USCIS Expands Global Reach: New International Field Offices in Doha and Ankara

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has expanded its overseas footprint by opening international field offices in Doha, Qatar, and Ankara, Türkiye. The stated goals: increase refugee-processing capacity, strengthen regional partnerships, and improve interagency coordination—especially where large-scale displacement and humanitarian caseloads arise.

What this means for applicants and partners

• Refugee processing hubs. The new posts bolster on-the-ground screening and casework, supporting the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program and coordinating with the State Department’s Population, Refugees, and Migration bureau and Resettlement Support Centers. Expect more local interview capacity and faster movement on cases that previously required long-distance circuit rides.
• Regional access points. Locating offices in Doha and Ankara places USCIS closer to significant transit and host countries, improving responsiveness for emergent protection needs, family reunification touchpoints, and complex nationality/identity vetting.
• Services and contact. After launch, USCIS added both offices to its International Immigration Offices directory, which is the authoritative place to check what services are offered, how to request appointments, and email contacts specific to each post. Always verify there before traveling or shipping documents.

Key dates & context

USCIS announced that Doha opened May 7, 2024, and Ankara opened May 9, 2024, bringing the total number of USCIS international field offices to 11 at that time. These dates help applicants plan around newly available local capacity and routing.

Practical tips

1. Confirm the service you need is handled abroad (many filings still go to stateside lockboxes or are online). Use the office pages for the latest scope and appointment instructions.
2. Coordinate with DOS/UN partners if your case intersects refugee processing, parole, or third-country transfers.
3. Prepare decision-ready packets (identity, civil docs, prior immigration records) to minimize deferrals.

How we help

We map whether your matter belongs at a field office, stateside USCIS, or a consulate, then assemble evidence and coordinate agency touchpoints—so humanitarian, family, or employment cases move efficiently through the correct channel.