Why do you need to attend a Biometrics Appointment?
If you recently applied for an immigration benefit with the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), you have probably received -or will receive- an ASC Appointment Notice, indicating that you need to attend a biometrics appointment at one of USCIS’s Application Support Centers.
The purpose of this appointment is to collect your biometrics to conduct a background check, for identity verification, to determine eligibility, and to create immigration documents, among others.
Where you need to go
USCIS will schedule the biometrics appointment at the nearest Application Support Center (ASC) from the address you provided in your application. You can easily find this information in the middle section of your ASC appointment Notice. If you live in Minnesota, you will likely attend your biometrics appointment at the ASC located at 1105 University Avenue W, Suite 102, St, Paul, MN 55104.
What do you need to bring to your biometrics appointment
You must bring the following items to your biometrics appointment:
- Your original ASC Appointment Notice. You will show this notice when you arrive at your appointment; there is usually a person who works at the front desk who will receive you upon arrival.
- A Completed Applicant Information Worksheet (AIW). Together with the ASC notice, USCIS will send you a worksheet that you need to complete with your biometric information, including your full name, sex, race, country of citizenship, eye color, hair color, height, and weight.
- A valid government-issued photo identification. You will need to bring a valid photo identification, for example, a foreign passport or a valid driver’s license. If the name on your identification is different than the name on your ASC notice, you need to bring supporting documents showing the name change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or a copy of a judicial order granting a name change.
If you applied for citizenship or to replace your Permanent Resident Card (green card), you must bring your Permanent Resident Card with you.
What to expect during your biometrics appointment
Please arrive on time on the day of your appointment. You can only be accompanied at your ASC appointment by your attorney, an interpreter, or those necessary to assist you with transportation. Cellphones or electronic devices must be turned off during biometrics submission, and no one may photograph or record at an ASC.
The biometrics appointment is usually quick. Upon arrival, you will check in at the front desk and wait for your number to be called. Once they call you, an ASC officer will take your picture and fingerprints. You will not be interviewed during this appointment regarding the benefit you are applying for, and legal advice is not required to attend the biometrics appointment.
Before leaving the ASC, make sure you retain a stamped copy of your ASC Appointment Notice that you will keep for your records.
What happens if you cannot attend your biometrics appointment?
Attending your biometrics appointment is very important because if you do not, USCIS may consider your application abandoned and may deny it. This is particularly important if you are applying for asylum.
If you missed your ASC Appointment Notice, you are sick, or you have a good cause for rescheduling, you may request to reschedule the appointment through your USCIS online account. If you encounter any issues making your request through your USCIS online account, you can call the USCIS Contact Center at 800-375-5283.
If you are in the hospital or you cannot leave your home due to a serious medical condition, you may request a mobile biometrics appointment by calling 1-800-375-5283 or visiting the USCIS website.
Do you have questions about your next biometrics appointment or would you like to know if you qualify for an immigration benefit? Call us at 763-951-2235 or email blf@bienvenidoslaw.com to schedule an appointment today! At Bienvenidos Law Firm, Inc., we have over 25 years of experience in immigration cases.
