Page:USCIS Remarks by Sarah Kendall, Chief, IPO.pdf/17

 The pandemic and USCIS’ hiring freeze affected IPO staffing levels and workplace procedures. Early in the shift to pandemic-safe operations, IPO experienced operational deficits which temporarily impacted our program’s ability to transition cases to the National Visa Center. This deficit has been identified and we are actively working to address this concern.

'''(17) It appears that USCIS is now back to scheduling biometrics for I-829 petitioners and dependents. However, it appears that USCIS has been scheduling the petitioners first and dependents later. Can biometrics appointments for family members be consolidated?'''

When USCIS offices temporarily closed on March 13, 2020, the Biometric Scheduling System canceled all pending appointments. When application support centers reopened, the system automatically started scheduling the petitioners. We are actively trying to schedule all family members on the same day, when it is possible.

(18) Is USCIS considering implementing a premium processing fee for EB-5?

USCIS is not considering implementing premium processing for the EB-5 investor program petitions and applications at this time.

CONCLUSION


 * I hope the information we have covered today has been helpful.


 * You will find much of the information discussed today, including these remarks, on the USCIS website. 17 of 18