The Biometrics Appointment Explained — Start to Finish

When you apply for a U.S. immigration benefit—such as a green card, certain visas, or U.S. citizenship—you will often be scheduled for a biometrics appointment. For many applicants, this step is required, routine, and expected. It’s not a test, not an interview, and not a sign that something is wrong with your case.

A biometrics appointment is simply a short visit where U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) collects basic identifying information, like your fingerprints and photo. Understanding who needs biometrics, why USCIS requires it, and what actually happens during the visit can take a lot of stress out of the process—and help you avoid delays.

This guide walks you through everything, step by step, from receiving your appointment notice to what happens after you leave the office.

1. What Is a Biometrics Appointment?

A biometrics appointment is a scheduled visit to a USCIS Application Support Center (ASC) or, in some cases, a USCIS-approved partner location. During this visit, USCIS may collect:

• Fingerprints
• A digital photograph
• A digital signature (for some applications)
  

USCIS uses this information to:

• Confirm your identity, making sure the person who applied is the same person showing up
• Run required background and security checks through government databases
• Create secure immigration documents, such as work permits or green cards, if your application is approved (this is less common)
  

USCIS is authorized by U.S. immigration law to collect biometrics from many, but not all applicants. Importantly, a biometrics appointment by itself does not mean approval or denial. It’s simply a required processing step.

2. Who Is Asked to Attend a Biometrics Appointment?

Not every immigration applicant needs biometrics, but many do. You may be scheduled for a biometrics appointment if you are applying for things like:

• A green card (inside the U.S.)
• A work permit (EAD) or travel document (Advance Parole)
• Naturalization (U.S. citizenship)
  Certain temporary or humanitarian benefits

Some applicants do not need a new appointment because USCIS may reuse biometrics from a previous case. If that happens, USCIS will notify you.

What about children under 14?

• Children under 14 may still be scheduled for biometrics, especially in green card cases.
• Younger children often do not give fingerprints, but USCIS may still take a photograph or collect other identifying information.
• A parent or legal guardian should attend with the child and bring the child’s appointment notice and identification (such as a passport).
  

Always follow the instructions on the appointment notice—even for infants or young children.

3. When Do You Receive the Appointment Notice?

After USCIS accepts your application for processing, they typically mail a Biometrics Appointment Notice (Form I-797C). This usually arrives a few weeks after filing, though timing can vary.

The notice includes:

• The date, time, and location of your appointment
• Instructions on what to bring
• A clear reminder that attendance is required
• Instructions for rescheduling, if absolutely necessary

If you created a USCIS online account, the notice may also appear there.

If several weeks pass and you haven’t received a notice:

• Check your USCIS online account
• Contact the USCIS Contact Center to confirm whether biometrics are required for your case

4. Rescheduling a Biometrics Appointment (and the Risks)

USCIS assigns you a time and place to attend the biometrics appointment and attendees are sometimes only given a few weeks to prepare. If you are unable to attend during your assigned appointment time, USCIS does allow you to request a reschedule. However, this should be a last resort since rescheduling can create potential delays or complications.

When rescheduling might be appropriate:

• A medical emergency
• Serious travel conflicts
• Events outside your control

Important risks to know:

• Rescheduling often adds weeks or months to your case
  
• USCIS errors can occur during rescheduling, including missed or lost appointments
  
• Some applicants experience long delays before receiving a new notice
• If your reschedule request has not been approved, USCIS may deem the original appointment time “missed” and the application abandoned

If you must reschedule, follow the instructions on your notice exactly and keep copies of everything. Reschedule as far in advance as possible as USCIS typically must approve the reschedule request before it is considered acceptable to miss your appointment. Whenever possible, try to attend the original appointment.

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5. What Happens If You Miss the Appointment Entirely?

Please keep in mind that failing to attend your biometrics appointment without proper rescheduling can have serious consequences for your application.

If you do not show up:

• USCIS may pause or delay your case
• USCIS may deny your application for abandonment
• You may be required to refile and pay fees again

If you missed an appointment due to an emergency, contact USCIS immediately to explain the situation. Do not ignore a missed appointment and act as quickly as you can to remedy the situation.

6. How to Prepare for the Appointment

Bring the Right Documents

You’ll need:

• A valid, unexpired government-issued photo ID (passport, driver’s license, green card, or state ID)
• Your biometrics appointment notice (Form I-797C)

Be sure to bring the original ID documents. Photocopies alone are not sufficient.

Dress Comfortably but Mindfully

There’s no dress code. You are free to wear comfortable clothes and you may want to avoid large accessories that could interfere with fingerprinting. Keep in mind that any photos taken at this appointment may be used on future immigration documentation (such as a green card)  and will be connected to your USCIS record. Be sure to dress in a way that reflects how you would like to represent yourself. 

Expect Security Screening

Most locations require security screening, such as a metal detector. Avoid bringing restricted or weapon-like items. Attendees are usually required to remove their shoes, belts, watches, etc. to go through the security screening. Please keep this in mind when choosing your outfit and footwear that day. 

Arrive Early

Plan to arrive 15 minutes early. Sometimes attendees must wait in line when they arrive, both to go through security and to check in. Arriving early gives you time to find parking, locate the office, and go through the necessary check-in steps and still be in your seat in time for your scheduled appointment.  Arriving late can result in your appointment being canceled, which can result in delays or even more serious consequences for your application. 

7. What Happens During the Appointment?

Most biometrics appointments take 15–30 minutes, though wait times vary.

Security Screening

As mentioned above, you may be required to go through security screening before entering the USCIS office. This is common and normal and is designed to help keep people in the office safe. 

Check-In

Once you have completed the security screening, if any, find the check in counter. Staff will review your ID and appointment notice and may confirm basic details like your name and address. They will then tell you where to sit and wait for your scheduled appointment time. 

Waiting Room

Some waiting is normal, especially on busy days. Make sure you’re in the correct room and are carefully listening for your name.

Fingerprinting

A staff member will guide you through providing your finger prints. Your fingerprints are captured electronically—no ink.  The staff member will often need to physically guide your hand so that your fingerprints are properly captured by the electronic device. It can take a few tries to get adequate fingerprints. If needed, staff may ask you to wash and dry your hands and try again. This process typically only takes a few minutes. 

Photograph

The staff member will also take your photo to attach to your immigration record. A digital photo is taken against a plain background. This process is similar to getting a passport photo taken.  This photo may later appear on official documents such as green cards, travel documents, or naturalization certificates. 

Digital Signature (if required)

Some applicants sign electronically to confirm the information collected is accurate.

Once they tell you that you are finished, you’re free to leave. There is no interview or decision made at this appointment.

8. After the Appointment: What Happens Next?

After your visit, USCIS uses your biometrics to:

• Verify your identity
• Complete background and security checks
• Continue processing your application
  

Your case status may update to show biometrics were taken or reused. The next step—and timing—depends on the type of application and USCIS workload.

9. Common Issues That Can Cause Delays

Please keep in mind that delays during or after your appointment can happen if:

• Your ID is expired or doesn’t match your application
• You miss or reschedule the appointment
• Fingerprints are unclear and require a second visit
• Background checks raise follow-up questions

Attending as scheduled and bringing correct documents helps avoid most problems. If you are worried about what the background check could raise, you may want to consider speaking with a licensed immigration attorney as early as possible to get their guidance. 

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10. Tips for a Smooth Experience

11. How SimpleCitizen Can Help

Biometrics are easier when the rest of your application is already solid. SimpleCitizen helps applicants prepare immigration forms accurately and confidently before filing.

SimpleCitizen can:

• Guide you step by step through your application
• Ensure forms are complete and consistent
  
• Connect you with licensed immigration attorneys for review
  

Once your application is filed, USCIS schedules biometrics—but SimpleCitizen helps you reach that stage without unnecessary errors.

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