USCIS Incorrectly Issued Duplicate Biometrics Notices

As previously noted on MurthyDotCom, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced having mistakenly scheduled some applicants for more than one biometric appointment. On October 3, 2014, the USCIS issued instructions on the steps individuals should take upon being scheduled for a second appointment.

Problem Identified in August 2014

At the end of August 2014, individuals began reporting receipt of multiple Application Support Center (ASC) biometric appointment notices. The notice instructs an applicant to appear at a local ASC for fingerprinting, a standard process in many types of immigration cases. However, in this situation, certain applicants were being scheduled for more than one biometric appointment. In acknowledging the problem, it was indicated that the source of the error was believed to have been related to the USCIS transitioning to a new system for issuance of such notices. In this transition, some individuals received notices under both the old and new systems.

Confirm Second Appointment Not Needed

For people who have received a second appointment notice prior to the original appointment date, the USCIS recommends attending just one appointment, but bringing both ASC notices to that appointment. Alternatively, if the second notice arrives after one has already attended the biometrics appointment, the USCIS directs applicants to call the National Customer Service Center at 1.800.375.5283. The purpose of the call is to confirm that the second notice is a mistake, and that it is not necessary to undergo the biometric process again.

Conclusion

The Murthy Law Firm appreciates the clarification provided by the USCIS to correct this error. There is no indication that this situation has resulted in any case processing delays or other problems.

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