What is a Biometrics Appointment?

At some point in your citizenship process, you'll be required by citizenship and immigration services to go to a biometrics appointment that involves the collection of anatomical or physiological data. You should receive a letter from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) for your biometrics appointment notice. It is standard procedure prior to the renewal of a green card or to change your green card status.

Your USCIS biometrics appointment is important because it helps to confirm your identity and perform the correct criminal background checks for your specific case. If your purpose is to work in the US, this appointment is critical to getting your employment authorization document, because it shows that you are receiving immigration benefits, but not engaging in immigration violations. In your appointment, the biometrics officer will collect biometrics from you using electronic devices.

The tools used in biometrics screenings vary based on different types of screenings. It is important to be sure you have all the details you need about your biometrics appointment before you go. The appointment won't take long, only between 15 and 30 minutes.

Biometrics Appointment Cost

The cost of biometrics appointment is $85. The appointment notice provided will explain everything you need to bring and how much, if anything, you'll have to pay in biometrics fees.

What Happens After Biometrics Appointment?

After your biometrics appointment, you'll get a stamp on your appointment notice. You need to keep your stamped appointment notice as proof in case the USCIS biometrics appointment data is lost. The next steps after the USCIS biometrics appointment is based on the type of green card you're getting.

Sometimes, a second USCIS biometrics appointment is required, such as in cases where prints were smudged and need to be redone. If this happens, you'll get a new appointment notice. If you're applying for a work permit, you may simply be issued a permit soon after your immigration petition.

You'll want to contact USCIS to find out what exact steps you have to take for your specific path to United States citizenship. An immigration lawyer will be able to help you be sure you've got everything you need for a successful appointment and your fastest path to citizenship.

How To Reschedule a USCIS Biometrics Appointment?

It's recommended that you keep the scheduled appointment date as stated on the USCIS biometrics appointment notice. However, if you need to change it, you can contact the USCIS application support center. If you're concerned about going to your biometrics appointment, you should contact an immigration law firm. If you want help ensuring that your rights are protected if you need to reschedule a USCIS biometrics appointment, an experienced immigration lawyer can help you.

If multiple family members have to go for a biometrics appointment, it may be possible to get it done on the same day. In all cases, you have to have good cause for rescheduling. You can submit your reschedule request to your local USCIS office.

How Long Does It Take to Get a Biometrics Appointment?

After filing your application, you should get an appointment notice confirming your biometrics appointment within 5 to 11 weeks. You'll still have immigration benefits through your green card as you go through the process. If the application involves multiple family members, it may take closer to 11 weeks to schedule the actual appointment.

What to Bring to Biometrics Appointment?

You'll have to bring several things to your local USCIS office for your biometrics appointment. The immigration services (USCIS) application support center can help you if you don't understand what all needs to be provided.

At the very least, you'll have to bring the appointment notice (Form I-797C) and photo identification. One of the most important things is to keep your scheduled appointment. The other important part is to bring valid photo identification. This is all important because of homeland security, as well as adhering to federal bureau policy, so all people wanting to become citizens must undergo biometric screenings.

Biometric Appointment Letter Not Received: What to Do?

An immigration law firm can help you keep track of the many steps that are part of gaining citizenship or renewing a green card. If you haven't received your biometric appointment letter (Form I-797C) and it's been more than 11 weeks since your application, you'll want to contact your application support center (ASC) or the USCIS contact center. Without attending the biometric appointment, you won't be able to keep your immigration benefit.

There is also the chance that you didn't need a biometric appointment. For example, if you renewed your green card in the past year, but later decided to file for citizenship, your biometric data is already on file. This means that you may not have to provide more data. Regardless, you have to ensure that you have your biometric data on file in order to continue with your immigration process, regardless of the purpose.

FAQs about Biometrics Appointment

What should I wear to my biometrics appointment?

Keeping biometrics appointments is important in the process to get your permanent resident card. If you have concerns about your scheduled biometrics appointment at your local USCIS office, you should contact an immigration lawyer. However, if you contact an immigration lawyer, be aware you'll likely have to pay legal fees. If you've got areas of concern, it's a good idea to let your lawyer talk for you and show up at the same appointment time as you.

When you show up for your scheduled biometrics appointment, it's a good idea to be wearing business casual attire. However, there are no specific requirements for attire. Remember that this is still a formal meeting between you and an officer of the federal bureau. You'll want to show that you have respect for the job and for the process. Dressing appropriately goes a long way to doing that.

How do I get fingerprinted for immigration?

You'll get fingerprinted at your biometrics appointment. If you have concerns, such as a criminal record, you may want to contact an immigration attorney. Having a criminal record does not automatically cause your immigration application to be denied, but it can present difficulties. USCIS application support centers can provide you with more assistance if you need it.

The type of fingerprints differs based on the code. You may only have to provide fingerprints for one finger, but you might have to provide prints for all fingers. It is dependent upon the code on your biometrics appointment letter. In all cases, prints are captured digitally.

How much time does it take for a visa after biometric?

After your immigration application has been processed and you've attended your biometric appointment time as stated on your ASC appointment notice, you'll get your visa in about eight weeks. For this reason, you'll need to be sure to ensure you keep your USCIS appointment and any ASC appointment you may have. You'll also have to provide them with any sensitive or confidential information requested.

Receiving the visa may be delayed if you've got to complete other steps. This is based on the type of green card you're getting. For example, if your green card is based on your marriage, you may have an interview next. In other cases, there may be requirements for a second biometrics appointment.

How much are fingerprints for immigration?

To get your green card renewed, you'll have to contact your local application support center, which is part of a government agency, to set up your biometrics appointment. You'll have to take your photo identification.

The costs for fingerprints for immigration are included in your application fee. This portion of the fee is $85. If a different fee is assessed, you will be notified in your appointment letter. It's a good idea to keep in contact with your local USCIS office to ensure you have paid or are prepared to pay the correct amount for fingerprinting.

Can I go for biometrics without an appointment?

To renew your green card, you have to go for a biometrics appointment at your local USCIS service center. However, as this is a government agency, you have to have an appointment in most cases.

Having an appointment doesn't necessarily mean that you have to have a biometrics appointment letter. You can schedule them by contacting your local USCIS office. If you prefer, you can ask your immigration lawyer to contact the local USCIS office and schedule your biometrics appointment.

Why did I get a second biometrics appointment notice?

You may have to go to a second biometrics appointment when renewing your green card. If you get a second notice, it means that something was done incorrectly or cannot be read, such as smudged fingerprints. You will need to keep all receipt notices.

Receiving multiple appointment notices is not uncommon. For each one, you'll need to take your driver's license or another type of photo identification. The codes are important to be aware of because they have different meanings.

What is a code 2 biometrics appointment?

A code 2 biometrics appointment is normally done during the immigration process for permanent resident green card issuance. It involves providing photo identification, such as a driver's license, and biometrics screening that involves an index finger press. Depending on the type of green card you're getting, you may have to engage in a green card interview.

For a code 2 biometrics appointment, you'll also have to provide your signature. This is also for identity verification purposes. Typically, this kind of appointment is for a green card or employment authorization document. This also means that the biometrics officer will take a photo of you.

When engaging legal help in immigration cases, the attorney client relationship is important. If contacting legal help by phone, it's important to know that message and data rates apply. You'll want to give information about your case, as well as your biometrics notice. If the immigration attorney advertising to provide assistance, you'll want to be sure that they're skilled in biometric screening protocols and is able to provide you with a confidential relationship.

Your biometrics appointment sounds like it's scary, but it doesn't have to be. It's a standard part of the process of getting your green card or renewing your green card. To proceed in your immigration path, you'll have to follow all the steps set forth by USCIS in the order in which they want you to perform them. This will help you get your application processed and finalized quickly and effectively.

If you've still got questions about your biometrics appointment and the immigration process in general, we can help, so contact us to get answers. If you've made it this far in your immigration process, you've come a long way and are even closer to getting your green card.