Most immigration applications require biometrics to be on file. Only USCIS sends biometrics appointments in the form of an ASC Appointment Notice.
The biometrics appointment notice is usually mailed or appears in your online account a few weeks after you file with USCIS. The notice includes the date, time, and location of your biometrics appointment.
Where will I be scheduled for biometrics?
USCIS automatically schedules you at the ASC office closest to the residential address you listed on your form.
If the location, date, or time is inconvenient, the biometrics appointment can be rescheduled.
How to reschedule - link. How to get a fingerprint appointment when filing I-589 in court - link. How not to miss it - link. Here, we’ll cover how biometrics works and what to bring.
❗️ Note: since mid-November 2023, for Form I-765 biometrics they started taking a photo instead of fingerprints - this is normal!
To understand what will be collected, look at the top-right corner of your notice. You will see a field labeled Code:
- Code 1 - fingerprints only (10 prints);
- Code 2 - biometrics (photo, signature, and index finger);
- Code 3 - fingerprints (10 prints) and biometrics (photo, signature, and index finger);
- Code 5 - one-hand fingerprints (4 prints from one hand), photo, and signature.
The code depends on the type of application you filed.
What should you do before biometrics?
- Fill out the second page of the biometrics notice with your information in pencil ahead of time.
- All family members included in the application must attend.
- Bring an ID (ID card, driver’s license, passport) and the appointment notice. If you have no ID, bring all documents you have.
What happens during biometrics?
Typically, when you arrive at the ASC, you check in with the main officer, receive a waiting number and a biographic information form to complete, and then wait in the waiting area.
When your number or last name is called, you go to the biometrics room. The officer takes your notice, enters your case information into the computer, and collects the required biometrics. The actual collection (fingerprints, photo, signature) often takes about 5-10 minutes. The entire visit usually takes around 30 minutes.
After biometrics is completed, they usually return your notice with a red stamp as proof that biometrics was completed. Keep these copies.
- If family members are scheduled on different dates and times, you can come together at the earliest appointment - staff often can process everyone at once.
- If a family member did not receive or lost the notice, go together as well.
- If you are in another city and cannot attend at the scheduled office: the notice is valid only at the listed location. However, USCIS staff may sometimes accommodate walk-ins.
- If you have given biometrics before, USCIS decides whether you must do it again. If you are scheduled, you must appear even if you already gave biometrics in the past.
- You cannot refuse biometrics collection.
Disclaimer: The information provided here is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Translations are provided for convenience and may contain errors or omissions. For guidance on your specific situation, always consult official sources or a qualified attorney.
