On the surface, it may seem like the USCIS biometrics appointment involves only doing a fingerprint scan and taking a picture. As with every part of the green card and naturalization journey, we wish it were that simple.
This complete guide will help you navigate this often over-looked step in the green card, visa, and naturalization process.
Table of Contents
- What Are Biometrics and How Are They Used?
- When is the Biometrics Appointment Scheduled?
- How to Prepare for Your Biometrics Appointment
- Biometrics and COVID-19
- How Long Does it Take for Biometrics to Clear?
What Are Biometrics and How Are They Used?
For USCIS’ purposes, biometrics is a combination of biological markers and unique biographical information that you hold. The specific biometrics collected at the appointment depends on the circumstances but tend to be fingerprints, digital signatures, and/or photographs. USCIS schedules biometrics appointments for every immigration-based petition, request, and application.
USCIS uses this data collected to run a background check through the FBI and Department of Homeland security databases. There is no blood collected during a USCIS biometrics appointment.
When is the Biometrics Appointment Scheduled?
After you’ve submitted your immigration application, it can take three to four weeks to receive your biometrics appointment notification. It may take longer depending on the processing center’s caseload. The information comes in form I-797c.
If you’ve submitted biometrics to USCIS in the past year for another matter, you might not receive an appointment as USCIS will just use the previously submitted biometrics.
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Form I-797c, Notice of Action
Form I-797c is used for a variety of notices in the immigration process. For the biometrics appointment, I-797c will notify of where and when to go to the appointment. The form will also have instructions to prepare for the screening. The appointments take place at one of the Application Support Centers (ASC). It is essential to go to the specific ASC noted in the I-797c.
In the form, you’ll also notice a code with a number. This number lets the processor at the appointment know what specific biometrics need to be captured. The code definitions are below.
- Code 1: capturing all 10 fingerprints
- Code 2: capturing the index finger fingerprint only and a picture
- Code 3: capturing all biometrics, which includes all 10 fingerprints and a picture
Rescheduling Your Biometrics Appointment
If you can’t make the scheduled appointment due to a conflict, there is an option to reschedule noted on I-797c with the following instructions:
- Check the box at the bottom of the form noting that you want to reschedule the appointment.
- Make a copy of your current I-797c to keep for your records.
- Mail back the original to the address stated along with your written request for rescheduling noting the reason and a date and time that you will be available.
Although it is best to make it to your initial appointment, USCIS says there is no penalty for rescheduling. If USCIS finds your request appropriate, it will send out a new appointment. Your new requested appointment date must be within 30 days of the original appointment date.
If you can’t wait to hear back from USCIS, you can attempt to go to another ASC and see if they’ll see you, but there’s no guarantee, and you might end up waiting all day with no resolution.
If you’re sick, you should follow the same instructions for rescheduling. If you show up ill, USCIS will cancel your interview and reschedule it without penalty.
If you have family members who also submitted immigration applications, it is not guaranteed that their biometrics appointment is at the same time or date as yours. Make sure to look at your I-797c to see who is explicitly requested to come to the appointment.
Children must also attend the biometrics appointment. However, anyone under 14 years old isn’t required to provide a signature.
Whatever you do, do not miss your appointment as USCIS will cancel your application.
How to Prepare for Your Biometrics Appointment
Documents Required For Your Biometrics Appointment
Form I-797c notes which documents are required to bring to the appointment. Usually, the records required are the I-797c and a form of photo identification.
Acceptable forms of photo identification include:
- Permanent resident card
- Passport
- Driver’s license
- National ID
- Military ID
- State-issued photo ID
Arriving for Your Appointment
Make sure to arrive at least 15 minutes early. It’s important to note that other applicants will likely have appointments for the same time and taken on a first-come-first-served basis.
Once you’re called, the entire appointment takes between 15– 20 minutes.
Make sure not to bring any food, drink, or electronic equipment.
If you struggle with spoken English, bring an attorney, family member, or accredited representative to help translate. Also, you will sign the Acknowledgement of Appointment at USCIS Application Support Center. The acknowledgment is available at the ASC in English and Spanish. You can find it in other languages below:
You don’t need to bring any money since you’ve already paid the biometric fee when you submitted your respective immigration application.
Biometrics Screening and Disabilities
If you have a disability that may hinder you from giving certain biometrics, you can request a disability accommodation online. Make sure to make the request as soon as you receive your I-797c but not before.
Criminal History
Suppose you know or suspect you have a criminal record. In that case, it is recommended that you contact an immigration attorney before going to your biometrics appointment if you haven’t already had help from one. Having a criminal history doesn’t always mean your immigration application will be denied. However, an attorney will help make sure you’ve disclosed your entire history to USCIS before biometrics, so USCIS doesn’t assume you’re attempting to hide something once they do their background check.
Biometrics and COVID-19
The COVID-19 pandemic has introduced significant delays and changes to the biometrics process.
Some ASCs closed temporarily or have adjusted their hours due to the pandemic. If you have an I-797c with an appointment for an ASC that is temporarily closed, USCIS will automatically reschedule your appointment. If you haven’t received a new date within 90 days of your original appointment and you know your ASC is closed, you can call USCIS at 800-375-5283 to get more information.
For information on closed ASCs or new hours, visit the USCIS Office Closings page and see the ASC Appointments and Rescheduling section.
If your ASC isn’t closed and you’re going to an appointment, expect longer waits and changes at how you can access the ASC. You might not be able to access the ASC until 15 minutes before your scheduled time. Also, you will be asked to have a face covering on. If you forget to bring one, the ASC might provide one for you or ask you to reschedule your appointment. ASCs might also conduct a health screening before the official appointment.
Any I-797c forms received during this time will likely include more pandemic-related instructions for your specific ASC.
How Long Does it Take for Biometrics to Clear?
After the biometrics appointment, you’ll enter another waiting period. The length of the wait depends on what type of application you have filed initially with USCIS. You can always check your case status on the USCIS website.
It is essential to store your stamped I-797c in a safe place just in case you need to provide proof.
Don’t be surprised if you receive a second biometrics appointment. This can happen if one of the initially captured biometrics isn’t clear. If your case is still processing and has been over 15 months since your first biometrics appointment, you might be asked to submit biometrics again.