USCIS opens new immigration field office in Addis Ababa
The office, opening 9 September, will handle document verification, fraud investigations and DNA testing for family-based immigration cases — services previously coordinated through the State Department.
By Eyob Hadgu · 3 September 2026 · Updated 23 September 2026
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, where USCIS is opening a new international field office on 9 September 2026. Photo: Ninaras / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced on 3 September 2026 that it is opening a new international field office in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The office begins operations on 9 September.
The Addis Ababa office will handle functions previously coordinated with the U.S. Department of State, including verifying the authenticity of foreign documents, investigating suspected fraud, and collecting DNA samples to confirm family relationships in immigration cases.
"Historically, these functions have been supported through coordination with the Department of State," USCIS said. "The new office will provide USCIS with a dedicated presence to perform these critical workloads directly."
USCIS described the move as "part of a broader effort to better align USCIS' overseas operations with agency priorities and strengthen the agency's overseas operational capacity." Services at the new office will be available by appointment only; USCIS said it would update its International Immigration Offices webpage with details on available services and how to schedule an appointment.
What it means for families in the diaspora
The DNA collection the office will carry out is used to confirm family relationships in immigration cases — a step that can arise when a relative in the United States petitions for family members abroad. Document verification and fraud checks feed into the same cases.
The announcement names only Ethiopia as the country the office will serve. It does not say whether the office will handle cases involving applicants from neighbouring countries, including Eritrea.
Because services are by appointment only, anyone with a pending case who is asked for DNA evidence or document verification should follow the instructions in their own USCIS notice rather than going to the office unannounced. Asmara Post's practical guide, Health & Family reunification, covers the wider reunification process in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Germany and Sweden.
This is information, not legal advice. For decisions about a specific case, check directly with USCIS or a qualified immigration attorney.
This report draws on reporting from USCIS.
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