By:  Jacqueline Valle

United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has changed its visitor policy following updated guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Fully vaccinated individuals are no longer required to wear a face covering when visiting USCIS. Anyone older than two years old who is not vaccinated must continue to wear a mask.

An individual is fully vaccinated if it has been at least two weeks since their second dose of a two-dose vaccine, or their single dose of a one-dose vaccine.

USCIS has relaxed other rules for fully vaccinated individuals that are not showing any symptoms of COVID-19, including:

• Fully vaccinated individuals returning from domestic or international air travel or cruise ship travel in the last ten days can enter USCIS facilities.
• Fully vaccinated individuals who have had close contact with an infected individual in the last 14 days (within six feet for 15 minutes or more) can enter USCIS facilities.
• Healthcare employees still do not need to disclose if they have been in close contact with individuals with COVID-19 if they consistently wear the appropriate personal protective equipment.

This guidance will supersede any state, local, tribal, or territorial rules and regulations on face coverings in spaces controlled by the Department of Homeland Security.

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