How USCIS Appointments Work and What to Expect

What a USCIS appointment is and how you get one

A USCIS appointment is a scheduled meeting at a U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services office where an immigration officer reviews your case in person. You do not choose the date or location — USCIS assigns both based on which office handles your case and how busy they are. The appointment notice arrives by mail and includes the date, time, office address, and what documents to bring.

Most people receive a USCIS appointment because they filed a form that requires an in-person interview — like an process for a green card, work permit, travel document, or citizenship. Some appointments are for biometrics collection (fingerprints and photos), which is usually faster and shorter than a full interview. Others are for document review or oath ceremonies for new citizens.

You cannot request a specific date or reschedule through the USCIS website. If you need to change your appointment, you must contact USCIS directly using the methods listed on your appointment notice. Ignoring an appointment or missing it without rescheduling can result in your case being denied.

Key Takeaways

• USCIS mails your appointment notice to the address on your process, so update your address with USCIS when ready if you move.
• Bring the original appointment notice, a valid photo ID, and all documents listed on the notice — missing documents can delay your case.
• Arrive 10 to 15 minutes early; USCIS may not admit you if you arrive more than 15 minutes late.
• If you cannot attend on the scheduled date, contact USCIS using the phone number or online portal shown on your notice to request a reschedule.
• Biometrics appointments are typically 15 to 30 minutes; interviews can take 30 minutes to several hours depending on your case complexity.

How to find your USCIS appointment notice

Your appointment notice is mailed to the address you provided on your USCIS form. Check your mailbox regularly starting about two to four weeks after you file. The notice is titled "Notice of Action" and has a USCIS header with your name, case number, and appointment details.

If you filed online through an account on USCIS.gov, you may also see a notification in your account dashboard. However, the official notice always comes by mail. Do not rely on email or text messages — USCIS does not send appointment notices that way.

If you have not received your notice after six weeks, or if you moved after filing, log into your USCIS account or call the USCIS Contact Center at 1-800-375-5283 to confirm your address and check the status of your case. Have your case number ready.

What to bring and how to prepare

Bring the original appointment notice, a valid government-issued photo ID (passport, driver's license, or state ID), and every document listed on the back of your notice. Do not assume you know what they want — the list is specific to your case. If a document is not listed but you think it is relevant, bring it anyway in a separate folder.

Bring originals and copies of everything. USCIS keeps the originals and returns copies to you. If a document is in another language, bring the original plus an English translation certified by a translator. Handwritten translations do not count.

Dress neatly but do not overdress. You are going to a government office, not a formal event. Arrive 10 to 15 minutes early — the office may not admit you if you arrive more than 15 minutes late, and arriving too early can cause problems with security screening.

Do not bring weapons, recording devices, or large bags. Leave your phone on silent. If you are bringing children, bring activities to keep them quiet — the waiting area is not a play space.

What happens during a biometrics appointment

A biometrics appointment is when USCIS collects your fingerprints, photograph, and signature. This usually takes 15 to 30 minutes. An officer will call your name, take you to a station, scan your fingerprints using a digital reader, take a photo, and have you sign a form. You will be done and sent home.

Biometrics appointments are routine and low-stress. The officer is not interviewing you or asking questions about your case. They are straightforward recording your identity. Wear clean hands (wash them before you go) and do not wear heavy makeup or sunglasses in the photo.

After your biometrics appointment, USCIS will schedule your next step — usually an interview or a decision on your case. You will receive another notice by mail.

What happens during an interview appointment

An interview appointment is longer and more involved than biometrics. An officer will ask you questions about your process, your background, your family, your work history, or your reasons for immigrating. The length depends on your case — some interviews last 30 minutes, others several hours.

The officer will have your file in front of them and will have already reviewed it. They are checking that the information you wrote on your form matches what you say in person, and that you meet the legal requirements for what you are asking for. Answer questions directly and honestly. If you do not understand a question, ask the officer to repeat it or explain it.

Bring an interpreter if you do not speak English well enough to understand the officer and answer questions. You can bring a family member to interpret, but USCIS prefers a professional interpreter. If you bring a family member, tell the officer at the start of the appointment.

At the end of the interview, the officer may tell you the decision on the spot, or they may say they will mail you a decision. Do not ask them to guess — they will tell you what they can.

If you need to reschedule or cannot attend

Contact USCIS as soon as you know you cannot attend. Do not straightforward skip the appointment. Your appointment notice lists the phone number for your local USCIS office or an online portal where you can request a reschedule. Call or use the portal at least one week before your appointment date if you can.

USCIS will reschedule you if you have a legitimate reason — illness, a death in the family, a work conflict you cannot change, or a transportation emergency. They are less flexible if you just forgot or did not feel like going. If your reason is medical, have a doctor write a note.

If you miss your appointment without rescheduling, USCIS may deny your case. You can request that they reopen it, but you will have to explain why you missed it and file a motion to reopen, which costs money and takes time. It is much easier to reschedule before the date.

After your appointment

After a biometrics appointment, you will receive another notice by mail within a few weeks telling you the next step in your case. After an interview, you may get a decision when ready, or USCIS may mail you a decision within a few weeks to a few months, depending on your case type.

If you were approved, the notice will say so and explain what happens next — for example, when to expect your green card or work permit in the mail. If you were denied or if USCIS needs more information, the notice will explain why and what you can do.

Keep all notices from USCIS in a safe place. You may need them to prove your status to an employer, a landlord, or another government agency.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I move after I get my appointment notice?

Contact USCIS when ready using the number on your notice or through your USCIS account. Give them your new address. If USCIS has already scheduled your appointment at the original office, you may still have to go there, or they may reschedule you to an office closer to your new address. Do not assume your appointment moved with you.

Can I bring someone with me to my appointment?

You can bring a family member or friend for support, but they will have to wait in the lobby — they cannot go into the interview room with you. If you need an interpreter, bring one. If you have a lawyer, they can attend the interview with you and sit next to you during questioning.

What if I lost my appointment notice?

Log into your USCIS account online and look for the notice there, or call the USCIS Contact Center at 1-800-375-5283 with your case number. They can tell you the date, time, and location. Write it down. You do not need the physical notice to attend, but having it is helpful because it lists the documents you need to bring.

How long does a USCIS interview usually take?

Biometrics appointments typically take 15 to 30 minutes. Interviews vary widely — some last 30 minutes, others two to three hours. Arrive early and plan to spend at least two hours at the office, including waiting time. Bring something to read or do while you wait.

What if the officer asks me questions I do not know how to answer?

Tell the officer you do not understand or need clarification. They will rephrase the question. If you do not know the answer to a factual question, say so — do not guess or make something up. If you need time to think, it is okay to pause before answering.