How to Schedule and Prepare for Your USCIS Biometrics Appointment

What happens at a USCIS biometrics appointment

A USCIS biometrics appointment is when you go to a designated location to have your fingerprints, photograph, and signature recorded. USCIS uses this information to run background checks and verify your identity for immigration cases. The appointment itself usually takes 15 to 30 minutes.

You will sit at a station where a technician will scan your fingerprints electronically, take a digital photo of your face, and collect your signature. The technician will also ask you to confirm basic information like your name and date of birth. You do not need to bring anything except your appointment notice and a valid ID.

Biometrics appointments are required for many USCIS cases, including green card applications, work permits, travel documents, and citizenship applications. USCIS will send you a notice in the mail telling you when and where to go. The notice will say "Notice of Biometrics Appointment" or "Biometric Services Appointment Notice" at the top.

Key Takeaways

• USCIS will mail you an appointment notice with the date, time, and location — you do not schedule the appointment yourself.
• Bring your appointment notice and a valid government-issued ID; the appointment takes 15 to 30 minutes.
• If you cannot attend on the scheduled date, you can request a different date by mail or through your USCIS online account if you have one.
• Missing your appointment without rescheduling may result in your case being denied or delayed.
• Biometrics appointments are free and open to the public during posted hours at USCIS process Support Centers.

How USCIS notifies you of your appointment

USCIS mails a biometrics appointment notice to the address you provided on your process or petition. The notice arrives in a white envelope with the USCIS seal. It will include the exact date, time, and location of your appointment, plus instructions on what to bring.

The notice also lists the USCIS process Support Center where you need to go. These centers are located in cities across the country. The notice will tell you the center's address and hours of operation. Some notices include a map or directions.

If you move after submitting your process, you should notify USCIS of your new address. You can do this by calling USCIS at 1-800-375-5283 or by updating your address through your online USCIS account if you created one. If USCIS sends the notice to your old address and you do not receive it, contact USCIS as soon as possible to confirm your appointment details.

What to bring to your biometrics appointment

Bring your appointment notice and a valid government-issued photo ID. Valid IDs include a passport, driver's license, state ID card, or national ID card. The ID must not be expired, though USCIS may accept an expired ID in some cases — call ahead if your ID is expired.

You do not need to bring your original documents, birth certificate, or any other paperwork beyond the appointment notice and ID. USCIS already has your process on file. Bringing extra documents will not speed up the process and may cause confusion.

Wear clothing that allows your arms to be visible, since the technician may need to see your wrists and hands during fingerprinting. Avoid heavy makeup or accessories that cover your face, since you will be photographed. Wear the same appearance you plan to use for any travel documents or work permits that result from your case.

Rescheduling if you cannot attend

If you cannot go on your scheduled date, you can request a different appointment. The method depends on whether you have a USCIS online account. If you created an account when you filed your process, log in and look for an option to reschedule your biometrics appointment. Not all case types allow online rescheduling, so you may not see this option.

If you do not have an online account or cannot reschedule online, send a written request to USCIS. Write a letter explaining that you cannot attend on the scheduled date and ask for a new date. Include your appointment notice, your name, date of birth, and your case number. Mail it to the address listed on your appointment notice. Send it by mail that can be tracked, like certified mail, so you have proof USCIS received it.

Do not straightforward skip your appointment. Missing it without rescheduling can result in your case being denied. USCIS may close your file or require you to start over. If you have a genuine emergency on the day of your appointment, call the USCIS process Support Center directly as soon as possible to explain and ask what to do next.

What happens after your biometrics appointment

After you complete your appointment, USCIS will process your fingerprints and photograph. This usually takes one to two weeks. During this time, USCIS runs background checks and verifies your identity against federal databases.

You will not receive a separate notice when biometrics processing is complete. Instead, USCIS will continue processing your case. Depending on what you applied for, you may receive a decision notice, a request for more information, or an interview notice. These will arrive by mail at the address you provided.

If you have a USCIS online account, you can check the status of your case there. Log in and look for "Case Status Online" to see updates. The status will show whether biometrics have been received and processed. If your status does not update after three weeks, contact USCIS to confirm your appointment was recorded.

Common reasons biometrics appointments are delayed or rescheduled

USCIS may reschedule your appointment if the process Support Center closes for maintenance, staffing issues, or emergencies. If this happens, USCIS will mail you a new appointment notice with a different date. You do not need to do anything — just attend the new appointment.

Appointments may also be delayed if USCIS is processing a high volume of cases. During busy periods, wait times between receiving your notice and attending your appointment can be several weeks. This is normal and does not mean there is a problem with your case.

If you do not receive an appointment notice within the timeframe USCIS stated in your initial case receipt notice, contact USCIS. Call 1-800-375-5283 or check your online account to confirm USCIS has your correct mailing address.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can someone go to my biometrics appointment for me?

No. You must attend in person. USCIS needs to verify your identity and collect your fingerprints and photograph directly from you. No one can attend on your behalf, even with a power of attorney.

What if I lost my appointment notice?

Contact USCIS at 1-800-375-5283 with your case number and they will tell you your appointment date and location. You can also check your online USCIS account if you have one. Bring a valid ID to your appointment even if you do not have the notice.

Do I need to bring my children to a biometrics appointment?

Only if they have their own appointment notice. Children who are part of your case will receive separate appointment notices. Do not bring children who do not have appointments, as they cannot be processed and may cause delays.

What if I am pregnant or have a medical condition?

Attend your appointment as scheduled. Biometrics appointments are brief and do not require you to stand for long periods. If you have a serious medical condition that prevents you from attending, contact USCIS before your appointment date to explain and request a reschedule.

Can I attend a different process Support Center than the one listed on my notice?

No. You must go to the specific center listed on your appointment notice. USCIS schedules you at a particular location based on where you live. Going to a different center may result in your appointment not being recorded.