Last Updated on June 18, 2024 by Linda Lee
The biometrics appointment is a pivotal stage in the journey toward securing a green card or permanent residency in the United States. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) mandates the collection of biometric data, such as fingerprints and photographs, to conduct security checks and verify your identity before granting a green card. This appointment is a non-negotiable requirement for all green card applicants, including those applying for a marriage green card, underscoring its importance in the application process.
Whether you’re going through an adjustment of status, or another pathway to permanent residency, you must attend a biometrics appointment after filing your initial adjustment of status application. USCIS will instruct you when and where to go for this in-person appointment to collect your biometrics. Failing to complete this step can cause significant delays or even denial of your green card case.
Speaking with our law office before you begin the green card application process is highly recommended. We have helped thousands of clients with green card applications, with a 99.9% approval rate and a 5-star rating on Google. Call us at (213) 375-4084 today or fill out our contact form for a free case review.
What is a Biometrics Appointment?
Biometrics refers to the measurement of unique human characteristics for authenticating individuals’ identities. In the context of immigration applications like green cards, USCIS uses this biometric data for the following purposes:
Identity Verification: Your fingerprints and photographs allow USCIS to verify that you are truly the person listed on the green card application. This biometric data is checked against existing government records.
Background/Security Checks: USCIS runs all applicants’ fingerprints through FBI databases to check for any criminal history or other background concerns. The fingerprints are also screened against security watchlists.
Producing Green Card: If approved, the photographs and fingerprints are used for producing the conditional or permanent resident card (green card) itself. This helps prevent fraud and counterfeiting of the ID card.
Updating Government Records: Your biometrics help update and keep accurate records in government databases used for immigration and border screening purposes.
Attending this appointment is mandatory for all green card applicants going through adjustment of status or other pathways. Failure to complete biometrics is grounds for USCIS to delay or deny a green card case.
From the USCIS website:
If you fail to request to reschedule before your existing appointment or fail to establish good cause, USCIS may consider your application, petition, or request abandoned, and, as a result, it may be denied.
But if you plan ahead, the biometrics appointment should be a quick and painless step toward getting your green card. While the biometrics appointment is fairly straightforward, there are some important things to remember so you are fully prepared and don’t encounter any issues.
When Will You be Scheduled for Your Biometrics Appointment?
The biometrics appointment is scheduled after you have submitted your initial adjustment of status application package and fees to USCIS.
USCIS schedules biometrics appointments at specific Application Support Centers (ASCs). The location is based on the mailing address provided on a green card application. An ASC appointment notice will specify the address of the Application Support Center and the date and time to appear.
For family-based green card cases, biometrics is typically scheduled 5-8 weeks after filing the I-485 package for adjustment of status. The timing can vary depending on current processing times for employment-based green card applicants.
Attending Your USCIS Biometrics Appointment
What to Bring to Your Biometrics Appointment
When attending your biometrics appointment, you must bring:
- The appointment notice (Form I-797C) received from USCIS. If you received more than one notice, bring them all to your appointment.
- Valid photo identification (passport, driver’s license, etc.)
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USCIS recommends that you save a copy of your completed green card application, petition, or request for records and review it before your appointment. You do not need to bring these documents but should be familiar with them before the appointment. The USCIS will not provide you with any copies at your appointment. [/call-out box]
You do not need to bring any other documents, files, or paperwork related to your green card case. Just have a proper ID to verify your identity.
USCIS Biometrics Arrival and Security
Plan to arrive at least 15-20 minutes before your scheduled appointment time. This allows for parking, security screening, and checking-in.
The security procedures are similar to airport security screening. You must walk through a metal detector and have your belongings x-rayed. Avoid bringing unnecessary items, and be prepared to remove jackets and belts and place other items in bins.
Biometrics Collection
Once through security, a USCIS officer will guide you through the biometrics collection process. This involves:
- Fingerprints: You’ll provide scans of all 10 fingerprints using a digital fingerprint scanner.
- Photographs: They’ll capture digital photographs/headshots of your face.
- Signature: You’ll be asked to provide a digital signature using a stylus on an electronic signature pad. This signature attests, under penalty of perjury, that the information in your application, petition, or request and all documents submitted were complete, true, and correct when you filed.
The full collection appointment typically takes around 10-15 minutes once you get started with an officer. Try to avoid any accessories or items that could disturb fingerprint collection.
After completing this process, the officer will provide paperwork confirming you attended your scheduled biometrics appointment. You are then free to leave. There’s no need to wait around unless specifically instructed otherwise.
USCIS Biometrics Fee
As of April 2024, the USCIS no longer requires a separate biometrics fee. This fee is now included in your main application filing fee. Here is some information on common application fees:
What Happens After My Biometrics Appointment?
After you attend your biometrics appointment and have your fingerprints, photos, and signature collected, USCIS will conduct all of the required background and security checks using your biometric data.
Specifically, here’s what happens next after completing your biometrics:
FBI Background Check
Your fingerprints are run through the FBI’s criminal background databases and records. This comprehensive check screens for any arrests, charges, or convictions in your history.
Security Checks
USCIS also screens your fingerprints against federal watchlists to check for potential security risks, outstanding warrants, immigration violations, etc.
In-Depth Review
The results of the background/security checks, along with the photos/signatures, are added to your immigration file. An officer will then conduct a thorough review of your entire case file.
Request for Evidence
If anything is missing or unclear in your file after review, the officer may issue a Request for Evidence (RFE) asking you to submit additional documentation.
Green Card Interview Scheduling
Depending on the green card application form you filed, a USCIS interview is the next step in receiving your green card. You will be sent an interview notice with the interview date, time, and location.
As of June 2024, it can take 8 -15 months from your biometrics appointment to receive a final decision and/or be scheduled for an interview. Processing times vary based on current caseloads and the local USCIS Field Office of the USCIS Services Centers. The key things to keep in mind are to ensure you attended biometrics properly, respond promptly to any USCIS requests or notices, and await further instruction on interview requirements or a final decision notification.
Hiring an Immigration Attorney for Visa Applications
Working with our experienced immigration lawyer right from the start of your green card case will make a big difference in properly preparing for and handling the biometrics appointment requirement. Here are some key reasons to hire our law office before you even file your initial application:
Submitting a Precise Application
Our lawyer will ensure all forms in your application package are filled out completely and correctly the first time. This is crucial, as even small mistakes can delay your biometrics appointment, which should be scheduled promptly after filing. We are very familiar with which supporting evidence to include as we’ve helped thousands of clients receive their visas.
Satisfying Biometrics Instructions
The biometrics appointment notice provides specific instructions on items like acceptable identification, what to bring and not to bring, and procedures to follow.
Preparing for the Interview
If an interview is required for your green card case, our lawyer will fully prepare you for that next step of interview preparation with a list of questions likely to be asked.
Hiring our law office from the beginning will prevent potentially missed issues, rejections, or delays surrounding the vital biometrics appointment stage. Having our attorney on your side goes a long way in getting your green card application processed as smoothly and quickly as possible.
Give us a call today at (213) 375-4084 or fill out the contact form to start your green card application.
