The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has announced that all USCIS offices will be closed on December 24 and December 26, 2025, in observance of an executive order titled “Providing for the Closing of Executive Departments and Agencies of the Federal Government on December 24, 2025, and December 26, 2025.”
This temporary closure will affect a wide range of immigration-related services and is important for applicants, petitioners, and legal representatives to plan for in advance.
Why USCIS Offices Will Be Closed
The closure is the result of an executive order mandating the shutdown of executive departments and federal agencies on the specified dates. While federal offices are typically closed on national holidays, this order extends closures to December 24 (Christmas Eve) and December 26, creating a longer holiday break for federal operations.
As USCIS is a federal agency under the Department of Homeland Security, all of its offices—including field offices, asylum offices, and application support centers—will observe the closure.
Services Affected by the Closure
During these two days, USCIS will not provide in-person or customer-facing services. This includes:
- Biometrics appointments
- Naturalization interviews and ceremonies
- Adjustment of status interviews
- InfoPass appointments
- In-person inquiries and document services
If you have an appointment scheduled for December 24 or December 26, USCIS will typically reschedule it automatically. Applicants should monitor their mail and online USCIS accounts for updated notices.
Impact on Application Processing
While USCIS’s online filing systems may remain accessible, no case processing or adjudication will occur on the closure dates. As a result, applicants may experience slight delays, particularly during an already busy holiday season.
Deadlines that fall on December 24 or December 26 are generally extended to the next business day, but applicants should always confirm their specific case requirements to avoid issues.
What Applicants Should Do
To minimize inconvenience, applicants are encouraged to:
- Check appointment notices and online USCIS accounts regularly
- Plan filings and responses ahead of time
- Allow extra processing time around the holiday period
- Consult an immigration attorney if urgent matters arise
If you are traveling, awaiting work authorization, or preparing for an interview, factoring in these closures can help prevent unnecessary stress or delays.
Looking Ahead
USCIS offices are expected to resume normal operations following the holiday closures. Staying informed about agency announcements and federal holiday schedules is essential for anyone navigating the U.S. immigration process.
As always, advance planning and timely communication can make a significant difference when dealing with government agencies—especially during the end-of-year holiday season.