked questions regarding the new USCIS office in Ecuador, its services, and its impact on refugee processing and family reunification.
When will the new USCIS office in Quito open?
The new USCIS office in Quito will open to the public on September 10.
What services will the new USCIS office provide?
The office will assist with refugee processing, family reunification, interviewing petitioners, processing forms, fingerprinting, DNA sample collection, and fraud detection activities.
How can I schedule an appointment at the new USCIS office in Ecuador?
Appointments can be scheduled through the USCIS platform.