What to Know About the USCIS Biometrics Appointment
Depending on the type of application you’re filing, you might be required to go to the USCIS office for a biometrics appointment. For example, you may be required to provide biometrics if you’re filing:
➤ I-485 Adjustment of Status or Green Card application
➤ I-765 Application for Employment Authorization
➤ I-131 Application for Travel
➤ I-539 Application for Extension or Change of Status
During the biometrics appointment, USCIS will collect your fingerprints, a photo of you, and your signature.
How Do I Know if I Need a Biometrics Appointment?
You and your attorney will receive a notice in the mail from USCIS if you’re required to attend a biometrics appointment. The notice will give you instructions on when and where to appear, and you should make an effort to be there at the date and time it’s scheduled. Although rescheduling the appointment is possible, it can take time, and it will delay the application process.
How Do I Reschedule My Biometrics Appointment?
If you’re not able to make your scheduled biometrics appointment, you can contact USCIS to reschedule. You’ll find instructions on the appointment notice, or you can follow these steps:
1. Call USCIS at 1-800-375-5283 before your original appointment date and time.
2. Let them know why you have good cause to reschedule.
3. The USCIS scheduler will give you a call back with a new date and time to appear; keep in mind that USCIS may take weeks to respond to a rescheduling request.
If you know you’ll need to reschedule, it’s important to submit your request as early as possible. If you don’t contact USCIS before your scheduled appointment time or they don’t think you have a good reason to reschedule, they may deny the reschedule request. If they refuse to reschedule, you don’t hear back in time, or you don’t attend the original appointment, your application may be considered abandoned, and may be denied.