New Process to Reschedule Biometrics Appointments

The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) requires foreign nationals to submit biometrics in-person at an application support center (ASC) before granting certain categories of immigration benefits. After the USCIS schedules the biometrics appointment, if the individual fails to attend and does not take any action to reschedule, the USCIS eventually will deny the corresponding application, petition, or request. Therefore, it is important to understand the notification process for biometrics appointments, so that a foreign national can take the proper steps to reschedule it, if the person is unable to attend the scheduled appointment.

Appointment Notices Sent Either by Mail or Electronically

If an application, petition, or request is submitted to the USCIS where biometrics are required, the USCIS will send an ASC appointment notice to the foreign national and/or attorney of record, indicating the time, date, and location of the appointment. Generally, the USCIS sends appointment notices a few weeks before the scheduled appointment date.

If the application, petition, or request was submitted to the USCIS by mail, the USCIS will send the ASC appointment notice to the foreign national via the U.S. Postal Service. If, however, the foreign national submits the application electronically, via a USCIS online account, the USCIS typically will only send the appointment notice through the online system.

Rescheduling a Biometrics Appointment by Calling USCIS

In order to reschedule an appointment, the individual must call the USCIS Contact Center at 800-375-5283 before the date and time of the original appointment, and must establish good cause for rescheduling. Paper requests for rescheduling are no longer accepted by the mail.

As previously noted, if the individual fails to appear for the appointment or reschedule it prior to the appointment date, this may result in the denial of the application, petition, or request.

Depending on the circumstances, the USCIS may exercise discretion to reschedule an appointment in situations where the request is made after the initial appointment date has passed. However, this situation should be avoided whenever possible.

Conclusion

The biometrics requirement is not complicated, but it can create serious immigration challenges if the appointment is not kept. Any foreign national applying for an immigration benefit should keep close track of the pending case by diligently monitoring it online. This will help to ensure compliance with time sensitive deadlines.

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