Emergency USCIS Appointment in Pomona: InfoPass & Urgent Immigration Services
How to get same-day or emergency appointments at USCIS when facing urgent immigration situations
Quick Answer
Pomona residents facing urgent immigration situations can request emergency USCIS appointments through the Contact Center or online account. Emergencies include lost documents, imminent travel needs, and employment authorization issues. Same-day appointments are possible for qualifying emergencies.
Reviewed for accuracy by
Maria Santos
DOJ Accredited Representative • 15+ years experience
When immigration emergencies strike, Pomona residents need quick access to USCIS services. SoCal Immigration Services helps Arab-American families navigate emergency appointment requests, prepare documentation for urgent situations, and resolve time-sensitive immigration issues that can't wait for normal processing times.
When You Need an Emergency USCIS Appointment
Qualifying Emergency Situations:
USCIS considers these situations emergencies: Lost, stolen, or destroyed green card or EAD when you need to prove work authorization or status immediately. Severe financial loss if you cannot work due to document issues. Imminent international travel for humanitarian reasons (serious illness or death of family member abroad). Employment verification required by employer with immediate deadline.
Non-Emergency Situations:
These typically don't qualify for emergency appointments: Regular case status inquiries, address changes, routine document renewals with advance notice, general questions about immigration processes.
Document Your Emergency:
When requesting emergency appointments, you'll need to explain and document the emergency situation. Gather evidence like job offer letters with start dates, travel itineraries, medical documentation for family emergencies, or employer letters requiring immediate employment verification.
How to Request Emergency USCIS Appointments
- 1USCIS Contact Center
Call 1-800-375-5283 (USCIS) and explain your emergency situation. Request an InfoPass appointment or emergency services. Be prepared to explain why your situation qualifies as an emergency.
- 2Online Account Request
Log into your USCIS online account at myuscis.gov. Use the 'Request an Appointment' feature. Select 'Emergency' as the appointment type and provide detailed explanation.
- 3Emma Virtual Assistant
Use the Emma chat feature on uscis.gov. Type 'InfoPass' or 'emergency appointment' to be connected with options. Emma can schedule some appointment types directly.
- 4Congressional Inquiry
For urgent situations not resolved through normal channels, contact your congressional representative's office. They can submit inquiries to USCIS on your behalf.
- 5USCIS Field Office Visit
In true emergencies, you may attempt a walk-in visit to the nearest USCIS field office. Be prepared that walk-ins are often turned away without appointments.
Emergency Services for Lost Green Cards
Immediate Steps After Losing Green Card:
File a police report if your green card was stolen. This documents the theft for USCIS. Gather alternative identity documents (passport, driver's license, Social Security card). Locate your immigration file number (A-number) from previous documents.
Form I-90 Replacement:
File Form I-90 to replace your lost green card. Pay the filing fee or request a fee waiver if eligible. Request expedited processing due to emergency circumstances.
Temporary Evidence of Status:
USCIS can place an ADIT stamp (temporary green card stamp) in your passport. This serves as temporary proof of permanent resident status. Request an emergency appointment specifically for ADIT stamp if you need immediate proof of status.
I-551 Stamp for Immediate Travel:
If you have imminent international travel, request an I-551 stamp appointment. Bring your travel itinerary, passport, and evidence of permanent resident status. The stamp allows travel without the physical green card.
Emergency EAD Situations
EAD-Related Emergencies:
Your EAD expired and renewal is pending but you need to continue working. Your employer is terminating employment without valid EAD. You have a job offer with immediate start date but no EAD. Your EAD was lost or stolen and you need immediate replacement.
Requesting EAD Expedite:
USCIS can expedite pending EAD applications in emergency situations. Submit expedite request through your online account or by calling USCIS. Provide evidence of severe financial loss if you cannot work.
Evidence for EAD Emergencies:
Job offer letter showing start date and EAD requirement, employer letter stating employment will be terminated without valid EAD, evidence of financial hardship without employment, medical bills or other urgent financial obligations.
Auto-Extension of EADs:
Some EAD renewal applicants receive automatic 180-day extensions. Check if your category qualifies. Bring I-797 receipt notice as evidence of auto-extension to show employers.
Emergency Travel Document Requests
Qualifying Travel Emergencies:
Serious illness or death of immediate family member abroad qualifies as emergency. Your own serious medical condition requiring treatment abroad may qualify. Essential business travel with documented financial consequences if postponed.
Emergency Advance Parole:
If you have a pending adjustment of status and need to travel urgently, request emergency advance parole. Provide documentation of family emergency (medical records, death certificate, etc.). USCIS can approve advance parole within days for true emergencies.
Required Documentation:
Flight itinerary showing planned departure date, evidence of emergency (medical records, hospital letters, death certificate), relationship proof for family members, pending application receipt notice.
Same-Day Processing Possibility:
In extreme emergencies (immediate family death, life-threatening illness), USCIS may process advance parole same-day. Call USCIS early in the morning to request same-day emergency appointment.
Nearest USCIS Offices to Pomona
| Office Location | Address | Services Available |
|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles Field Office | 300 N. Los Angeles St., Los Angeles, CA 90012 | Full field office services, InfoPass appointments |
| San Bernardino Field Office | 655 W. Rialto Ave., San Bernardino, CA 92410 | Full field office services, InfoPass appointments |
| Santa Ana Field Office | 34 Civic Center Plaza, Santa Ana, CA 92701 | Full field office services, InfoPass appointments |
| Application Support Center | Various locations | Biometrics only - not for emergency requests |
What to Bring to Emergency Appointments
- •Government-Issued ID: Valid passport, driver's license, or other photo identification
- •Receipt Notices: All I-797 notices related to your pending applications
- •Previous Immigration Documents: Copies of expired green cards, EADs, or other documents you're replacing
- •Emergency Documentation: Letters, medical records, death certificates, or other evidence of emergency
- •Employment Documentation: Job offer letters, employer letters about verification deadlines
- •Travel Documentation: Flight itineraries, booking confirmations for imminent travel
- •A-Number: Know your alien registration number for all interactions
- •Appointment Confirmation: Print or screenshot your appointment confirmation
- •Filing Receipts: If requesting status on pending applications, bring filing receipts
Congressional Assistance for USCIS Emergencies
When to Contact Congress:
USCIS hasn't responded to emergency requests, your case has been pending far longer than normal processing times, you've been unable to schedule an emergency appointment through normal channels, you're facing imminent harm that USCIS hasn't addressed.
How Congressional Inquiries Work:
Contact your U.S. Representative or Senator's local office. Complete their privacy release form. Explain your emergency situation and what you've already tried. The congressional office submits inquiry to USCIS on your behalf. USCIS prioritizes responding to congressional inquiries.
Pomona Congressional Representatives:
Pomona falls in California's congressional districts with offices that handle immigration inquiries regularly. Contact information is available at house.gov and senate.gov. Explain that you're a constituent facing an immigration emergency.
What Congress Can and Cannot Do:
Congressional offices can inquire about case status and request expedited review. They cannot force USCIS to approve applications or override immigration law. They can help cut through bureaucratic delays and get attention to overlooked cases.
Preventing Immigration Emergencies
- •Track Expiration Dates: Create calendar reminders 6-12 months before documents expire
- •File Renewals Early: Submit renewal applications well before expiration to allow for processing delays
- •Make Copies: Keep copies of all immigration documents in a safe location separate from originals
- •Secure Documents: Store green cards and EADs safely to prevent loss or theft
- •Maintain Online Account: Keep your USCIS online account active and updated for easy communication
- •Save Receipt Notices: Keep all I-797 receipt notices - they're essential for emergency situations
- •Know Your A-Number: Memorize or save your alien registration number for quick reference
- •Plan Travel Ahead: Apply for travel documents well before planned international trips
Why Pomona Families Choose SoCal Immigration Services
- •Emergency Appointment Assistance: We help prepare and submit emergency appointment requests
- •Document Preparation: We compile comprehensive documentation for emergency situations
- •Expedite Requests: We prepare expedite request letters with proper evidence
- •Congressional Liaison: We help prepare materials for congressional inquiries
- •Same-Day Support: We offer urgent consultations for immigration emergencies
- •Arabic Language Support: Our Arabic-speaking staff helps families communicate effectively about emergencies
- •Follow-Up Tracking: We monitor emergency requests and follow up with USCIS
- •Alternative Solutions: We identify backup options when emergency requests are denied
FAQFrequently Asked Questions
Q:Can I walk into USCIS without an appointment?
A: Generally no. USCIS field offices require appointments for most services. However, in true emergencies, some offices may assist walk-ins. Call the Contact Center first to request an emergency appointment.
Q:How quickly can I get an emergency USCIS appointment?
A: True emergencies may receive same-day or next-day appointments. Less urgent matters might be scheduled within 1-2 weeks. The timeline depends on appointment availability and whether USCIS agrees your situation qualifies as an emergency.
Q:What if USCIS denies my emergency request?
A: If USCIS doesn't recognize your situation as an emergency, try requesting an expedite on any pending applications. You can also contact your congressional representative's office for assistance.
Q:I lost my green card and have travel in 3 days. What do I do?
A: Call USCIS immediately at 1-800-375-5283 and request an emergency I-551 stamp appointment. Bring your passport, travel itinerary, and any evidence of your permanent resident status. USCIS can stamp your passport to allow travel.
Q:My EAD expired and my renewal is still pending. Can I work?
A: Some EAD categories receive automatic 180-day extensions when renewal is pending. Check if you qualify. If so, bring your I-797 receipt notice and expired EAD to show your employer as evidence of authorization.
Q:How do I prove a family emergency abroad?
A: Gather documentation like hospital letters, medical records, death certificates, or letters from treating physicians. Have documents translated if not in English. The more specific documentation, the stronger your emergency request.
Q:Can you help me get an emergency appointment today?
A: We can help prepare your emergency request with proper documentation and submit it to USCIS. Same-day appointments depend on USCIS availability and whether they classify your situation as a true emergency.
Q:What's the InfoPass system?
A: InfoPass was USCIS's online appointment scheduling system. It has been replaced by the USCIS online account system and Contact Center requests. Emergency appointments are now requested through your myuscis.gov account or by calling USCIS.
Facing an Immigration Emergency?
Don't navigate urgent USCIS matters alone. Our Arabic-speaking team helps Pomona families get emergency appointments and resolve time-sensitive immigration issues quickly.
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