What Are Biometrics Used For?
USCIS collects biometric information primarily for background check purposes. Your fingerprints are submitted to the FBI for criminal history checks and compared against immigration databases.
Your photograph becomes part of your immigration record and is used on any documents issued, such as Employment Authorization Documents, green cards, or naturalization certificates.
Digital signatures collected during biometrics may appear on issued documents and serve as verification that you personally appeared for the appointment.
Which Applications Require Biometrics?
Most USCIS benefit applications require biometrics collection. Common forms requiring biometrics include:
Form I-485 (adjustment of status), Form I-765 (employment authorization), Form I-131 (travel document), Form N-400 (naturalization), Form I-90 (green card renewal), Form I-751 (remove conditions on residence), and Form I-821 (Temporary Protected Status).
Certain applications may be exempt from biometrics requirements based on age (applicants under 14 or over 79) or other factors. Check your specific form instructions for biometrics requirements.
How Is Your Biometrics Appointment Scheduled?
USCIS schedules biometrics appointments automatically after receiving your application and processing your biometrics fee. You do not need to request an appointment.
Appointment notices (Form I-797C) are mailed to the address on your application approximately 3 to 8 weeks after filing. The notice specifies your appointment date, time, and ASC location.
USCIS assigns you to the Application Support Center nearest your residence. Appointments are generally scheduled during business hours on weekdays.
What If You Did Not Receive an Appointment Notice?
Check your USCIS online account for appointment information. Digital notices may appear in your account before physical mail arrives.
If significant time has passed (more than 6 to 8 weeks) without receiving a notice, contact the USCIS Contact Center at 1-800-375-5283 to inquire about your appointment status.
Verify your mailing address is correct in USCIS records. File Form AR-11 if you have moved since filing your application.
What Should You Bring to Your Biometrics Appointment?
Your Form I-797C biometrics appointment notice is essential. The notice contains barcodes and information the ASC staff need to process your appointment.
Bring valid government-issued photo identification. Acceptable documents include: U.S. driver's license, state ID card, passport, military ID, or green card. The ID must show your photograph and be unexpired.
If your appointment notice requests additional documents (such as travel documents or prior EADs), bring those items as well.
What If You Lost Your Appointment Notice?
Contact USCIS through your online account or the Contact Center to request appointment information. They can provide your appointment details and, in some cases, issue a replacement notice.
Arriving at the ASC without your notice may cause delays. Staff may be able to look up your appointment, but this is not guaranteed and may result in being turned away.
Allow extra time if attending without your notice. Bring multiple forms of identification to help staff locate your appointment in the system.
What Happens During the Biometrics Appointment?
Arrive at the Application Support Center at your scheduled time. Check-in with front desk staff, who will verify your appointment notice and identification.
Fingerprinting: A technician captures digital fingerprints from all ten fingers. Your hands should be clean and free of cuts, bandages, or conditions that might affect print quality.
Photograph: A digital photograph is taken for your immigration record. This photo may appear on issued documents. Remove glasses, hats, or head coverings (unless worn for religious purposes).
Signature: You provide a digital signature that may be used on issued documents.
How Long Does the Appointment Take?
The actual biometrics collection process takes approximately 10 to 15 minutes once you are called. Total time at the ASC, including waiting, typically ranges from 30 minutes to 2 hours.
Wait times vary by ASC location and appointment volume. Some locations process applicants efficiently; others experience longer waits.
ASCs generally process applicants in appointment order, though walk-ins may be accommodated when capacity allows.
What If Your Fingerprints Do Not Scan Well?
Some individuals have fingerprints that are difficult to capture due to skin conditions, manual labor wear, age-related changes, or other factors.
The ASC technician will make multiple attempts to capture usable prints. Moisturizing your hands before the appointment may help improve print quality.
If prints cannot be captured after multiple attempts, the technician will document this in your record. USCIS may request a police clearance letter or other documentation as an alternative.
Tips for Better Fingerprint Capture
Avoid activities that damage fingerprints (harsh chemicals, excessive hand washing, manual labor) in the days before your appointment.
Keep hands moisturized but not overly wet. Dry, cracked skin captures poorly; overly wet hands smudge.
Inform the technician if you have known fingerprint quality issues. They may use techniques to improve capture success.
Can You Reschedule Your Biometrics Appointment?
Yes. If you cannot attend your scheduled appointment, you can request rescheduling through your USCIS online account or by calling the Contact Center.
Submit rescheduling requests before your appointment date. Last-minute changes may not be processed in time.
USCIS generally allows one reschedule without explanation. Multiple reschedule requests may require documentation of good cause.
What Happens If You Miss Your Appointment?
Missing your appointment without rescheduling may result in application denial. USCIS may consider failure to appear as abandonment of your application.
If you missed your appointment unexpectedly (emergency, illness, miscommunication), contact USCIS immediately to explain and request rescheduling.
Some ASCs accommodate walk-ins for applicants who missed appointments. Call your assigned ASC to inquire about walk-in policies before traveling.
What Happens After Biometrics?
After your biometrics appointment, USCIS submits your fingerprints for FBI background checks. Results typically return within days to weeks.
Background check completion is required before your application can be adjudicated. Delays in background checks can extend overall processing times.
You generally do not receive notification that biometrics processing is complete. Your application continues processing, and you receive updates on the next steps (interview scheduling, approval, etc.).
How Long Are Biometrics Valid?
Biometrics are generally valid for 15 months from the date of collection. If your application remains pending beyond this period, USCIS may request updated biometrics.
You will receive a new appointment notice if additional biometrics collection is required. Follow the same procedures as your initial appointment.
Biometrics validity periods may differ for certain application types or circumstances. Check your specific form instructions for applicable validity periods.
Special Circumstances and Accommodations
Disabilities: ASCs provide reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities. Note accommodation needs when scheduling or contact the ASC in advance.
Children: Children under 14 are generally exempt from fingerprinting but may still require photographs. Bring children to appointments as indicated on appointment notices.
Elderly applicants: Applicants 79 and older are often exempt from fingerprinting but may require photographs. Check your appointment notice for specific requirements.
Military Service Members
Active duty military members deployed overseas may request biometrics deferral. Contact USCIS to explain your situation and request accommodations.
Military bases with immigration services may offer biometrics collection. Check with your installation's legal assistance office about available services.
Provide military orders or documentation when requesting scheduling accommodations due to service obligations.
