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Welcome to

the Charleston Immigration
Resource Hub!

Get clear, reliable, and practical immigration advice—all in one place!

Welcome to Occam Immigration’s Charleston Immigration Resource Hub. We understand the pain and anxiety you may feel navigating complex immigration processes. That’s why we’ve built this comprehensive local resource page—designed specifically to support Charleston families as they overcome government hurdles and pursue their immigration goals.

Whether you’re just getting started or deep into your immigration journey, find everything you need right here: clear introductory guides, helpful checklists, practical FAQs, local insights, and direct access to our boutique immigration services.

Table of Contents

Charleston Immigration FAQs

Local Insights

We’ve gathered answers to the most frequent immigration questions specific to Charleston residents.

How early should I arrive for my appointment at the Charleston USCIS office?

We recommend arriving at least 30 minutes early. Parking spaces can be limited, and security checkpoints may cause slight delays.

What's the typical timeline for marriage-based green card interviews in Charleston?

Currently, Charleston wait times average 10-14 months from filing to interview date. Processing times fluctuate, so always check your USCIS online account for the latest updates.

Can my spouse or family member accompany me to my USCIS interview in Charleston?

It depends.

If you are being interviewed on an application that involves your spouse, you MUST bring your spouse to the interview. That includes:

  • Adjustment of Status (I-485) based on a petition by a spouse;
  • Removal of Conditions (I-751) filed jointly with your spouse;
  • Naturalization (N-400) applications based on 3-years of marital union with a U.S. citizen spouse (military exceptions apply).

If your interview is for adjustment of status through the petition of a family member (parent, child), you generally must bring the family member with you.

For all other interviews, your spouse or family member will not be allowed into the interview.

You can bring family and friends to your naturalization oath ceremony, but USCIS may limit space depending on the number of attendees.

What happens if I receive a Request for Evidence (RFE) from the Charleston office?

An RFE is a common government hurdle asking for additional documentation. Contact your attorney promptly to address the request clearly and completely—this ensures timely processing.

Can I bring my RFE response directly to the Charleston Field Office?

No, do not take your RFE response to the Charleston Field Office. They do not accept drop offs. Security will not let you in.

Make sure your RFE is sent by mail/FedEx/UPS and is delivered no later than the due date. *If the due date is falls on a weekend or holiday, USCIS will accept it on the next business day.

Can I contact the Charleston Field Office Directly?

Unfortunately, there is no way for you to contact the local field office directly. If you need information about a pending case or to reschedule an appointment, USCIS directs you to use your online USCIS account (if you have one), chat with “Emma” on their website, or call their national phone number – (800) 375-5283.

Charleston Immigration Offices -
Details & Practical Tips

Charleston USCIS Field Office

Office Location:

Charleston USCIS Field Office
1821 Sam Rittenberg Blvd,
Charleston, SC 29407

Phone:

1-800-375-5283 (National USCIS Customer Service)

Office Hours:

Monday–Friday, 7:30 a.m.–4:00 p.m. (Closed weekends & federal holidays)

Parking & Accessibility:

  • Free parking available directly at the field office, but fills quickly, especially when there are naturalization oath ceremonies. Arrive early.
  • Additional parking is across Sam Rittenberg Blvd. in the Westwood Plaza Shopping Center.
  • Public transportation options available through CARTA bus system (Routes 32 & 33 have a stop in front of the field office).
USCIS Charleston Field Office with visible parking lot and entrance.

What you should know:

  • Airport-like security screening is required; leave prohibited items (sharp objects, large bags, etc.) at home or in your car.
  • Cell phones are permitted but must stay silent.
  • Wait times can vary; bring water and snacks, especially if attending appointments with children.
  • You must have a valid government-issued ID and interview notice to enter.

See our blog post about tips for visiting the Charleston USCIS Field Office↗

Charleston Application Support Center (ASC)

For biometrics appointments (fingerprints, photographs, digital signatures):

Location:
Charleston Application Support Center
1650 Sam Rittenberg Blvd, Suites 5-7
Charleston, SC 29407

Hours:
Monday–Friday: 8:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.

  • Important:
    ASC appointments are NOT at the Charleston USCIS Field Office – they are about 1/2 mile away.
  • Appointments at the ASC are scheduled directly by USCIS.
  • Walk-ins are generally not accepted without prior approval or emergency situations.

Charleston Area
Immigrant Support Resources

English Language Resources

Charleston-area organizations that help you learn English (especially helpful for the Naturalization exam).

Trident Literacy Association

Beginner, intermediate, and advanced conversation classes geared toward adults. Classes focus on conversation and writing skills as well as helping students better understand US culture.

MUSC – ESL Classes

Offered at The Community Center of Saint Matthews in downtown Charleston by Hayden Shook and Mount Pleasant Presbyterian Church by Sharon Bowers (private classes available). Beginner, intermediate, and advanced conversation classes.

Charleston Adult Education

A part of the Charleston County School District offering High School Diploma, GED, and English Literacy classes online and/or in-person around the Charleston area.

Nations 2 Neighbors

Private, Christian non-profit organization offering English as a Second Language classes.
  • Address: 1520 Remount Road, North Charleston, SC 29406 (other locations in Mt. Pleasant, Charleston, Hanahan)
  • Contact: nations2neighbors
    @gmail.com
  • Website: https://www.nations2neighbors.org/

USCIS requires all documents in a foreign language to be translated into English and accompanied by a certification.


Carolina Translation Co.  

This company is based out of Charlotte, NC, but has an office in Charleston and offers professional translation and interpreting services in over 50 languages, including certified translations for immigration documents.


001 Translations – Charleston  

Serves the Charleston area. Provides certified translations for official documents in 70 languages, suitable for immigration, legal, and business purposes.


All Language Services – Charleston  

Serves the Charleston area. Offers in-person and over-the-phone interpretation and document translation services in more than 40 languages, accepted by USCIS and other agencies.


ASL Sign Language Interpreting Services  

Serves the deaf, deaf-blind, and HoH communities in South Carolina. 

We understand not everyone can afford private legal services, so here is a list of organizations offering no-cost and low-cost immigration services.

South Carolina Legal Services – Charleston Office

Provides free civil legal assistance to eligible low-income residents, including help with immigration matters, housing, and family law.
  • Address: 2803 Carner Ave, North Charleston, SC 29405
  • Phone: (843) 346-7044
  • Website: sclegal.org

Catholic Charities Immigration Services

Offers low-cost immigration legal services, including assistance with adjustment of status, family-based petitions, DACA, naturalization, and more.
  • Address: 127 Saint Philip Street, Charleston, SC 29403
  • Phone: (843) 388-0089
  • Website: Catholic Charities SC

Charleston Legal Access

A nonprofit law firm providing affordable legal services on a sliding scale, serving those who don’t qualify for free legal aid but cannot afford private attorneys.

Charleston Pro Bono Legal Services

Provides free civil legal services to low-income residents of Charleston County, assisting with various legal matters.

Start Here:

Immigration 101

Begin by exploring our clear, step-by-step guides covering the most common immigration processes relevant to Charleston-area families.

Each guide is carefully crafted to simplify complex concepts and provide reassurance at every step.

Marriage-Based Green Card 101

Fiancé(e) Visa (K-1) Guide

Naturalization & Citizenship 101

Adjustment of Status (AOS) Explained

Consular Processing (CP) Overview

Checklists & Tools

for Charleston Families

Begin by exploring our clear, step-by-step guides covering the most common immigration processes relevant to Charleston-area families:

Each guide is carefully crafted to simplify complex concepts and provide reassurance at every step.

Marriage-Based Green Card 101

Fiancé(e) Visa (K-1) Guide

Naturalization & Citizenship 101

Adjustment of Status (AOS) Explained

Consular Processing (CP) Overview

Immigration Glossary

Immigration terms can be confusing, causing unnecessary anxiety. Use our centralized glossary for clear definitions of common terms you’ll encounter:

Hover over underlined immigration terms throughout our website for instant tooltip explanations—no need to leave the page.

Priority Date

Request for Evidence

Affidavit of Support

Adjustment of Status

Biometrics Appointment

Get Help from our Charleston Immigration Attorneys

Personalized, Compassionate Guidance

Immigration isn’t just paperwork—it’s your family’s future. Occam Immigration’s boutique-style practice means you’ll always receive personalized attention and clear communication directly from an experienced immigration attorney. Let us help you navigate this high-stakes game with less stress and more clarity.

Book Your Charleston Immigration Consultation Today.

Immigration News, Simplified!

Stay ahead with expert tips, policy updates, and step-by-step guides — all in plain English.