A BiometricsFingerprints, a photograph and a signature collected at a USCIS Application Support Center for background checks.See it in the glossary appointment is where USCIS collects fingerprints, a photograph and a signature for background checks and card production. Missing it can have serious consequences: USCIS generally treats a missed appointment as abandonment and may deny the case. There are ways to avoid that, and sometimes to recover.
The rule
According to the USCIS Policy Manual chapter on biometrics, USCIS considers a benefit request abandoned and denied if the applicant fails to appear, unless by the appointment time USCIS has received a change of address or a reschedule request that warrants excusing the absence. The underlying regulation is at 8 CFR 103.2(b)(13). AsylumProtection granted to a person already in the United States or at a port of entry who meets the definition of a refugee and cannot safely return to their country.See it in the glossary applicants are treated differently, with dismissal or referral rather than abandonment denial.
Rescheduling before the appointment
You may ask to reschedule before the date and time of the appointment, for good cause. The Policy Manual lists examples of sufficient reasons:
- illness, a medical appointment or hospitalization;
- previously planned travel;
- significant life events such as a wedding, funeral or graduation;
- inability to get transportation to the location;
- inability to get leave from work or caregiving; and
- a notice that arrived late or not at all.
Requests are generally made through the USCIS online account or by calling the USCIS Contact Center. Keep a record of the request and any confirmation.
If you already missed it
USCIS may consider a late reschedule request while the case is still pending. The decision is discretionary, and the Policy Manual says USCIS looks at how long it has been since the missed appointment, whether the reason is sufficient, and whether a denial would cause undue hardship. Act quickly: the longer the gap, the weaker the request.
If the notice went to an old address
Before denying for abandonment, USCIS checks the record for a change of address. If the applicant timely reported a new address and the notice went to the old one, USCIS reschedules. This is one reason reporting a move within 10 days matters. See moving while a case is pending.
If the case was denied
A denial for abandonment generally cannot be appealed, but you may be able to file a Motion to reopenA request asking an immigration judge or the Board of Immigration Appeals to reopen a case after a decision so new facts or evidence can be considered. As a general rule it must be filed within 90 days of the final order, and only one is generally allowed, with exceptions set out in INA 240(c)(7) and the regulations.See it in the glossary showing that you did not abandon the case, for example because the notice was never received or because you did request rescheduling in time. Otherwise, refiling may be the practical option. See what happens if USCIS denies a case.
What to bring to the appointment
- The appointment notice.
- Valid photo identification, such as a passport or government ID. Permanent residents bring their green card.
- Any other documents listed in the notice.
Arrive on time. Some application support centers accept walk-ins earlier than the scheduled date, but that is at the center’s discretion, not a right.
Biometrics and travel
Applicants planning international travel should watch for biometrics notices, especially for re-entry permits, which usually require biometrics before departure. See time outside the U.S. with a green card.
Biometrics fees
Under the 2024 fee rule, most forms no longer have a separate biometrics fee because it is included in the filing fee, with some exceptions. A separate fee tied to certain Cap-subject and cap-exempt (H-1B)The H-1B category has an annual limit of 65,000 new visas or statuses per fiscal year, plus 20,000 more for people with a U.S. master's degree or higher. Petitions counted toward that limit are cap-subject. Petitions from higher education institutions, their related or affiliated nonprofits, and nonprofit or governmental research organizations are cap-exempt.See it in the glossary and L-1 cases is discussed in our report on the 9-11 fee. Check the fee schedule.
Checking the appointment notice
Biometrics notices list the date, time and application support center. Check the notice as soon as it arrives, and log in to your USCIS online account regularly, since many notices now appear there too. If the notice arrives after the appointment date, say so in any reschedule request, since a late or undelivered notice is recognized as a sufficient reason.
Reusing biometrics
USCIS sometimes reuses previously collected biometrics for certain applications, in which case no new appointment is scheduled. Whether reuse applies is USCIS’s decision. If you receive a notice, attend it.
Accessibility and accommodations
Applicants who need accommodations because of a disability can request them for biometrics appointments. USCIS also has procedures for applicants who cannot provide fingerprints for medical reasons. Make requests before the appointment so arrangements can be made.
Biometrics for children
Biometrics requirements depend on the form and the applicant’s age. Parents should check each child’s notice separately, since children in the same family may receive different instructions.
After the appointment
Keep the stamped appointment notice as proof of attendance. If USCIS later says you did not appear, that notice is the best evidence you did.
Quick checklist
- Open every USCIS notice promptly and check the online account.
- If you cannot attend, request a reschedule before the appointment and state the reason.
- Keep proof of the request.
- If you missed it, request a new appointment immediately and explain why.
- If the case was denied, review motion and refiling options quickly. See options after a denial.
Applicants who plan ahead rarely lose a case over biometrics. The problems usually come from notices that were never opened or went to an old address.
Common questions
Can I reschedule biometrics more than once?
Rescheduling is at USCIS’s discretion and requires good cause each time. Repeated requests may be scrutinized.
Will missing biometrics affect my immigration record?
A denial for abandonment becomes part of your record. It is not the same as a finding of ineligibility, but it can create gaps in status if your stay depended on the application.
Can someone else attend for me?
No. Biometrics must be collected in person from the applicant.
I am outside the U.S. Can I do biometrics abroad?
USCIS biometrics generally happen at U.S. application support centers. Some international arrangements exist for specific forms, but most applicants must be in the United States.