How to Prepare for a USCIS Biometrics Appointment
By Katherine at Legal Language
Posted on 02/11/2011
In Immigration
If you’re going through the green card or naturalization process, US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will require you to attend a biometrics appointment.
But what are biometrics and why does USCIS need them? How do you get ready for a biometrics appointment?
What Are Biometrics?
The term “biometrics” refers to the processes used to identify people based on physical traits. Immigrant applicants need to participate in a biometrics appointment for the purpose of facilitating a criminal background check.
At a USCIS biometrics appointment, your fingerprints will be taken for analysis and filed with the FBI. Your picture will also be taken.
Drug testing is not part of a biometrics appointment, but it may come up in your USCIS medical exam.
DNA testing is also separate from a biometrics appointment. USCIS has stated that they may request immigration DNA testing for cases where applicants are either from developing countries and do not have birth certificates, or when there are suspicious discrepancies within the case.
Biometrics are required with USCIS forms like the I-90 and the I-131. Once USCIS officers start processing your application, you will receive a biometrics appointment notice.
Getting Ready for Your Biometrics Appointment
The biometrics appointment may take a while to manage, but once at the USCIS office it is a very quick process. Make sure everything goes smoothly by knowing what to bring and where to go.
What to Bring to Your Biometrics Appointment
Every biometrics appointment requires photo identification, such as:
- Passport or national photo identification issued by your country
- Driver’s license
- Military photo identification
- State-issued photo identification card
Your appointment letter may also state the need for additional supporting documentation, which may include but is not limited to:
- Legal name change decree
- Marriage certificate
- Birth certificate
Keep in mind that personal documents in a language other than English must have certified translations. It is important that all requested documents are brought to your biometrics appointment. If your appointment is soon and you do not have translations of your documents, rush translation is available.
Where to Go for Your Biometrics Appointment
The USCIS biometrics appointment notice will have the date and time of your appointment as well as the address of the appointed USCIS office. Pay particular attention if you live in a larger city with multiple USCIS offices. Your appointment may not be with the office closest to your home, but rather with the office which can offer you the earliest appointment.
What to Expect at the USCIS Biometrics Appointment
Before entering the USCIS biometrics center with your USCIS appointment notice, be sure to leave your cell phone or any digital camera in the car or with a friend. Cameras and phones are not allowed in the USCIS offices.
Once your appointment gets underway, you will be asked to fill out a form. The form will ask for some personal information, and you will also need to indicate what form you filed that requires the biometrics.
Next, your fingerprints will be taken. Most USCIS offices still use ink to take fingerprints — however, more offices are switching to electronic fingerprinting.
After the USCIS Biometrics Appointment
Fingerprints will then be analyzed by the FBI, usually within a month. If you get an additional biometrics appointment notice within the next few weeks, don’t panic — this is commonly due to smudged prints, and fingerprints will need to be retaken to complete the background check. USCIS will not charge an additional fee for any further fingerprinting work.
If the FBI flags or rejects your biometrics, you will be required to present police clearance reports from every state or country you’ve lived in proving that you do not have an extensive criminal record.
USCIS biometrics are valid for 15 months. If your application is not processed within 15 months, USCIS will most likely send another notice for a biometrics appointment.
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February 24th, 2012 at 11:01 am
My Biometrics appointment is in LA. However, during that week, I will be traveling in New York city area. Will it be OK to go to NY immigration biometrics office at the same time on my notice? I called Immigration office customer service, and the answer is yes. Just want to confirm. Thanks.
February 24th, 2012 at 11:50 am
Jessy, check with USCIS. There may be a specific procedure to follow in order to change your appointment.
March 19th, 2012 at 11:28 am
can i just leave my cell in the reception area in the USCIS offce? thanks!
July 25th, 2012 at 9:43 pm
do they need to take a pic of me at the Biometrics appt?
July 27th, 2012 at 4:36 pm
Ellen, contact USCIS or your assigned biometrics office to find out whether or not a photograph is required for your appointment.
September 5th, 2012 at 10:34 am
I have an appointment and the only id i have is my school ID can i bring that to my appointment and my Birth certificate ???
September 6th, 2012 at 1:57 pm
Iio, please check with your USCIS office to see what identification is required.
September 11th, 2012 at 3:59 pm
Ok I was going out of state around that time. Can I take my biometrics and then leave? Or is there a certain amount of time I have to wait?
September 11th, 2012 at 5:31 pm
Cris, contact USCIS or the office you were assigned to in order to find out your options!
September 16th, 2012 at 1:52 pm
i have an appointment but i dont have a valid ID i am 18 can i take my school id like college ?
September 17th, 2012 at 11:09 am
Kevin, please contact USCIS or the office to which you were assigned to find out what forms of ID are accepted.
September 18th, 2012 at 6:30 pm
I hsve that same problem
September 21st, 2012 at 11:46 pm
if you need to reschedule your biometrics appt then there is a section on your biometrics appt letter that tells you how to do so.
September 26th, 2012 at 1:55 pm
I am helping a student fill out his I-765 form. I cannot find how/where to schedule a biometrics appointment. Is there contact information available? Location is San Diego; he has been going to the Mexican Consulate so far. Thank you for any help!
September 27th, 2012 at 2:55 am
Do you get drug tested at a biometrics appointment??
September 28th, 2012 at 12:10 pm
What is next after doing biometrics when filing for a green card? Thanks.
October 7th, 2012 at 8:38 pm
I have my biometrics appointment for deferred action and. All I have is a consulate ID /matricula would that be a proper ID?
October 9th, 2012 at 3:59 am
I have my biometric appointment in the letter they send me I have my full two last names and in my I’d I use have one last name do you thing this will be a problem please help me thanks
October 28th, 2012 at 10:53 pm
i have my biometrics apt this Tuesday but hurricane Sandy is going to hit Hartford what is the procedure to follow if the center is closed due to a state emergency?
October 29th, 2012 at 1:33 am
I have my biometrics appointment October 29th Monday but Multiple Offices will be closed do to hurricane Sandy? The center where my appointment was schedule will be closed what I am supposed to do?????
October 29th, 2012 at 2:50 pm
I was never convicted of a crime but was arrested, my record has been expunged would because the case was dismissed. Would this be a problem during the background check?
November 5th, 2012 at 4:15 pm
I am going with my passport but it is expired. Does anyone know if that will be ok?
November 14th, 2012 at 9:30 am
To everyone asking if you can take a school ID. I have heard of people who take their birth certificate with their school ID but they might reject you. You should be taking a form of ID such as your passport or country ID (in my case I am taking a matricula). They can’t be expired. Depending on who is handling your personal case this might just give you issues and it is better to be on the safe side and have all your documents up to date.
If you have been arrested but have never had your fingerprints taken than you shouldn’t have to worry about it causing any issues, every case is different though. It may depend on what you did to get arrested.
November 25th, 2012 at 11:37 am
if an officer get my finger prints and i gave a different age or name would i get in trouble?
November 29th, 2012 at 3:28 pm
Do you get drug tested at a biometrics appointment??
November 29th, 2012 at 11:27 pm
liliana….yes, misrepresenting yourself in any way may be cause to cancel your application entirely.
Izzy….No. That would have come up in your medical exam.
December 11th, 2012 at 6:53 pm
ok i had the same question about the drug test but like do they get you a medical exam or is dat like wayy back wehn you where going to like school
?? i really would like to know that their not doing no drug test .and also what is the next step after your biometrics??????.. thank you
December 14th, 2012 at 4:35 pm
Hi Darian,
There is no drug test at a biometrics appointment, but you should contact USCIS to find out if you will need to have a medical examination, and what exactly that will entail.
After the biometrics, if you are found to not have a record, an approval notice will be mailed to you. To find out more specific information for your situation, contact USCIS.
Thanks for reading!
Kaytie at Legal Language
December 14th, 2012 at 8:10 pm
In the biometric do you get drum tested?
December 17th, 2012 at 12:58 pm
Hello Ricardo,
No, there is no drug test at a biometrics appointment.
-Kaytie at Legal Language
December 27th, 2012 at 6:30 pm
do I need to pay for the biometric exam?
December 28th, 2012 at 1:23 pm
Hello senatus,
Yes, you pay an additional biometrics fee when submitting your immigration application. Currently the fee is $80.
Thanks for reading!
Kaytie at Legal Language
January 2nd, 2013 at 2:04 pm
I am applying for a green card for my 14 yr old daughter. I am a US citizen and came from Canada as did my family. Will my daughter be required to have biometrics? My sons were not a couple of years ago as they were Canadians.
January 2nd, 2013 at 4:50 pm
Hi Karen,
Good question! As every situation is different, Legal Language cannot offer advice online. You should call your USCIS office or check with a lawyer to be sure.
Thanks,
Kaytie at Legal Language
January 3rd, 2013 at 12:44 pm
Hi my permanent green card will expire in April 2, 2013
i have filed the online 1-90 form yesterday, i received
my receit # which starts with MSC ,and today i got a e-mail stating initial review, and that my appt for biometric will be about a month, what if my green card expires before the appt date, and also do they take pictures at the the same with the fingerprints and when will they send me my new permanent green card, i tried calling but no live customer service,
January 3rd, 2013 at 2:07 pm
Hello EMINE,
As every case is different, I cannot give you specific information about when your green card will arrive. However, I can tell you that pictures are usually taken at biometrics appointments, and you can read more information about renewing your green card here: http://www.legallanguage.com/legal-articles/renew-green-card-online/ . I hope this helps!
Good Luck!
Kaytie at Legal Language
January 3rd, 2013 at 2:20 pm
When I did my immigration medical exam , they DO perform a drug test. The results are sealed so it can not be tampered with and you don’t know what the doctor put into the report. At the biometrics appointment they do not perform a drug test.
January 5th, 2013 at 10:10 pm
Hello I have a biometrics appointment this coming January 11 2013.I came from Philippines I don’t have any kind of ID yet since I came here in America but I have my passport.Is my passport okay nothing more?Thank you very much.
January 7th, 2013 at 1:16 pm
Hello Cheryl,
Yes, a passport is an acceptable form of identification. Please read your appointment letter carefully and bring any other necessary documents!
Good Luck,
Kaytie at Legal Language
January 7th, 2013 at 5:01 pm
Hi, I have my biometrics appointment this week and i will be travelling alone from our place to the USCIS ASC office and i need to bring my cellphone for emergency use. Is there a place where i can leave my cellphone in the USCIS office? Thanks!
January 7th, 2013 at 6:54 pm
Hi Karen,
You should call ahead and ask, as different USCIS offices may have different policies regarding this.
Thanks,
Kaytie at Legal Language
January 8th, 2013 at 8:08 pm
Tomorrow i have fingerprint appointment for my second citizenship interview(N-400), during the first interview on Dec 7th 2012 i withdrew my application due to the request of the attending officer whom advised me to resubmit the following day. Do i need to re-take the fingerprints over again? Even though i already have accomplished this requirement for the first interview.
thank you
January 8th, 2013 at 8:19 pm
I passed the tests of English and U.S. history and government during my 1st interview and I have the form N-652, Naturalization Interview Result dated July 17, 2008 but I failed to meet the continuous residence requirement. Do I need to re-test English and U.S. history and government in the next interview next March 2013.Thanks
January 8th, 2013 at 8:23 pm
Sorry again I need to add some correction to the previous query, Tomorrow i have fingerprint appointment for my second citizenship interview(N-400), during the first interview on Dec 7th 2012 i withdrew my application due to the request of the attending officer whom advised me to resubmit the following day. Do i need to re-take the fingerprints over again? Even though i already have accomplished this requirement for the first interview on July 3, 2012 which I understood that is varied for 15 month from the date of background check by FBI.
thank you
January 9th, 2013 at 11:49 am
Hello Mohamed,
Legal Language cannot give immigration advice online. Please speak to an immigration professional about your specific situation.
Thanks!
Kaytie at Legal Language
January 9th, 2013 at 4:57 pm
Hi,
Should I include the biometrics fee on the same check as the regular I-485 fee or should they be separate checks that I put in my overall filing?
Thanks.
January 9th, 2013 at 5:10 pm
Hello Simon,
Biometrics fees can be included on the same check as your application fee. However, when submitting other applications simultaneously, it is best to submit separate checks (this is to ensure that if one form is unacceptable, the rest can still continue to be processed without waiting to partially return your money).
Thanks for reading,
Kaytie at Legal Language
January 10th, 2013 at 5:12 am
Hi, I am currently a permanant resident whose green card expires in July, however my husband and I are currently living in Indonesia. I have been told that I need to come back to the states to apply for my new card. Is there a time frame I should be there for? I have 2 small children and do not want to be away from them for any longer than I have to be. Also can I leave before receiving my new card? (my dad can always send it to me)
Thanks
Sam
January 10th, 2013 at 11:05 am
Hi Sam,
Thanks for commenting! However, Legal Language cannot give immigration advice online. Please contact an immigration lawyer or USCIS.
Good luck!
Kaytie at Legal Language
January 11th, 2013 at 12:26 pm
Guys. Here is my situation.
I have graduated from the USD and now i am getting a job outside of the US.
I will have to start working in after 11 days.
My question is – how long does it usually take to get an appointment for biometrics?
I will be in US for no more than a week. May i schedule an appointment while i am here before i leave towards the US. I am afraid that if i apply when i reach the US i wont have enough time and will have to leave the states before the appointment.
January 11th, 2013 at 2:02 pm
Hi, I have to take my fingerprint for US citizenship on Tuesday and my permanent residence card has expired, can I still use it as a form of ID along with my passport and drivers license
January 11th, 2013 at 4:02 pm
Hello Patricia,
Your drivers’ license or passport will suffice for identification. If your letter has told you to bring your permanent residence card, you should bring that as well.
Thanks,
Kaytie at Legal Language
January 11th, 2013 at 6:21 pm
Hello Murat,
Since USCIS mails your appointment letter to you, it essentially impossible for the entire process, from application to appointment, to take place within one week. You should call USCIS as soon as possible to find out your options in this scenario.
Good Luck!
Kaytie at Legal Language
January 11th, 2013 at 6:31 pm
I have my biometrics taken on Oct/3/2012 at the same time with my cousin , he already received his work permit and I haven’t receive any answer yet, what should I do? my application is for deferred act!
January 13th, 2013 at 9:42 pm
how long should I spect to be at this appointment?
Jose
January 14th, 2013 at 11:30 am
Hello Margi,
You may want to call USCIS or go to their website to check the status of your case.
Good Luck!
Kaytie at Legal Language
January 14th, 2013 at 11:35 am
Hello Jose,
Generally the appointment itself is very quick–the fingerprints and photo should not take more than a few minutes. However, I cannot tell you if you will be waiting in the office for a long time, so plan accordingly and make sure to be prompt!
Thanks,
Kaytie at Legal Language
January 15th, 2013 at 9:41 pm
Hi!
i applied for green card through marriage, had to fill adjustment of status (form I-485). everything was going ok i had my biometric appointment in november. was waiting for employment authorization. i called the customer service just to check, they say they didn’t receive my biometric fee payment? I never got the notice or anything.ps. my post office sucks so i’m not surprised.They’re asking for 30 days to send me a notice w instructions.( that probably will be lost again) I can’t wait that long. Is there any other way i pay the fee now? Like they can fax me payment info or pay at their local office where i passed my biometrics? the customer service representative seemed completely clueless just reading of the script she had.
January 16th, 2013 at 11:09 am
Hello Irina,
I’m sorry there’s been so much confusion with your payment! I suggest you call the office where you had your biometrics appointment and see if you can pay there. In general, USCIS office accept check or credit card payments, though I am unsure as to their policy on accepting payments for previous apopointments.
Good Luck!
Kaytie at Legal Language
January 16th, 2013 at 6:51 pm
I, my wife, and my son are scheduled to go to USCIS Seattle on Friday to get our Biometrics taken. Is it OK to take our daughter (2yr old, born in US) with us? Is there a risk that USCIS may not let her in?…because she does not have an appointment notice.
January 17th, 2013 at 11:56 am
Hello Oboe,
Thanks for reading, and good question! This should not be a problem, but I suggest that you call your USCIS office to confirm, as policies may vary slightly among different offices.
Good Luck!
Kaytie at Legal Language
January 17th, 2013 at 11:55 pm
Hello, My wife and 13 year old step-daughter are conditional permanent residents. I applied to remove the conditions last year(within the 90 day window). My wife was sent for biometrics immediately after i applied. My step-daughter who is 14 years old now just received her appointment letter last week and needs to go on Tuesday morning the 22nd of January. However, The appointment letter only has her first and middle name on it? All of her other letters and documents from USCIS including her conditional residency card have her full name. I am thinking maybe it is because her name is so long but all of her other papers have her full name. Should i call immigration? or just show up at the appointment with her letter and I.D.? Thank You in advance for your help.
January 18th, 2013 at 10:57 am
Hello Tim,
Yes, calling immigration would be a good idea. It’s always good to double check these things!
Thanks for reading,
Kaytie at Legal Language
January 25th, 2013 at 11:26 pm
I am the petitioner and filed from I-130 for my spouse we were married in Thailand of 2011. Just received a letter for a USCIS Biometrics Appointment for myself the petitioner. Is it normal procedure for the petitioner to have a bio-metrics done and not my spouse in Thailand?? Not make sense to me.
January 28th, 2013 at 11:16 am
Hello JMS,
Thanks for reading!
However, Legal Language cannot give specific legal advice online. Please contact an immigration attorney or call USCIS to discuss this.
Good Luck!
Kaytie at Legal Lamguage
January 28th, 2013 at 2:59 pm
I HAVE MY PASSPORT VALID UNTIL JUNE 18, SO, I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW IF IT IS VALID FOR MY NEXT APPOINTMENT ON FEB 12.
THANK YOU. GOD BLESS YOU.
January 28th, 2013 at 3:13 pm
Hello Magna,
If your passport is valid until June 18 then it is an acceptable form of ID until then. Make sure to bring everything else asked for in your appointment letter (including the letter itself!) and Good Luck!
Thanks for reading,
Kaytie at Legal Language
January 30th, 2013 at 11:30 pm
Im a little confused. Ive gotten my passport and as soon as my english born fiance reaches his 6 months of steady employment in May I will be getting my visa but what I’d like to know is do I skip the tourist visa altogether and just get my spousal visa? Also when should I have my biometrics done? I keep seeing mentions of letters so that leads me to believe the USCIS or whatever it is will tell me when I should get it done but Im not sure. He’s english living in the UK and Im american living in the US. Thanks
January 30th, 2013 at 11:32 pm
P.S We plan to marry in May and I plan to leave the US as soon as all the legalities are fulfilled. Thanks again.
January 31st, 2013 at 1:17 pm
Hello Moon,
Thanks for commenting! However, since every immigration case differs (and especially since yours involves immigrating to the UK, which has a different set of laws than the US), it would be best to direct these questions to an immigration attorney.
Good Luck!
Kaytie at Legal Language
January 31st, 2013 at 10:29 pm
Hi, my husband and I live in Canada, and have filed the paperwork for him to have perm.res. in the US. Are biometrics required, if so WHERE do we go to the appointment, as the ASC only has the united states offices.
Please help! Thanks
February 1st, 2013 at 12:35 pm
Hello Ruth,
Since biometrics requirements vary depending on which form you’ve applied through, and every immigration case differs, your best advice would come from USCIS or an immigration lawyer, both of whom could fully discuss your case with you.
Good Luck!
Kaytie at Legal Language
February 5th, 2013 at 8:12 pm
I was brought to this country by my biological mother as a child, she gave me up for adoption HERE in USA (originally from Mexico), I was adopted and re issued a new birth certificate with my new name, I tried to go to the Mexican consulate to get a matricula(mexican ID) but I was told I couldn’t get one because even though I was born in Mexico I do not have my original birth certificate from Mexico! What do I do? I’ve been told you need a picture ID to get biometrics done!
February 6th, 2013 at 11:50 am
Hello cdelrio,
As every case is different, Legal Language cannot give legal advice online. Please contact USCIS to find out how you should proceed.
Good Luck!
Kaytie at Legal Language
February 7th, 2013 at 1:11 pm
I have just filed my application for citizenship today. How soon can I expect my letter for the biometrics appointment? And how much notice do they give for the actual date? My field office is Baltimore. I need to travel overseas and do not want to miss the date. Any recent experience would be much appreciated. Thanks!
February 7th, 2013 at 1:18 pm
Hi Akliya,
Since these things tend to vary, you’ll get the most accurate answer by calling USCIS.
Good Luck!
Kaytie at Legal Language
February 7th, 2013 at 4:33 pm
They said I should get it within 30 days, but I was hoping to get an anecdotal account from others in Maryland. I thought some of your readers might be able to share what the typical time is nowadays.
February 12th, 2013 at 12:00 pm
Hi, I have filled and filed my I-90 form online for renewal of green card from overseas and am awaiting my appointment for biometrics. My green card will most likely expire by the appointment date. how do I enter the US for the said appointment?
February 12th, 2013 at 6:04 pm
Hello Pranay,
Since every case differs, Legal Language cannot offer legal advice online. Please call USCIS or speak with an immigration attorney for your best information.
Good Luck!
Kaytie at Legal Language
February 20th, 2013 at 5:03 pm
I only have a school I’d I dont have any other kind of photo identicifation. Would that be a problem. My appointment is on the 4th of march
February 20th, 2013 at 6:32 pm
Hello Alondra,
Since every case differs, the best thing to do is call USCIS and find out which supporting documents you will need.
Good Luck!
Kaytie at Legal Language
February 22nd, 2013 at 9:11 pm
Hello I am a permanet resident and lost my wallet which had my social green card and state id..I recently submitted the form I 90 and now waiting for the photo and finger print appt. How am I goin g to go for my biometric appt if I dont have any identification? Please help me!!
February 25th, 2013 at 11:52 am
Hello I applied for citizenship on may 2012 and just got my appointments for biometrics on march 2013, I was arrested on January 2012 for driving with a suspended license, on January 2013 the case was closed, is this issue going to cause my application to be denied. Thanks for your help.
February 25th, 2013 at 6:01 pm
Hello Francisa,
Unfortunately Legal Language is unable to give legal advice online. Your best advice would come from an immigration attorney.
Good Luck!
Kaytie at Legal Language
February 25th, 2013 at 6:06 pm
Hello Samaly,
Legal Language cannot give legal advice online, but I can tell you that you should probably replace those documents as soon as possible.
Good Luck!
Kaytie at Legal Language
March 4th, 2013 at 3:49 pm
I have my biometrics appointment on march 22 cause I’m renewing my resident card I am 18 will I be getting drug tested??
March 5th, 2013 at 11:33 am
Hi Rubi,
Drug testing is not a part of a biometrics appointment, but it may be performed during a medical exam.
Thanks,
Kaytie at Legal Language
March 6th, 2013 at 1:06 pm
Thanks for the feed back so there isn’t anything to worry about when taking my biometrics? When will the medical exam be?
March 6th, 2013 at 6:40 pm
Hi Rubi,
As long as you bring everything you need to your biometrics appointment (read your appointment letter carefully!) there should be nothing to worry about.
Medical exams are required for people who are getting green cards, and you need to schedule this appointment with a Civil Surgeon yourself. USCIS suggests scheduling the medical examination as close as possible to the time you file for adjustment of status, but provide sufficient time for the performance of laboratory testing or additional testing required under CDC’s Technical Instructions. Keep in mind that a medical examination is valid for 12 months.
Good Luck!
Kaytie at Legal Language
March 13th, 2013 at 6:57 pm
Im kind of confuse, my green card expired on June 23rd 2013, I need to fill form I-751 but my question is if I need to pay for the fingerprintsand find a place to do it or if they are included in the biometrics fee we need to pay and they are going to get the fingerprints.Apparently they need 2 completed fingerprints cards(form FD-258) and it says that they must be prepared by a US Embassy or consulate,USCIS Office or US Military installation.
Please help me
Thank you
March 14th, 2013 at 1:40 am
What if yoy do not have a goverment issued ID?
March 14th, 2013 at 5:59 pm
Hello Maria,
Fingerprints are taken at the biometrics appointment, and are covered by the fee. USCIS will receive the fingerprints from there.
Thanks for reading!
Kaytie at Legal Language
March 14th, 2013 at 6:00 pm
Hello Yesenia,
This question is better suited for USCIS or an immigration attorney, either of which can help you figure out what you need to do in your situation for identification.
Good luck!
Kaytie at Legal Language
March 15th, 2013 at 11:37 am
Ok thank you for answer my question, just to verify I just need to send this information correct:
1.Form I-751, Petition to Remove the Conditions on Residence
2.Copy of the Green Card (Front and Back)
3. proof of the relationship
4. Two passport-style photos
5.Ckeck for $590
6.At least 2 people who have known both of you since your conditional residence was granted.
Correct? I dont need to find a place for fingerprints because it will be include in the $85 fee?
Thank you
March 15th, 2013 at 5:43 pm
Maria,
The purpose of a biometrics fee is to pay for biometrics appointments, which USCIS will mail a letter about.
I must stress to you that we can only provide legal information, not legal advice. Therefore while the above article and my previous statements are generally true, any confusion about your specific situation should be directed to USCIS or an immigration attorney.
Good luck!
Kaytie at Legal Language
March 15th, 2013 at 9:27 pm
I have an appointment for my biometrics and my only ID is my passport from my country and is expired, what can I do?
March 18th, 2013 at 8:36 am
i know everyone has been asking, but i don’t see a clear answer. All i have is a Mexican Matricula will that be OK to take as some source of ID?
March 18th, 2013 at 11:08 am
Hello Mar and Joan,
Thanks for reading! However, Legal Language can only offer general information and not specific legal advice. We suggest that you call USCIS and ask what would be acceptable in your situations.
Good Luck!
Kaytie at Legal Language
March 18th, 2013 at 1:34 pm
Can my wife attend my appointment with me? She is a U.S. citizen.
March 18th, 2013 at 5:44 pm
Hi William,
I suggest you call the office where your appointment is, as this may vary depending upon location.
Good Luck!
Kaytie at Legal Language
March 22nd, 2013 at 3:42 pm
I have an appointment for my biometrics and the only id is my consulate with my old last name. But the thing is I got marry and I now have my husband last name. Should I take my wedding certificate? Or would that be a problem??
April 11th, 2013 at 1:42 pm
hi please help… i change my name because i got married, i filed I-90 and i have biometric appt. in 2weeks, i have a scheduled cruise in September 2013, Any idea how long will it take till i get my green card? after biometrics appt.
Thanks
April 16th, 2013 at 11:53 am
Hello, I am a USA citizen living in the US, but moving to London to get my Masters. I know that I need to get my biometrics testing done, but I cannot figure out how to make an appointment. Help!!! Thanks!
April 17th, 2013 at 11:53 am
Hi got a biometrics testing on the 25 and my greedcard carry my dad name and my state carry my ex husband name will it be a problem?
April 20th, 2013 at 7:40 pm
I was brought to this country when I was 3 months with a visa. My green card expire but I sent my I-90 and received an appointment for biometrics. I was convicted of a felony 5 years ago. Will my application be denied?
April 22nd, 2013 at 10:33 am
Hello Saiffarouk,
Unfortunately Legal Language cannot give specific legal advice online, we can only give general information. Please talk to an immigration lawyer about the details of your situation.
Good luck,
Kaytie at Legal Language
May 2nd, 2013 at 10:38 pm
Hi,
I have a Biometric appointment with USCIS for UK Visa at New York Center. Can I carry my State Id for this or is it mandatory to carry Passport? My Appointment letter says that I should carry a passport
Thanks,
Shalini
May 3rd, 2013 at 1:20 pm
Hello Shalini,
We have posted general guidelines on this site, but you should follow the instructions specifically given to you by USCIS. You may want to call the office where your appointment is being held to see whether or not they will accept other ID.
Good luck,
Kaytie at Legal Language
May 9th, 2013 at 11:42 am
Hi!
I live in GEORGIA with my spouse who is a citizen. I applied for green card through marriage, had to fill adjustment of status (form I-485). I think everything is going okay. i have my biometrics apt this may 21. My spouse and I, have to move from GEORGIA to CALIFORNIA in June 15th. We do not know when i will receive the employment authorisation. so we don’t know what to do. Can you tell me when could i receive the employment authorisaion? thank you for your help.
May 10th, 2013 at 5:34 pm
Hello Wilia,
I would hate to give you misinformation, and since every case differs it would be in your best interest to call the USCIS office and ask if they could give you a estimate on that.
Good luck,
Kaytie at Legal Language
May 19th, 2013 at 12:11 am
I renewed my permanent resident alien card online and was scheduled a biometric appointment. Should I also expect a medical exam? This is my first renewal.
May 20th, 2013 at 10:15 am
Hi Dede,
You can read more about the USCIS medical exam here.
Good luck,
Kaytie at Legal Language
May 23rd, 2013 at 3:24 pm
Hi Kaytie,
I was suppose to have my biometrics on May 22,2013 at 10:00am. My return flight from Germany got so delayed that I came home same day at 10:20pm.
Aside from mailing back the original for a new appointment, is there a way to contact the application support center and have the re-schedule thru them? The center is a few miles away from where I live.
May 23rd, 2013 at 4:11 pm
Hi Eric,
You should call the application support center–I assume there is a phone number on your appointment letter.
-Kaytie at Legal Language