Fully COVID-vaccinated no longer required to mask at USCIS offices?

[Suudsu 66]

The USCIS Office Closings page was updated today, May 18. It appears that USCIS will allow fully-vaccinated staff and visitors to enter maskless. The text is copied the text below. Emphasis is mine.

https://www.uscis.gov/about-us/uscis-office-closings

 

 

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USCIS Office Closings

We last updated this page on May 18, 2021.

This page does not contain a list of all USCIS offices. It only lists offices that are closed or have temporarily changed hours. Please check this page on the day of your appointment for any office closures or other important information. If you have appointments at more than one office (for example, a field office and an application support center) please check both sections to ensure the offices are open.

We are not accepting walk-in visits at this time. You must have a scheduled appointment before arriving at a USCIS office. For more information or help, please see our Contact Center page.

Offices Reopening

USCIS field offices and asylum offices have resumed non-emergency face-to-face services to the public. We have enacted precautions to prevent the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19) in our facilities.

• You may not enter a USCIS facility if you:
  • Have any symptoms of COVID-19, including recently developed cough, fever, difficulty breathing, changes in smell or taste or fatigue (list is not all-inclusive);
  • Have been in close contact with anyone known or suspected to have COVID-19 in the last 14 days;
  • Have been instructed to self-quarantine or self-isolate by a health care provider, public health authority or government agency within the last 14 days; or
  • Are awaiting the results of a COVID-19 test.
• If your temperature reads 38°C (100.4°F) or higher, you must immediately leave the office building. (This does not apply to application support centers.)
  • To reschedule your appointment, call the USCIS Contact Center at 800-375-5283 (TTY 800-767-1833). To reschedule your appointment with an asylum office, please follow the instructions in your interview notice.
• You may not enter the facility more than 15 minutes before your appointment (30 minutes for naturalization ceremonies).
• We will provide hand sanitizer at entry points.
• All staff and visitors who have not been fully vaccinated must wear facial coverings.  A person is considered fully vaccinated two weeks after receiving the last recommended dose of vaccine. For unvaccinated visitors, your mask must cover both the mouth and nose inside USCIS facilities. We do not allow masks with exhaust valves, neck gaiters, or bandanas. If you do not have an acceptable face covering, we may offer a replacement or reschedule your appointment.
• There will be markings and physical barriers in the facility; you should pay close attention to these signs to ensure you follow social distancing guidelines.
• You may also have to answer health screening questions before entering a facility.
• We encourage you to bring your own black or blue ink pens.

Appointment notices will include more instructions for visiting USCIS facilities. For more information, see our USCIS Visitor Policy page and the web alert.

 

 

Does anyone have experience with this yet? It appears that USCIS' Visitor Policy is not yet updated (last updated March 26, 2021).

https://www.uscis.gov/about-us/uscis-visitor-policy

[Suudsu 66]

The Visitor Policy was updated on the 27th. Face coverings are no longer required within DHS buildings for fully vaccinated individuals.

 

https://www.uscis.gov/about-us/uscis-visitor-policy

USCIS Visitor Policy

If you are fully vaccinated, you may enter our offices without a face covering. To be considered fully vaccinated, it must be at least two weeks after you received your second dose in a two-dose series or at least two weeks after you received a dose of a single-dose vaccine.

 

In DHS-controlled spaces, this guidance supersedes state, local, tribal, or territorial rules and regulations regarding face coverings.

[COYG! 16]

Thanks! The latest update also states about international travel.

 

"Those who have returned from domestic air, international air or cruise ship travel in the past 10 days may enter USCIS facilities if they are fully vaccinated"

[Suudsu 66]

3 hours ago, COYG! said:

Thanks! The latest update also states about international travel.

 

"Those who have returned from domestic air, international air or cruise ship travel in the past 10 days may enter USCIS facilities if they are fully vaccinated"

Thanks, I missed that!