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USCIS Establishes New International Field Office in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

🇺🇸 United StatesConsular Updates1 recorded versionLast change 3 Sept 2026
ConfidenceVery high · 100%

Current rules

USCIS is establishing a dedicated International Field Office in Addis Ababa The office is scheduled to begin operations on 9 September 2026 and will handle USCIS immigration matters in Ethiopia The change moves USCIS's operational presence for Ethiopia from a regional model centred on Nairobi toward a dedicated presence in Addis Ababa The establishment of the office does not itself change eligibility requirements for immigration benefits Rather, it changes the location and administrative capacity through which USCIS conducts its international work

Overview

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is opening a new international field office in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, effective from 9 September 2026. This office will directly manage immigration matters within Ethiopia, including verifying foreign document authenticity, investigating fraud, and collecting DNA for family relationship confirmation, thereby enhancing USCIS's direct operational capacity overseas.

Who is affected by the latest change

  • People in Ethiopia with USCIS cases or immigration matters handled through USCIS international operations
  • Applicants and beneficiaries who may be required to interact with USCIS while in Ethiopia
  • U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents in Ethiopia whose immigration matters require USCIS international assistance
  • Refugees, asylees and family members whose cases fall within USCIS international operations
  • Individuals whose cases previously fell under the jurisdiction of the USCIS Nairobi Field Office
  • Attorneys, representatives and organisations assisting applicants in Ethiopia

What changed in the latest version

Before

Ethiopia was previously served through USCIS's Nairobi Field Office USCIS's international operations overview lists Ethiopia among the countries within Nairobi's jurisdiction, alongside countries including Kenya, Eritrea, Rwanda, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Tanzania and Uganda. People in Ethiopia who required USCIS international services therefore fell within the operational jurisdiction of an office located in Nairobi The underlying U.S. immigration rules remained governed by federal immigration law regardless of which USCIS international office handled the case

After

USCIS is setting up a dedicated International Field Office in Addis Ababa. This office is scheduled to begin its operations on 9 September 2026 and will handle USCIS immigration matters in Ethiopia. This change means that USCIS's operational presence for Ethiopia is moving from a regional system, based in Nairobi, to having a dedicated office in Addis Ababa. Establishing this office does not change the eligibility rules for immigration benefits themselves. Instead, it changes where and how USCIS carries out its international work.

This change means that individuals in Ethiopia dealing with US immigration matters will now interact directly with a dedicated USCIS office for certain services, rather than relying on coordination with the Department of State. Applicants may experience more streamlined processing for document verification and family relationship confirmations due to USCIS's direct operational capacity. It is critical for individuals to remember that all services at this new office require a pre-booked appointment, which will necessitate advanced planning before travelling to the office.

Explained simply

Imagine the U.S. government used to ask another country's helpers to check immigration papers in Ethiopia. Now, from 9 September 2026, the U.S. has its own team right there in Ethiopia to do these checks, like making sure documents are real and families are truly related. You'll need to book a time to see them, just like you would for a doctor's appointment.

Frequently asked

Version history

  1. v1Effective 9 Sept 2026EffectiveMedium impact
    USCIS Establishes New International Field Office in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

    United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has established a new international field office in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, which became operational on 9 September 2026. This office directly handles USCIS immigration matters in Ethiopia, a function previously managed through coordination with the Department of State. The new facility will perform crucial tasks including verifying the authenticity of foreign documents, investigating suspected fraud, and collecting DNA to confirm family relationships. Access to services at the Addis Ababa office is strictly by appointment only.

Timeline

  1. Takes effect

    9 Sept 2026

    USCIS has opened a new international field office in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, to directly handle USCIS immigration matters. This office will verify foreign document authenticity, investigate suspected fraud, and collect DNA for family relationship confirmation.

  2. Announced

    3 Sept 2026

    U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is opening a new international field office in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, effective from 9 September 2026. This office will directly manage immigration matters within Ethiopia, including verifying foreign document authenticity, investigating fraud, and collecting DNA for family relationship confirmation, thereby enhancing USCIS's direct operational cap

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