What Happens at a Biometrics Appointment and How to Prepare

What a biometrics appointment is and why you need one

A biometrics appointment is when you go to a location to have your fingerprints, photograph, and signature recorded by a government agency. The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), the FBI, or your state's licensing authority may require this appointment as part of processing an process — for a green card, work permit, background check, or state ID.

The appointment itself takes 15 to 30 minutes. A staff member will scan your fingerprints using a digital machine, take a photograph, and collect your signature. You will not answer questions or make decisions at the appointment. The biometrics are sent to the agency handling your case, which uses them to run a background check.

You receive a biometrics notice in the mail when the agency is ready for you to come in. The notice tells you the date, time, and location. If you miss the appointment or do not show up, your process may be denied or delayed.

Key Takeaways

• Your biometrics notice arrives by mail and includes the exact date, time, and address where you must go.
• Bring your notice, a valid photo ID, and any other documents listed on the back of your notice.
• The appointment takes 15 to 30 minutes and involves fingerprinting, a photograph, and a signature — no interview or questions.
• If you cannot attend on the scheduled date, contact the location listed on your notice to reschedule before the important date.
• After your appointment, the agency uses your biometrics to run a background check, which typically takes several weeks.

What to bring to your biometrics appointment

Bring your biometrics notice — the letter you received in the mail — and a valid photo ID. A valid photo ID is a driver's license, passport, state ID card, or military ID. The ID must not be expired.

Check the back of your biometrics notice for a list of additional documents. Some cases require a birth certificate, marriage certificate, or divorce decree. Some require proof of address, such as a utility bill or lease. If your notice lists documents, bring them with you.

Do not bring children unless they also have a biometrics appointment. Do not bring other family members into the appointment room unless the notice says they are required.

How to reschedule if you cannot attend

If you cannot go on the date and time listed on your notice, contact the biometrics location as soon as possible. The location's phone number and address are on your notice. Call during business hours and explain that you need to reschedule.

Some locations allow you to reschedule online through their website. Check your notice to see if a website or online portal is listed. If you reschedule online, you will receive a new appointment notice by mail.

Do not skip the appointment without rescheduling. If you miss your appointment and do not reschedule before the important date on your notice, the agency may deny your process or put it on hold.

What happens after your biometrics appointment

After you leave the appointment, the biometrics location sends your fingerprints and photograph to the agency handling your case. That agency — USCIS, the FBI, your state licensing board, or another body — runs a background check using your biometrics.

The background check typically takes two to four weeks, though it can take longer if the agency needs more information. You will not hear from the biometrics location again. Updates on your process will come from the agency that requested the biometrics, not from the appointment location.

You can check the status of your process through the agency's website or by calling the case number listed on your original process notice. Do not call the biometrics location to ask about your case status.

Why your biometrics appointment might be cancelled or rescheduled by the agency

Sometimes the agency that requested your biometrics will cancel or reschedule your appointment. This happens if your process is denied, withdrawn, or put on hold before your appointment date. You will receive a notice in the mail if this occurs.

If you receive a cancellation notice, do not go to your appointment. If you have already received a new appointment notice after the cancellation, follow the instructions on the new notice instead.

Occasionally an appointment location closes or changes its hours. If this happens, the agency will send you a new notice with a different location and date. Check your mail regularly for updates.

What to expect on the day of your appointment

Arrive 10 to 15 minutes early. Bring all documents listed on your notice. Wear clothing that allows access to your hands and fingers — the staff member will need to scan all 10 fingerprints.

When you arrive, check in at the front desk and give your name and biometrics notice number. You will be called to a private room where a staff member will scan your fingerprints using a digital machine. The process is quick and does not hurt. If your fingerprints do not scan clearly the first time, the staff member will try again.

After fingerprinting, the staff member will take a photograph and collect your signature. You will not be asked questions about your process or background. Once all three steps are complete, you are finished and can leave.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I lost my biometrics notice?

Contact the agency that sent the notice — USCIS, the FBI, or your state licensing board — and ask for a replacement. Have your case number or process number ready. You can also check the agency's website to see if you can view your appointment details online and print a copy.

Can someone go to the appointment for me?

No. You must attend the appointment in person. The biometrics location needs to verify your identity and collect your fingerprints and signature. No one can do this on your behalf.

What if I have a disability or medical condition that affects my fingerprints?

Tell the staff member when you arrive. They are trained to handle fingerprints that are faint, scarred, or difficult to scan. Bring any medical documentation if you have it, though it is not required. The staff member will work with you to get a readable scan.

Do I need to fast or prepare my skin before the appointment?

No special preparation is needed. Wash your hands before you arrive so your fingers are clean and dry. Avoid heavy lotion or oil on your hands, as it can make fingerprints harder to scan. If your hands are very dry or cracked, moisturize them a few hours before the appointment, not right before.

How long does the background check take after my appointment?

The background check typically takes two to four weeks, but timelines vary by agency and case type. Some checks take longer if the agency needs additional information or if there are delays in the system. You can check your process status through the agency's website or by calling the case number on your original notice.