The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) requires certain individuals applying for immigration benefits to undergo a biometrics appointment. This crucial step involves providing fingerprints, photographs, and signature samples for identity verification purposes. In this article, we will explore the USCIS immigration biometrics appointment process and offer guidance on rescheduling missed appointments.
First, an applicant or immigrant beneficiary will receive an appointment notice after submitting an immigration application for processing within the U.S. This usually comes after about 3 months but it could take much longer. The notice will include the date, time, and location for your biometrics appointment.
How do I get ready for my appointment?
When preparing for the appointment, make sure to gather the required documents as listed in the notice. Typically, you will need to bring a valid government-issued photo identification document, such as a passport or driver's license. Review the notice thoroughly to ensure you have all the necessary paperwork on the day of your appointment.
On the scheduled date, arrive at the designated USCIS Application Support Center (ASC) early to allow for any necessary check-in procedures. At the ASC, you will undergo fingerprinting, have your photograph taken, and will be asked to provide your signature. USCIS staff members will guide you through the process, ensuring that your biometric information is collected accurately, and provide you with a signed confirmation of your attendance.
Can I reschedule my appointment?
Sometimes unforeseen circumstances can arise leading to the need to reschedule a biometrics appointment. USCIS is not very understanding when an applicant needs to miss an appointment and they provide extremely limited options for rescheduling. This process has changed drastically over the last 2 years, so plan ahead well in advance if you need to change the date. The best place to go for the latest information is on the notice. This will provide you with specific guidance on rescheduling and any associated deadlines.
According to the USCIS website, they allow applicants to reschedule appointments online in most cases, but my experience is that they only allow rescheduling for appointments BEFORE they occur. If you are so unfortunate to miss your appointment and are trying to reschedule after the fact, plan on being very disappointed since USCIS typically does not allow this and will automatically deny and close your case.
For more information, visit the USCIS website (uscis.gov) and navigate to the "Case Status Online" page to enter your receipt number and access your case information. This is where you will look for the rescheduling option and select a new appointment date and time that suits you. Make sure to print or save the confirmation of your rescheduled appointment.
If you encounter difficulties with online rescheduling or your appointment notice does not provide online rescheduling instructions, you can contact the USCIS Contact Center at the toll-free number mentioned in the notice. Speak with a representative who may or may not guide you through the rescheduling process. Be prepared to provide your receipt number and explain the reason for rescheduling.
It cannot be overstated how critical the USCIS biometrics appointment process is to your case. By understanding the appointment process and being prepared, you can help ensure your case continues to be processed as smoothly as possible.
As always, due to the level of difficulty and the importance of this part of the green card process, it is highly recommended that an applicant consults with an experienced immigration attorney rather than trying to go through this process alone. Please contact us to schedule an appointment by calling 616-805-3435 or by using the following link: https://marvinlawoffice.com/schedule-a-consultation/
