USCIS appointments
What happens, what to take, and what to avoid.
Biometrics Appointment
15-30 minutesUSCIS collects your fingerprints, photograph, and signature for background checks. This is a routine step for most immigration applications.
What happens
- 1Arrive at the Application Support Center (ASC) and check in at the front desk
- 2Present your biometrics appointment notice and a valid photo ID
- 3A technician will digitally scan all ten fingerprints
- 4A digital photograph will be taken (similar to a passport photo)
- 5You will provide a digital signature on an electronic pad
- 6The technician will verify the quality of your fingerprints and retake if needed
- 7You will receive a stamp on your appointment notice confirming completion
Take with you
Before the day
- 1
Mark your calendar1 week before
Note the date, time, and exact ASC location from your appointment notice. Set reminders.
- 2
Verify your documents3 days before
Ensure your photo ID is not expired. Make a copy of your appointment notice as backup.
- 3
Prepare your hands2 days before
Avoid cuts, bandages, or heavy calluses on your fingertips. Remove nail polish or acrylic nails.
- 4
Moisturize your handsNight before
Apply hand lotion the night before and morning of. Dry or cracked skin makes fingerprint capture difficult.
- 5
Plan your routeDay before
Look up the ASC address, plan parking or transit. Arrive 15 minutes early.
- 6
Arrive early and check inDay of
Bring your notice and ID. Dress comfortably. No electronics may be allowed inside in some locations.
What people get wrong
- Going to the wrong ASC location -- double-check the address on your notice
- Bringing an expired ID -- your photo ID must be current and valid
- Arriving late -- if you miss your window, you may need to reschedule
- Forgetting the biometrics appointment notice -- you need the original notice
- Having damaged fingertips from recent cuts, burns, or heavy manual labor
- Wearing acrylic nails or dark nail polish that interferes with scanning
- Not moisturizing dry, cracked hands before the appointment
Afterwards
Keep your stamped appointment notice as proof that biometrics were completed Check your case status online in 2-4 weeks for updates Your fingerprints will be sent to the FBI for a background check Biometrics results are valid for 15 months -- if your case takes longer, you may be called again If you have an interview scheduled, continue preparing for that separately No further action is needed from you unless USCIS sends another notice
Worth knowing
- Moisturize your hands well -- dry fingers are the #1 cause of poor fingerprint scans and delays
- Children under 14 generally do not need biometrics unless specifically requested
- Applicants 79 years or older are usually exempt from fingerprinting but may still need a photo
- You can walk in at a different ASC if you cannot make your scheduled appointment, though wait times may be longer
- The entire process is quick and painless -- most people are done in under 20 minutes
- Wear a simple top (no hats, head coverings for the photo unless religious)
- Leave unnecessary items in the car -- some ASCs have limited storage
Questions
Can I reschedule my biometrics appointment?
Yes. You can request a reschedule by calling the USCIS Contact Center at 1-800-375-5283 or by sending a written request. However, rescheduling may delay your case. You can also try walking in at the same or a different ASC before your scheduled date.
What if I miss my biometrics appointment?
If you miss it without rescheduling, USCIS may deny your application for abandonment. Contact USCIS immediately to reschedule. Include your receipt number when calling.
What if my fingerprints won't scan properly?
The technician will try multiple times. If prints still cannot be captured, USCIS may request an FBI name check instead. This is more common for elderly applicants or those with worn fingerprints.
How long are biometrics valid?
Biometrics are typically valid for 15 months. If your case is still pending after that period, USCIS may schedule you for a new biometrics appointment.
Can someone accompany me to the appointment?
Generally, only the applicant is allowed inside the ASC. Exceptions may be made for minors, elderly applicants, or those with disabilities who need assistance.
Do I need to pay a fee at the biometrics appointment?
No. The biometrics fee is included with your application filing fee. There is nothing to pay at the ASC.
If you cannot attend, reschedule before the date on your notice — not turning up without rescheduling can have an application treated as abandoned. Find your office on the offices page.