Biometrics, Medical Exams, and USCIS Interviews: The Complete Appointment Guide
Green card processing involves multiple appointments—biometrics, medical exams, and potentially interviews. Here's what to expect at each and how to prepare.
Quick Answer
After filing I-485, you'll attend biometrics (fingerprints/photo, ~15 minutes), complete a medical exam with civil surgeon (vaccines, physical exam, $200-$500), and potentially have an interview (document review, questions, 15-60 minutes). Many employment-based cases waive interviews, but you should prepare as if you'll have one. Each appointment has specific requirements—miss one and your case may be delayed or denied.
Key Takeaways
Biometrics is routine: Fingerprints and photo, ~15 minutes, scheduled 2-4 weeks after filing.
Medical exam has specific requirements: Must use USCIS-designated civil surgeon, valid for 2 years.
Interviews are often waived: Many EB cases don't require interview, but prepare anyway.
Missing appointments has consequences: Can delay or result in denial of your application.
Rescheduling is possible: But should be done promptly with good reason.
Bring all requested documents: Insufficient documentation can delay your case.
Key Takeaways
Biometrics is routine: Fingerprints and photo, ~15 minutes, scheduled 2-4 weeks after filing.
Medical exam has specific requirements: Must use USCIS-designated civil surgeon, valid for 2 years.
Interviews are often waived: Many EB cases don't require interview, but prepare anyway.
Missing appointments has consequences: Can delay or result in denial of your application.
Rescheduling is possible: But should be done promptly with good reason.
Bring all requested documents: Insufficient documentation can delay your case.
Table of Content
Biometrics Appointment
What is biometrics?
Fingerprints and photo collection for background check and identity verification.
When it's scheduled:
2-4 weeks after I-485 filing
You receive appointment notice (I-797C) by mail
Scheduled at Application Support Center (ASC) near you
What happens:
Check in with appointment notice and ID
Fingerprints taken (digital scan)
Photo taken
Total time: 15-30 minutes
What to bring:
Appointment notice (I-797C)
Valid government ID (passport, driver's license, or state ID)
Green card (if renewing)
Preparation:
Arrive on time (or early)
No special preparation needed
Avoid hand injuries that might affect fingerprints
What if you can't attend scheduled appointment?
Rescheduling:
Walk into different ASC location before your scheduled date
Request reschedule through USCIS (may delay case)
Don't simply skip without rescheduling
Consequences of missing:
Case may be delayed
Repeated no-shows can result in denial
Always communicate with USCIS if you can't attend
Biometrics validity:
Fingerprints valid for 15 months
If I-485 processing exceeds this, you may need new biometrics
USCIS will schedule automatically if needed
Medical Examination
What is the medical exam?
Physical examination and vaccination verification required for green card.
When to complete:
Before or shortly after filing I-485
Medical exam valid for 2 years from doctor's signature
Submit with I-485 or bring to interview
Who performs it:
Must use USCIS-designated "civil surgeon"
Find designated physicians at USCIS website
Regular doctors cannot complete this exam
What the exam includes:
1. Medical history review:
Past illnesses
Current medications
Mental health history
Substance use
2. Physical examination:
Height, weight, vitals
Vision and hearing
Heart and lungs
General physical assessment
3. Vaccination review:
Required vaccines must be up to date
Missing vaccines given at appointment or separately
Can use existing vaccination records
4. Laboratory tests:
Varies by age and risk factors
May include TB test, STD tests
Physician determines what's needed
Required vaccinations (for most adults):
MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella)
Tetanus/Diphtheria
Varicella (Chickenpox)
Influenza (seasonal)
COVID-19
Hepatitis B
Others depending on age and medical history
Exemptions:
Medical contraindications (doctor certifies)
Age-based exemptions
Religious/moral objections (limited)
Cost:
$200-$500 depending on location
Additional fees for vaccines if needed
Not covered by most insurance
Pay directly to civil surgeon
What to bring:
Passport or government ID
Vaccination records (if available)
Previous TB test results (if available)
Glasses/contacts (for vision test)
List of current medications
Payment method
Form I-693:
Civil surgeon completes Form I-693
Sealed envelope given to you
Do NOT open the envelope
Submit with I-485 or bring to interview
Medical exam validity:
Valid for 2 years from doctor signature
If I-485 processing exceeds this, may need new exam
Plan timing accordingly
USCIS Interview
Who needs an interview?
Generally required for:
Family-based green cards
Some employment-based cases
Cases with concerns or inconsistencies
Often waived for:
Straightforward employment-based cases
Cases where all evidence is clear
Low-risk applications
You won't know until:
USCIS sends interview notice (or approval without interview)
Assume you might have interview and prepare
Interview scheduling:
If required, scheduled 8-18 months after filing
Interview at local USCIS field office
Notice sent 2-4 weeks before appointment
What happens at interview:
1. Check-in (15-30 minutes before):
Present appointment notice
Show ID
Wait to be called
2. Oath:
Swear to tell the truth
Confirm application accuracy
3. Document review:
Officer reviews your file
May ask for additional documents
Verifies information in application
4. Questions:
Questions about application
Background and history
Employment details
Immigration history
Family status
5. Decision:
Approved on the spot
Additional documents requested
Continued for further review
Denied (rare at interview stage)
Duration: 15-60 minutes typically
What to bring:
Required:
Interview notice
Passport (current and all previous)
State ID or driver's license
I-485 receipt notice
All I-797 notices
Original civil documents (birth certificate, marriage certificate, etc.)
Sealed I-693 (medical exam) if not already submitted
Recommended:
Copies of entire I-485 filing
Employment verification letters
Tax returns (last 3 years)
Pay stubs (recent)
Any documents USCIS specifically requested
Interview tips:
1. Be on time
Arrive 15-30 minutes early
Late arrival may result in rescheduling
2. Dress appropriately
Business casual is fine
No need for formal attire
Neat and respectful appearance
3. Answer honestly
Don't guess if you don't know
"I don't recall" is acceptable
Never lie
4. Be concise
Answer the question asked
Don't volunteer unnecessary information
Let officer guide the conversation
5. Bring everything
Better to have documents you don't need
Missing documents can delay case
What If You Need to Reschedule?
Biometrics rescheduling:
Walk in to different ASC before scheduled date
Or request reschedule through USCIS
Explain reason for reschedule
Interview rescheduling:
Call USCIS contact center
Request reschedule in writing
Provide good reason (medical emergency, travel conflict)
Rescheduling may delay case by months
Best practice:
Avoid rescheduling if possible
These appointments should be priority
Missing without rescheduling can harm your case
Appointment Timeline Overview
Appointment | When | Duration | Cost |
Biometrics | 2-4 weeks after filing | 15-30 minutes | $0 (included in filing fee) |
Medical exam | Before filing or within 60 days | 1-2 hours | $200-$500 |
Interview | 8-18 months after filing | 15-60 minutes | $0 |
How OpenSphere Helps with Appointments
Appointment Tracker: Track scheduled appointments and what to bring to each.
Medical Exam Guidance: Find civil surgeons near you and understand exam requirements.
Interview Preparation: Practice common interview questions and document checklist.
Timeline Expectations: Based on your filing date and location, estimate when to expect each appointment.
Comparison Table: Appointment Requirements
Appointment | Required For | Can Reschedule? | Miss Consequences |
Biometrics | All I-485 | Yes (walk-in or request) | Delay, possible denial |
Medical exam | All I-485 | Self-scheduled | Can't complete I-485 |
Interview | If USCIS requires | Yes (but delays case) | Case may be denied |
Preparing for your green card appointments? Want to know what to expect and how to prepare?
Take the OpenSphere evaluation. You'll get appointment preparation guidance and document checklists.
Biometrics Appointment
What is biometrics?
Fingerprints and photo collection for background check and identity verification.
When it's scheduled:
2-4 weeks after I-485 filing
You receive appointment notice (I-797C) by mail
Scheduled at Application Support Center (ASC) near you
What happens:
Check in with appointment notice and ID
Fingerprints taken (digital scan)
Photo taken
Total time: 15-30 minutes
What to bring:
Appointment notice (I-797C)
Valid government ID (passport, driver's license, or state ID)
Green card (if renewing)
Preparation:
Arrive on time (or early)
No special preparation needed
Avoid hand injuries that might affect fingerprints
What if you can't attend scheduled appointment?
Rescheduling:
Walk into different ASC location before your scheduled date
Request reschedule through USCIS (may delay case)
Don't simply skip without rescheduling
Consequences of missing:
Case may be delayed
Repeated no-shows can result in denial
Always communicate with USCIS if you can't attend
Biometrics validity:
Fingerprints valid for 15 months
If I-485 processing exceeds this, you may need new biometrics
USCIS will schedule automatically if needed
Medical Examination
What is the medical exam?
Physical examination and vaccination verification required for green card.
When to complete:
Before or shortly after filing I-485
Medical exam valid for 2 years from doctor's signature
Submit with I-485 or bring to interview
Who performs it:
Must use USCIS-designated "civil surgeon"
Find designated physicians at USCIS website
Regular doctors cannot complete this exam
What the exam includes:
1. Medical history review:
Past illnesses
Current medications
Mental health history
Substance use
2. Physical examination:
Height, weight, vitals
Vision and hearing
Heart and lungs
General physical assessment
3. Vaccination review:
Required vaccines must be up to date
Missing vaccines given at appointment or separately
Can use existing vaccination records
4. Laboratory tests:
Varies by age and risk factors
May include TB test, STD tests
Physician determines what's needed
Required vaccinations (for most adults):
MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella)
Tetanus/Diphtheria
Varicella (Chickenpox)
Influenza (seasonal)
COVID-19
Hepatitis B
Others depending on age and medical history
Exemptions:
Medical contraindications (doctor certifies)
Age-based exemptions
Religious/moral objections (limited)
Cost:
$200-$500 depending on location
Additional fees for vaccines if needed
Not covered by most insurance
Pay directly to civil surgeon
What to bring:
Passport or government ID
Vaccination records (if available)
Previous TB test results (if available)
Glasses/contacts (for vision test)
List of current medications
Payment method
Form I-693:
Civil surgeon completes Form I-693
Sealed envelope given to you
Do NOT open the envelope
Submit with I-485 or bring to interview
Medical exam validity:
Valid for 2 years from doctor signature
If I-485 processing exceeds this, may need new exam
Plan timing accordingly
USCIS Interview
Who needs an interview?
Generally required for:
Family-based green cards
Some employment-based cases
Cases with concerns or inconsistencies
Often waived for:
Straightforward employment-based cases
Cases where all evidence is clear
Low-risk applications
You won't know until:
USCIS sends interview notice (or approval without interview)
Assume you might have interview and prepare
Interview scheduling:
If required, scheduled 8-18 months after filing
Interview at local USCIS field office
Notice sent 2-4 weeks before appointment
What happens at interview:
1. Check-in (15-30 minutes before):
Present appointment notice
Show ID
Wait to be called
2. Oath:
Swear to tell the truth
Confirm application accuracy
3. Document review:
Officer reviews your file
May ask for additional documents
Verifies information in application
4. Questions:
Questions about application
Background and history
Employment details
Immigration history
Family status
5. Decision:
Approved on the spot
Additional documents requested
Continued for further review
Denied (rare at interview stage)
Duration: 15-60 minutes typically
What to bring:
Required:
Interview notice
Passport (current and all previous)
State ID or driver's license
I-485 receipt notice
All I-797 notices
Original civil documents (birth certificate, marriage certificate, etc.)
Sealed I-693 (medical exam) if not already submitted
Recommended:
Copies of entire I-485 filing
Employment verification letters
Tax returns (last 3 years)
Pay stubs (recent)
Any documents USCIS specifically requested
Interview tips:
1. Be on time
Arrive 15-30 minutes early
Late arrival may result in rescheduling
2. Dress appropriately
Business casual is fine
No need for formal attire
Neat and respectful appearance
3. Answer honestly
Don't guess if you don't know
"I don't recall" is acceptable
Never lie
4. Be concise
Answer the question asked
Don't volunteer unnecessary information
Let officer guide the conversation
5. Bring everything
Better to have documents you don't need
Missing documents can delay case
What If You Need to Reschedule?
Biometrics rescheduling:
Walk in to different ASC before scheduled date
Or request reschedule through USCIS
Explain reason for reschedule
Interview rescheduling:
Call USCIS contact center
Request reschedule in writing
Provide good reason (medical emergency, travel conflict)
Rescheduling may delay case by months
Best practice:
Avoid rescheduling if possible
These appointments should be priority
Missing without rescheduling can harm your case
Appointment Timeline Overview
Appointment | When | Duration | Cost |
Biometrics | 2-4 weeks after filing | 15-30 minutes | $0 (included in filing fee) |
Medical exam | Before filing or within 60 days | 1-2 hours | $200-$500 |
Interview | 8-18 months after filing | 15-60 minutes | $0 |
How OpenSphere Helps with Appointments
Appointment Tracker: Track scheduled appointments and what to bring to each.
Medical Exam Guidance: Find civil surgeons near you and understand exam requirements.
Interview Preparation: Practice common interview questions and document checklist.
Timeline Expectations: Based on your filing date and location, estimate when to expect each appointment.
Comparison Table: Appointment Requirements
Appointment | Required For | Can Reschedule? | Miss Consequences |
Biometrics | All I-485 | Yes (walk-in or request) | Delay, possible denial |
Medical exam | All I-485 | Self-scheduled | Can't complete I-485 |
Interview | If USCIS requires | Yes (but delays case) | Case may be denied |
Preparing for your green card appointments? Want to know what to expect and how to prepare?
Take the OpenSphere evaluation. You'll get appointment preparation guidance and document checklists.
Frequently Asked Questions
FAQ
1. What if I miss my biometrics appointment?
Your case may be delayed. Contact USCIS immediately to reschedule. Don't ignore it.
2. Can I choose my civil surgeon?
You can choose any USCIS-designated civil surgeon. Use USCIS website to find one near you.
3. What vaccines are required?
Required vaccines include MMR, Tetanus, Varicella, Flu, COVID-19, Hepatitis B, and others based on age.
4. Can I open the sealed I-693 envelope?
No. Opening it invalidates the form. Submit it sealed.
5. Will I definitely have an interview?
Not necessarily. Many employment-based cases are approved without interview.
6. Can I bring an attorney to my interview?
Yes. You have the right to bring an attorney or accredited representative.
7. What if I don't speak English well?
You can bring an interpreter. Inform USCIS when scheduling if interpreter is needed.
8. How long is the medical exam valid?
2 years from the civil surgeon's signature date.
9. What if my biometrics won't scan?
It happens (dry skin, worn fingerprints). Officer will try multiple times. Very rare that it prevents completion.
10. Can I track my case status?
Yes. Use USCIS case status online tool with your receipt number.
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