Holiday Closings of Government Offices
Posted Dec 19, 2008
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This holiday season, we remind MurthyDotCom and MurthyBulletin readers to be mindful of federal holiday schedules in connection with their immigration cases. Important for expectations of appointment availability at the local USCIS offices as well as for meeting filing deadlines, one should also bear in mind that lawyers' offices may observe the holidays with abbreviated schedules, and some may have limited availability during the holiday season.
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USCIS Schedule of Closings
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The USCIS, as part of the U.S. government, closes for federal holidays. It also has other closures from time to time, due to anything from natural disasters to various internal operations. For 2009, all USCIS offices and application support centers will be closed on Thursday, December 25th and Friday, December 26th.
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Times of USCIS field office closings are available on the USCIS WebSite. This provides information about planned as well as unplanned office closings.
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Strictly Adhere to USCIS Deadlines on RFEs, NOIDs, Denials
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It is always best, if at all possible, to file before the deadline, rather than use any exceptions to the rule that provide for additional time. There are regulations about deadlines that fall on Saturday, Sunday, or a holiday. While, generally, the deadline is extended to the next business day, one should make no such assumption. Immigration deadlines usually are not flexible, and any failure to meet a deadline can have serious consequences for an individual, an entire family, and/or a business. Any questions about deadlines in one's immigration process should be discussed with a qualified, experienced immigration attorney.
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Be Mindful of Postal Service and FedEx Closings
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The holiday season is a busy time for the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) and other delivery services. Nothing that is urgent or has a deadline should be entrusted to regular, standard mailing procedures. As indicated on the USPS WebSite, Post Offices are closed on all federal holidays. Advance planning is needed, as even Federal Express (FedEx) takes occasional holidays.
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Closings at Lawyer's Offices or Law Firms
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Contrary to the wishes of their clients, and the perceptions of their own families, even lawyers occasionally take a break. Individuals who have travel plans and are uncertain about documents and other details should contact their lawyers at the earliest opportunity. Those individuals whose attorneys may be unavailable during extended portions of the holidays, with no one to cover for them, should ensure that there are no outstanding immigration matters that cannot wait.
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At the Murthy Law Firm, our attorneys work in teams, so that our clients with urgent matters always have access to an attorney or other staff member, during normal business hours, even if the assigned attorney may be on vacation. There will always be an attorney or staff member available to step in to address our clients' needs. Our firm is closed for business on Thursday December 25, 2008 and Thursday January 1, 2009, for the federal holidays. We will also close at 2:00pm, Eastern Time, on December 24, 2008.
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Conclusion
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Much of the immigration process is about planning ahead. Holidays, with various business closures, are just another aspect of this planning. In the United States, this is a traditional time for people to relax and enjoy time with their friends and loved ones. We at the Murthy Law Firm would like to take this opportunity to wish each of you a happy holiday season and a prosperous 2009.
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