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
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.
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.
This report draws on reporting from USCIS.
Get Asmara Post in your inbox every Thursday.
One weekly email. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.