USCIS Biometrics Appointments Explained

WHAT ARE BIOMETRICS?

Biometrics is the name for body measurements and calculations. Biometric data is information about unique measurements and calculations that come from specific technical processing of physical, physiological, or behavioral characteristics of a person. While biometric screening is often used for security or access control, any characteristic can be measured. 

There are many different types of biometric identifiers that can be used for access control. These identifiers include Iris Recognition, Voice Recognition, Eye-Tracking and Fingerprint Scans. However, this is not just limited to these types of identifiers. Any calculation or measurement of the human body may be considered a type of biometric, such as face shape, eye shape, facial expressions, etc. If you have a Biometrics appointment with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), then they will take your fingerprints, a photo, and a sample of your signature during this appointment.

WHEN MIGHT BIOMETRICS BE REQUIRED?

If you file certain types of applications with USCIS, you may be required to go to a USCIS office for a biometrics appointment. Some examples of applications that require biometrics include:

• I-485 (adjustment of status or green card application)
• I-765 (application for employment authorization document) 
• I-131 (application for travel document)
• I-539 (application for extension or change of status)

Not all applications will require a biometrics appointment, make sure you are following the correct process in your case.

HOW TO KNOW BIOMETRICS ARE REQUIRED FOR YOUR CASE

If you are required to have your biometrics taken, USCIS will mail you an appointment notice. The notice will tell you when and where USCIS expects you to show up. You should try to go to your appointment as scheduled. If you need to reschedule, it will take time and might delay the processing of your application.

HOW TO RESCHEDULE YOUR BIOMETRICS APPOINTMENT

If you cannot make it to your scheduled biometrics appointment, you may contact USCIS to reschedule. You will need to follow the instructions on your appointment notice or call the USCIS Contact Center at 1-800-375-5283. When you speak to a representative, explain why you need to reschedule. Please note that USCIS often takes multiple days or weeks to respond to a rescheduling request. If you need help with rescheduling your biometrics appointment, then call us at You Are Home today!

DON’T WAIT UNTIL THE LAST MINUTE TO RESCHEDULE!

It is essential to call USCIS as soon as possible if you need to reschedule your appointment. If you do not call USCIS before your appointment, or if USCIS thinks that you do not have a good reason to reschedule, they may not agree to reschedule the appointment. If USCIS refuses to reschedule or you do not hear back from them in time and you do not attend the original appointment, your underlying application may be considered abandoned and be denied. If that happens then you will have to start over with your application if you remain eligible. If you need immigration help, then call us today at You Are Home so we can help!

SCHEDULE A CONSULTATION WITH YOU ARE HOME TODAY!

You Are Home is proud to offer consultations with our immigration attorneys in person, over the phone, or videoconference on Zoom. To set up a consultation with one of our experienced immigration lawyers, you can do so online here. You will be able to have your general questions answered and any of your documents reviewed during this consultation. If you decide to continue to use You Are Home to help you further with your immigration case, then we will credit your consultation fee towards the cost of those services. Get the representation you need, let the experienced attorneys at You Are Home help you earn the legal right to live, work, study, and stay in the United States.