A biometrics appointment is one of the first steps many applicants complete after filing their green card application. During this appointment, USCIS collects information that helps confirm your identity and conduct background and security checks. In most cases, this includes:
Fingerprints
A Photograph
Your Signature
Do All Applicants Need Biometrics?
Many family-based green card applicants are required to attend a biometrics appointment, although USCIS may sometimes reuse biometrics that were previously collected for another immigration application.
If USCIS needs your biometrics, they will send you an appointment notice by mail. This notice will tell you:
- The date of your appointment
- The time of your appointment
- The address of the Application Support Center (ASC)
- What documents you should bring
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Read the Notice Carefully
When you receive your appointment notice, take a moment to review all the information. Make sure:
- The appointment date and time work for you
- You know how to get to the appointment location
- You understand what documents you need to bring
If you believe you cannot attend the appointment, follow the instructions from USCIS to reschedule as soon as possible.
You May Need to Travel
Note that the location may not be in the city or state you are currently in. Please make sure to check the information carefully so you can make travel plans if needed.
Keep the Notice in a Safe Place
You will typically need to bring the original appointment notice with you to the biometrics appointment.
"I got my receipt notices all at once and saw that they have scheduled a biometrics appointment for me when I entered the case number online. I didn't get my biometrics notice in the mail yet but I was able to find out from Emma my appointment date and time and was able to reschedule it to earlier. When I rescheduled it there is a tab to download the new notice."
Read the ThreadWhat If the Notice Never Arrives?
Sometimes applicants see an update in their USCIS online account saying that a biometrics appointment was scheduled, but the notice never arrives in the mail.
If this happens, you may be able to access a copy of the notice through your USCIS online account. If not, you may need to contact USCIS for assistance.
For most applicants, the biometrics appointment is one of the easiest steps in the green card process. Many people are in and out within 15 to 30 minutes, but wait times can vary depending on how busy the office is.
"I went for the appointment today. In and out in 5 mins. Went in about 15 mins early. They took my photo and made me smile for it, took my finger prints, I signed my name, filled out a survey and left. And I used my state drivers license as id. They didn't ask for my original country passport."
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Before You Go
Make sure to bring:
- Your biometrics appointment notice
- A valid government-issued photo ID (such as a passport, driver's license, or state ID)
USCIS will list any additional requirements on your appointment notice.
The Appointment
It is a good idea to arrive a little early in case there is a line or security screening at the entrance. After checking in, a USCIS staff member will:
Verify Your Identity
Take Your Fingerprints
Take a Photograph
Collect Your Signature
The process is quick and usually does not involve questions about your green card application.
After the Appointment
After the appointment is complete, the next step is often another waiting period while USCIS continues reviewing the case. USCIS will use your biometrics to complete required background and security checks as your case continues moving through the process.