USCIS to Open International Field Office in Quito, Ecuador
Opening Date and Focus
USCIS has announced the opening of a new international field office in Quito, Ecuador, beginning September 10. The purpose of this office is to improve refugee processing capabilities and support family reunification efforts, in line with USCIS commitments under the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program.
Director’s Statement
USCIS Director Ur M. Jaddou emphasized the importance of the new office when he stated that, “Opening the Quito Field Office expands USCIS’ international presence and expertise in a critical location and is part of our commitment to the Biden-Harris administration’s efforts to facilitate safe and orderly lawful pathways and meet our humanitarian mission.”
Location and Mission
The Quito Field Office will be stationed in the US Embassy in Ecuador. It will help enhance and support the U.S government’s refugee resettlement program from the Region as endorsed in the Los Angeles Declaration on Migration and Protection of June 2022. The fiscal year 2024 Presidential Determination on Refugee Admissions has increased the target for Latin America and the Caribbean to 35,000-50,000 admissions.
Support and Services
Quito USCIS staff will help with the Safe Mobility initiative, which facilitates refugee processing and provides information on lawful migration pathways. The staff will also take charge of family reunification activities that consist of I-730 forms, taking fingerprints, DNA collection, and fraud detection.
Appointment and Access
Services at the Quito field office will be available only by appointment. USCIS will update its International Immigration Offices webpage with details about the office, its services, and appointment scheduling.
Global Network
The Quito Field Office will be the 12th international field office for USCIS. Existing offices are located in Ankara, Beijing, Doha, Guangzhou, Guatemala City, Havana, Mexico City, Nairobi, New Delhi, San Salvador, and Tegucigalpa.
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