USCIS Opens Office in Quito, Ecuador

By Richard T. Herman, Esq.

Immigration Articles, Immigration News, 19 min read

On September 10, 2024, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) opened a new field office in Quito, Ecuador. This new field office in Quito, a critical location, is part of the Biden-Harris administration’s efforts to expand USCIS’s international presence and facilitate safe and orderly lawful pathways for refugees.

These efforts aim to enhance refugee processing capacity and support family reunification in Ecuador and surrounding areas.

Here’s the breakdown of the mission, services and impact of the Quito Field Office.

Quito Field Office Mission

Functions of the Quito USCIS Office

The Quito USCIS office has a clear set of objectives:

Provide Immigration Expertise: USCIS staff will support the U.S. Embassy and regional partners with immigration expertise and services to help with legal migration and provide guidance.
Support Refugee Processing: The office will process U.S. Refugee Admissions Program cases to expedite the processing of individuals seeking refuge in the U.S. This is in line with U.S. commitments to support displaced populations in Latin America.
Combat Immigration Fraud: One of the main functions of the Quito office will be to detect and prevent immigration fraud to protect the U.S. immigration system.
Humanitarian Support: The office will help create legal pathways for individuals seeking protection or family reunification in the United States, USCIS’s humanitarian role in the region.
Family Reunification and Safe, Legal Migration: The office will reunite family members already in the United States with those still abroad. This is in line with the Biden-Harris administration’s efforts to create safe and orderly migration pathways.
Processing Form I-730 and Lawful Migration Pathways: The office will handle the processing of Form I-730, which is crucial for refugee and asylee relative petitions. This effort supports the establishment of lawful migration pathways, ensuring safe and orderly options for those seeking refuge and family reunification.

According to USCIS Director Ur M. Jaddou, “This expansion is about USCIS’s humanitarian mission of fairness, integrity and respect to those we serve.”

At the opening ceremony, U.S. Ambassador Art Brown said: “The new office is about dignity, rights and safety of migrants, refugees and asylum seekers. This new office in Quito is about justice and humanity and benefits to U.S.-Ecuador cooperation.”

The office will be a focal point for services from the U.S. Embassy in Ecuador.

Safe Mobility Offices: Expedited Refugee Processing

The Quito office will work with the Safe Mobility Offices (Oficinas de Movilidad Segura)

Expedite Refugee Processing: The Safe Mobility initiative speeds up the refugee admissions process, supporting refugee processing to facilitate safe migration pathways and humanitarian efforts. This aligns with the Biden-Harris administration’s efforts in supporting expedited refugee processing and safe migration pathways.
Information on Legal Migration Pathways: This initiative provides migrants with information and referrals to migration pathways to the United States and other countries.

Services at the Quito Field Office

USCIS staff at the new open international field office will provide:

Refugee Admissions Support: The Quito office will increase refugee processing in line with the Los Angeles Declaration on Migration and Protection (June 2022). This will support individuals from the Americas seeking refugee status in the United States. This includes support to individuals applying for refugee status, working with Safe Mobility Offices in the region.
Family Reunification and Other Lawful Migration Pathways: USCIS will process applications for individuals to reunite with family members already in the U.S. by processing forms like the Refugee/Asylee Relative Petition (Form I-730). Additionally, the office will facilitate various approved migration options, emphasizing the government’s commitment to orderly and humane migration practices.
Biometrics/Fingerprinting: Beneficiaries of certain USCIS applications will be fingerprinted to verify identity and eligibility.
DNA Collection:DNA samples may be collected as part of the identity verification process for family-based applications.
Fraud Detection: The office will conduct regular screenings and procedures to prevent fraud and protect the immigration process. The office will screen and review to prevent fraud and ensure only eligible individuals benefit from U.S. immigration programs.

The Biden-Harris administration’s efforts in expanding USCIS services through the new field office in Quito align with their broader immigration and humanitarian missions, facilitating safe and orderly lawful pathways for refugees and enhancing humanitarian support.

Note: Services are by appointment only. Individuals interested in USCIS services should schedule an appointment and check the USCIS International Immigration Offices webpage for updates on services and appointments in Quito.

How to Get Services at the Quito USCIS Office

For those who want to get services at the new Quito office:

Visit the USCIS Website: Check the USCIS website for services offered at the Quito office, updates and more. For more information visit USCIS Quito Field Office
Schedule an Appointment: All services require appointments and can be booked through the USCIS International Immigration Offices webpage.
Bring Required Documents: Make sure you have all documents and identification ready for your appointment, especially for biometric services.

The Biden-Harris administration’s efforts have been instrumental in making these services accessible and efficient, aligning with their broader humanitarian mission: to facilitate safe and orderly lawful pathways for refugees and enhance humanitarian support.

What This Means for Ecuadorians and Regional Residents

The Quito USCIS office is not a change in U.S. immigration policy. It’s a strategic move to:

Humanitarian Support: This office will provide Ecuadorians and regional residents with more information and resources on legal migration pathways.
Regional Immigration Capacity: Ecuador is a strategic location to serve the broader Latin American region, to manage migration and security in the region.
Manage Migration: By providing more services and more efficiently, the office will create a safer and more organized immigration process for those in need of U.S. help.

This initiative aligns with the Biden-Harris administration’s efforts to facilitate safe and orderly lawful pathways for refugees and enhance humanitarian support.

Impact on U.S. Refugee Admissions

The 2024 Presidential Determination on Refugee Admissions set a goal of 35,000–50,000 refugees from Latin America and the Caribbean,%2C%20and%20after%20appropriate%20consultations,otherwise%20in%20the%20national%20interest.)) more access for those fleeing unsafe conditions in these regions.

The Quito Field Office will help USCIS meet these goals by supporting regional partners and strengthening the migration infrastructure in the Americas. The Biden-Harris administration’s efforts include expanding USCIS international presence to facilitate safe and orderly lawful pathways for refugees and enhance humanitarian support.

USCIS International Offices

The Quito Field Office is the 12th international field office. Other, open international field office. USCIS offices are located in:

China – Beijing Field Office

· China – Guangzhou Field Office

· Cuba- Havana Field Office

· Ecuador – Quito Field Office

· El Salvador – San Salvador Field Office

· Guatemala – Guatemala City Field Office

· Honduras – Tegucigalpa Field Office

· India – New Delhi Field Office

· Kenya – Nairobi Field Office

· Mexico – Mexico City Field Office

· Qatar – Doha Field Office

· Turkey – Ankara Field Office

This expansion aligns with the Biden-Harris administration’s efforts to enhance USCIS’s international presence and facilitate safe and orderly lawful pathways for refugees.

Why Ecuador?

Quito’s location allows USCIS to serve more applicants from Latin America and the Caribbean. Ecuador is a hub in migration patterns and this office will facilitate migration processes for individuals and families in the region.

The Quito Field Office will be part of the U.S. government’s efforts for orderly, safe migration, humanitarian support and protection for vulnerable populations.

This aligns with the Biden-Harris administration’s efforts in choosing strategic locations for USCIS offices to expand international presence and support humanitarian missions.

Below we describe in more detail how the USCIS Office in Ecuador operates and how it processes particular applications.

GUIDE TO USCIS Office in Ecuador

The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) Quito Field Office is the main international field office used for U.S. immigration in Ecuador.

Whether you need help with refugee processing, family petitions or other immigration services this guide will walk you through the the international field office’s services, procedures and contact information.

The Biden-Harris administration’s efforts have been instrumental in making these services accessible and efficient, aligning with their broader immigration and humanitarian missions.

Geographic Jurisdiction

USCIS Quito has jurisdiction over all U.S. immigration matters in Ecuador.

The Biden-Harris administration’s efforts in expanding USCIS’s international presence include the opening of this new field office in Quito, Ecuador, to facilitate safe and orderly lawful pathways for refugees and enhance humanitarian support.

Contact Information

Public Inquiries

Email: quito-uscis@uscis.dhs.gov for services provided by USCIS Quito
USCIS Contact Center:
- Inside the U.S. or U.S. Territories: 800-375-5283.
- TTY (for the deaf or hard of hearing): 800-767-1833.
- Hours: Monday–Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Eastern Time, except federal holidays.
- Automated Information: 24/7 through an interactive menu.
- Outside the U.S.: 212-620-3418.
- Hours: Same as above.

This initiative is part of the Biden-Harris administration’s efforts to expand USCIS international presence and facilitate safe and orderly lawful pathways for refugees.

Appointments

Online Scheduling: All visitors must schedule an appointment online before coming to the office.

No Walk-ins: USCIS’ Quito field office does not accept walk-ins.

The Biden-Harris administration’s efforts have been instrumental in making these services accessible and efficient, aligning with their broader immigration and humanitarian missions.

Fee Information

Accepted Payments:

The Biden-Harris administration’s efforts have been instrumental in making these services more accessible and efficient, including the expansion of USCIS international presence through new field offices.

Services

USCIS Quito offers various citizenship and immigration services here. Below is a list of each service with special instructions and additional information.

The Biden-Harris administration’s efforts in expanding USCIS services through the new field office in Quito aim to facilitate safe and orderly lawful pathways for refugees and enhance humanitarian support, aligning immigration expertise with the administration’s broader immigration and humanitarian missions.

I-730: Refugee/Asylee Relative Petition

Purpose: Petition for qualifying relatives of principal refugees or asylees to join them in the U.S. The Biden-Harris administration’s efforts in supporting family reunification and other lawful migration pathways are evident through initiatives like expanding USCIS international presence, including the new field office in Quito, Ecuador.

Eligibility:

Must be filed within 2 years of the principal’s admission or grant of asylum.
For spouses and unmarried children under 21.

Filing Instructions:

In the U.S.: File with USCIS as per the Form I-730 instructions.
In Ecuador: Once the petition is approved, USCIS Quito will handle further processing.
Important: Notify USCIS Quito if the beneficiary’s contact information changes by emailing quito-uscis@uscis.dhs.gov.

Re-entry Permit

Purpose: For lawful permanent residents (Green Card holders) to re-enter the U.S. after being outside for an extended period. This aligns with the Biden-Harris administration’s efforts to support lawful migration pathways through initiatives like expanding USCIS international presence, including the new field office in Quito, Ecuador.

Filing Instructions:

Apply Before Leaving the U.S.: File Form I-131 while in the U.S.
Pick up in Quito:
- USCIS Quito will contact you when your permit is ready.
- If you haven’t heard back, email quito-uscis@uscis.dhs.gov.

Additional Resources:

How to Get a Reentry Permit (PDF)

Biometrics

Purpose: Fingerprints, photographs or signatures required for certain applications. The Biden-Harris administration’s efforts in expanding USCIS international presence, such as the new field office in Quito, Ecuador, aim to facilitate safe and orderly lawful pathways for refugees and enhance humanitarian support.

Who can submit biometrics at USCIS Quito:

Individuals living in Ecuador who cannot travel to a USCIS Application Support Center in the U.S.
Forms:
- I-130: Petition for Alien Relative
- I-131: Application for Travel Document
- I-360: Petition for Amerasian, Widow(er), or Special Immigrant
- I-600/I-600A: Orphan Petitions
- I-730: Refugee/Asylee Relative Petition
- I-800A: Convention Country Adoption
- I-914: Application for T Nonimmigrant Status
- I-918: Petition for U Nonimmigrant Status
- N-400: Application for Naturalization (specific cases)

Special Cases:

For forms not listed, USCIS Quito may collect biometrics at the Field Office Director’s discretion.

How to Schedule Biometrics:

Email quito-uscis@uscis.dhs.gov to check eligibility and schedule an appointment.
Note: Appointments may be limited due to staff availability.

I-601: Application for Waiver of Grounds of Inadmissibility

Purpose: Request a waiver for certain grounds of inadmissibility if you are otherwise eligible to immigrate. The Biden-Harris administration’s efforts include expanding U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) international presence through the opening of a new field office in Quito, Ecuador, to facilitate safe and orderly lawful pathways for refugees and enhance humanitarian support.

Filing Instructions:

Standard Process: File with the USCIS Lockbox in the U.S.
Exception for Filing in Quito: Must have exceptional and compelling humanitarian circumstances.
Pre-Approval Required: Email quito-uscis@uscis.dhs.gov to request an exception.

Additional Information:

USCIS Policy on International Filing Exceptions (PDF)

I-212: Application for Permission to Reapply for Admission After Deportation or Removal

Purpose: Seek permission to reapply for admission to the U.S. after deportation or removal.

Filing Instructions:

Standard Process: File with the appropriate USCIS office in the U.S.
If filing with I-601 in Quito:
- Only if USCIS Quito grants permission to file I-601 due to special circumstances.
- Must file both forms together with separate filing fees.

The Biden-Harris administration’s efforts include expanding USCIS international presence through the opening of a new field office in Quito, Ecuador, to facilitate safe and orderly lawful pathways for refugees and enhance humanitarian support.

DNA Sample Collection Oversight

Purpose: Verify biological relationships for certain immigration petitions through DNA testing.

Process:

Start with an AABB-Accredited Lab:
- Choose a lab from the AABB Accredited Labs list.
- Pay for testing and shipping costs.
Lab sends kit to USCIS Quito:
- Make sure the lab has the beneficiary’s correct contact information.
Schedule Appointment:
- USCIS Quito will contact the beneficiary to schedule DNA sample collection.
Appointment Requirements:
- Two passport-style photos.
- Identification:
  - Adults: Original passport and a copy of the bio page.
  - Children under 21: Original or official copy of birth certificate and a copy.
Sample Collection and Submission:
- USCIS will collect the cheek swab.
- Samples will be sent directly to the lab by USCIS.

Important Notes:

Voluntary Testing: DNA testing is not required.
Costs: All costs are the responsibility of the applicant or petitioner.
No Approval Guarantee: Submitting DNA does not guarantee petition approval.

DNA Collection Queries:

Email quito-uscis@uscis.dhs.gov.

Other Services

For services not provided by USCIS Quito, see below.

The Biden-Harris administration’s efforts in expanding USCIS international presence through the opening of the new field office in Quito, Ecuador, aim to facilitate safe and orderly lawful pathways for refugees and enhance humanitarian support.

I-130: Petition for Alien Relative

Filing Instructions:

Online or by Mail: File with the appropriate USCIS office in the U.S.
U.S. Citizens Living Abroad:
- Only in exceptional circumstances can you file at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate.
Active-Duty Military: Can file without exceptional circumstances.

The Biden-Harris administration’s efforts include expanding USCIS international presence, such as opening a new field office in Quito, Ecuador, to support family reunification and lawful migration pathways.

Additional Resources:

I-130 Instructions

I-131: Application for Travel Document (Refugee Travel Document)

Filing Instructions:

Must be filed in the U.S.: File I-131 while in the U.S.
If Less than 1 year abroad: You can still apply; see I-131 Instructions.

The Biden-Harris administration’s efforts to expand U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) international presence, such as opening a new field office in Quito, Ecuador, aim to facilitate safe and orderly lawful pathways for refugees and enhance humanitarian support.

I-131A: Application for Travel Document (Carrier Documentation)

Purpose: For lawful permanent residents who need travel documentation due to lost or stolen Green Card.

The Biden-Harris administration’s efforts include expanding U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) international presence through the opening of a new field office in Quito, Ecuador, to facilitate safe and orderly lawful pathways for refugees and enhance humanitarian support.

Filing Instructions:

File at U.S. Embassy Consular Section: Schedule an appointment through the U.S. Embassy Quito website.

I-360: Petition for Amerasian, Widow(er), or Special Immigrant

Widow(er) Petitions Only

Filing Instructions:

Outside the U.S.: Can file at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate with jurisdiction over your area.
Standard Procedure: See I-360 Instructions.

I-407: Record of Abandonment of Lawful Permanent Resident Status

Filing Instructions:

File with: USCIS Eastern Forms Center.
More Information: I-407 webpage.

I-590: Registration for Classification as Refugee

Filing Instructions:

Contact UNHCR or Resettlement Support Center:
- UNHCR Website.
Department of State Refugee Admissions.

N-400: Application for Naturalization

Filing Instructions:

N-400 webpage
U.S. Military stationed overseas.

The Biden-Harris administration’s efforts in expanding U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) international presence, such as the opening of a new field office in Quito, Ecuador, aim to facilitate safe and orderly lawful pathways for refugees and enhance humanitarian support.

N-600K: Application for Citizenship and Issuance of Certificate Under Section 322

Purpose: For children living outside the U.S. to claim U.S. citizenship through parents.

Filing Instructions:

N-600K webpage.

Request for Review of a Denied Refugee Status

Filing Instructions:

Within 90 days: Send a request to the Resettlement Support Center (RSC) that processed your case.

The Biden-Harris administration’s efforts include expanding U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) international presence through the opening of a new field office in Quito, Ecuador.

This initiative aims to provide immigration expertise, facilitate safe and orderly lawful pathways for refugees and enhance humanitarian support, aligning with the administration’s broader immigration and humanitarian missions.

Additional Resources

Request for Certified True Copies of Naturalization Certificates: USCIS Request Process.
FOIA Requests: How to Request a Record.
USCIS Contact Center Reference Guide: Worldwide.

Visas

For visa information see:

Department of State Visa Services: Visa Services.
U.S. Mission Ecuador Visa Information: Mission Ecuador Visa Website.

The Biden-Harris administration’s efforts include expanding U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) international presence through the opening of a new field office in Quito, Ecuador. This initiative aims to facilitate safe and orderly lawful pathways for refugees and enhance humanitarian support, aligning with the administration’s broader immigration and humanitarian missions.

Notes

No Change in Immigration Policy: The opening of USCIS Quito does not affect U.S. immigration policies for Ecuadorians or other nationalities.
Strategic Initiative: This office supports the U.S. government’s effort to increase humanitarian assistance and legal pathways for resettlement.

For More Information

The Biden-Harris administration’s efforts in expanding U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) international presence through the opening of a new field office in Quito, Ecuador, aim to facilitate safe and orderly lawful pathways for refugees and enhance humanitarian support.

How to Stay Informed

USCIS website. For the latest information on filing procedures, forms and USCIS operations: All Forms page on uscis.gov.

Follow USCIS on social media. Follow USCIS on Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, Facebook and LinkedIn.

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Instagram-Spanish-USCIS

Facebook-USCIS

Facebook-Spanish-USCIS

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By doing this and staying informed you will avoid delays and help USCIS process your application or petition more efficiently. For more information and updates always check the latest notices and information on the USCIS website. The Biden-Harris administration’s efforts include expanding USCIS international presence to facilitate safe and orderly lawful pathways for refugees, aligning with their broader immigration and humanitarian missions.

Protect Yourself from Immigration Scams

Be aware of immigration scams. Make sure any legal advice or assistance you get is from an authorized person. Visit USCIS’s Avoid Scams page to learn how to spot scams and find trusted help.

The Biden-Harris administration’s efforts include expanding U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) international presence to facilitate safe and orderly lawful pathways for refugees and enhance humanitarian support.

The USCIS office in Quito marks a significant step in advancing the U.S. commitment to lawful migration, humanitarian assistance, and refugee support in Latin America. With a focus on collaboration and integrity, this new field office here in Quito aims to foster a safer and more dignified immigration experience for those seeking a pathway to the United States.

The Biden-Harris administration’s efforts include expanding USCIS international presence through the opening of this new field office, facilitating safe and orderly lawful pathways for refugees, and enhancing humanitarian support.