How to prepare for my Biometric Services Appointment

How to prepare for my Biometric Services Appointment

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If you are filling for your visa, residency or citizenship with the USCIS (United States Citizenship and Immigration Services), you will be required to request an appointment called Biometric Services. In this opportunity, an officer will take your fingerprints and a photograph.

Once you receive an email with the title “Notice of Action” you will be informed about the date, time and address where you need to appear before the immigration authorities for your Biometric Services appointment.

What is this appointment for?

This appointment is crucial as part of your immigration process to the United States. It is where the USCIS confirms your identity, verifies your criminal record and makes sure that it is indeed you who is requesting the visa, Green Card or other. For this reason, only you can attend the appointment.

This is a fast and simple process where your fingerprints and your photo will be taken. You will need to take with you several documents that will be informed to you on the email you will receive. Some of those may be your birth certificate, your marriage license or divorce certificate. If you have changed your name, you will need the paperwork that backs it up too. However, you should take with you anything else you think may be necessary.

We recommend you bring your ASC appointment notice (Form I-797C) and valid photo identification (such as your Green Card, passport, or driver’s license). Keep copies of everything for your personal record.

Tips for your Biometric Services Appointment

During your appointment, a photo will be taken of your face, however, hats, scarves or anything that covers your face will not be allowed.

Anyone who is over 14 will be required to also sign where the USCIS officer indicates you to do so. This will not be necessary for people with physical or mental disabilities. Not knowing how to read or how to speak English will not be considered an excuse to refuse to sign. By signing the documents, you are declaring that your petition is truthful, complete and correct.

The attention is in order of arrival but arriving 15 minutes before the stipulated time will be enough for you. The appointment is very fast and you will not be there for more than five minutes.

In case you miss your appointment, you will find instructions about how to reschedule on the “Notice of Action” email. However, try not to miss the meeting. And in case you feel you need help in the process, your immigration attorney, accredited representative or family member can go with you.

After you have completed the appointment, the USCIS will continue with your immigration process and could call you for further documentation, if needed. Your fingerprints are then sent to the FBI database to make sure you have no criminal record.

You can read more about this appointment on the USCIS website, which we recommend you check out to know about all of the important details related to this procedure.

Is your Biometric Services Appointment coming up soon? Make sure you have everything you need and are completely prepared by contacting an experienced immigration lawyer in San Diego, California. Kannan Law has many years of experience on this subject and could be your ally during this process. If you need an appointment, contact us today!