Biometrics appointment in the USA — what to expect, what to bring, how long it lasts

Biometrics appointment (in Polish: wizyta biometryczna) is a standard step in almost every USCIS case. It takes place at the Application Support Center (ASC) — this is not a field office and there is no adjudication there. They only collect your biometric data.

What exactly is it

USCIS collects three things:

1. Fingerprints (odciski palców) — all 10 fingers, electronically
2. Photo (zdjęcie) — frontal portrait, white background
3. Signature (podpis) — electronically, on a tablet

The data goes to the FBI background check and is also used for printing the Green Card / EAD / Naturalization Certificate.

Who must undergo biometrics

Practically every USCIS applicant:

• Green Card applicants (I-485, I-130 beneficiaries)
• Naturalization (N-400)
• EAD (work authorization, I-765)
• Advance Parole / Travel Document (I-131)
• Asylum (I-589)
• U/T visas, VAWA
• I-90 (renew/replace Green Card) — sometimes reused, sometimes new biometrics

Exception: individuals under 14 years old and over 79 years old may be exempt from fingerprints (depends on the type of case). Photo and signature are still collected.

Reused biometrics — without a new appointment

Since 2021, USCIS has increasingly been "reusing" previous biometrics. If:

• You have biometrics from a previous case
• The data is less than 15 years old
• There have not been dramatic changes (your face, fingerprints)

USCIS may waive the appointment. You will then receive a notice "Biometrics will be reused" instead of an appointment notice.

When will you receive the notice

Typical timeline:

1. Filing the application (day 0)
2. Receipt Notice (~2-4 weeks) — Form I-797
3. Biometrics Notice (~1-3 months after receipt) — letter by mail with date and location of ASC
4. Biometrics appointment (~2-6 weeks after notice)

Some offices are faster than others. Check processing times: USCIS Processing Times.

Where it takes place — ASC

Application Support Center (ASC). This is not a field office — just a biometric center.

Locations (examples):

• NYC area: Federal Plaza Manhattan, Brooklyn (Bay Ridge), Long Island City
• Chicago area: Naperville, downtown Chicago
• NJ: Hackensack, Newark, Mt. Laurel
• Boston: downtown
• LA: Westminster, Los Angeles
• San Francisco: South San Francisco

Full list of ASC: USCIS Office Locator (filter for "Application Support Center").

What to bring — checklist

1. Biometrics Notice (I-797C) — printed. Required for entry. Without this, you will not be admitted.
2. Photo ID — typically:
   • Passport (best)
   • U.S. driver's license
   • State ID
   • Green Card (if renewing/naturalizing)
   • Old EAD card
3. Receipt Notice of the original case (bonus, sometimes requested)
4. Passport if it was not your primary ID document

DO NOT bring:

• Phone (you must turn it off before entering)
• Excessive jewelry (makes photo difficult)
• Hats (must be removed)
• Sunglasses (must be removed)
• Weapons / dangerous items

What the visit looks like — step by step

Arrival

• Arrive 15 minutes early — security check takes time
• Metal detector, bag inspection
• Check in at the window, show notice + ID
• You wait in the waiting area — you will be called by name or number

At the biometrics window

1. Photo — you will stand in front of the camera. Look straight, neutral expression, no smiling. Takes 30 seconds.
2. Fingerprints — you will place your hand on the scanner. First 4 fingers of each hand, then thumbs, then each finger individually. ~5 minutes.
3. Signature — on an electronic tablet. Your usual signature, the same as on documents.
4. Data verification — the staff will confirm your name, surname, date of birth, country of birth, A-Number.

Stamp on notice

The staff stamps your notice as proof of attendance. Keep this — it is proof that biometrics were completed.

The whole process takes ~15-30 minutes

Plus waiting (15-60 minutes depending on the crowd at ASC).

What to wear

• Normally, neatly — this is not an interview, but do not go in pajamas
• No hats, sunglasses (for the photo)
• If you wear a hijab/turban for religious reasons — OK, USCIS accepts
• Avoid white shirt on a white background (contrast)

What after biometrics

• FBI background check — 1-4 weeks
• The result returns to USCIS
• The case moves to the next stage (decision or interview)
• You can expect the next notice (interview or approval) in 1-12 months

Rescheduling the appointment

If you cannot attend on the scheduled date:

Method 1: my.uscis.gov

• Login → find your case → "Reschedule appointment"
• Select a different date online

Method 2: USCIS Contact Center

• Phone: 1-800-375-5283
• "I need to reschedule my biometrics appointment"
• Provide receipt number

Method 3: Walk-in

Some ASCs accept walk-ins 1-2 weeks before your appointment (not after). You may be admitted, but sometimes you wait a long time. Take the risk if you are leaving.

No-show for biometrics

DO NOT do this. Consequences:

• USCIS may deny the case (denial)
• Or issue a second notice with a fee
• Or order "abandonment of application"
• Worst case: the case is closed, you lose the fee ($1,000+)

If you cannot — reschedule, do not ignore.

Special situations

No fingers / amputation

USCIS uses "Special handling" — they will take a photo and collect other biometrics (facial, ocular).

Disability

ASC is wheelchair accessible. You can request accommodation at check-in — call ahead.

Interpreter

You can come with an interpreter (family, friend), but USCIS staff are usually bilingual (Spanish, sometimes Polish in Polish community areas).

Child

Children under 14 years: photo + signature (if they can write). No fingerprints typically.

Can biometrics be denied?

"Negative" biometrics in the sense of denial = YES, but rarely:

• FBI background hit — prior criminal conviction, deportation, fraud, terrorism
• Unreadable fingerprints — sometimes a problem, they may ask again
• Mismatch with previous data — if a different A-Number, different data

If the FBI finds something suspicious, the case goes into "extended review" — it can take months.

Common mistakes

1. No biometrics notice at entry — you will not be admitted
2. No ID — you go home
3. Late more than 15 minutes — often you will not be served
4. Not informing USCIS about rescheduling — no-show = denial
5. No signature if underage (parent must sign)
6. Name change without updating — report AR-11 or additional document
7. Bringing a phone inside (security will take it and return it later)

Official links

• USCIS — Preparing for Biometrics
• USCIS Office Locator (ASC)
• my.uscis.gov — Reschedule
• Processing Times

Related: [[konto-uscis-online-jak-zalozyc-krok-po-kroku]] · [[jak-dziala-uscis-przewodnik-dla-imigrantow]] · [[jak-sprawdzic-status-sprawy-uscis]]