What to Expect at Your Biometrics Appointment

Part of the application process for work permits, citizenship, permanent resident status (Green Card), or a green card renewal is a biometrics appointment. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) requires applicants to seek benefits associated with U.S. immigration. The phrase “biometrics appointment” sounds cold, sterile, and a bit scary. The truth of the matter is, however, that your biometrics appointment is nothing to fear and is simply a standard process. Here, we will go over more of what you can expect at your biometrics appointment.

What can I expect at my biometrics appointment?

The term “biometrics” refers to the unique physical traits and other traits of a person that can be both detected and recorded in order to verify his or her identity. In terms of a USCIS biometrics appointment, this means USCIS will need a photograph of you, fingerprints, and your signature. The biometrics USCIS gathers for a person works to help USCIS confirm the person’s identity, allow a criminal background check to be conducted, and helps ensure that the correct individual is receiving the benefits granted by USCIS.

After filing your completed application with USCIS, your biometrics appointment will be scheduled at a local application support center (ASC). USCIS has the authority to both require and collect biometrics data from any applicant or petitioner, as well as any sponsor, beneficiary, or someone else seeking an immigration or naturalization benefit. USCIS will send you a notice of your appointment that will detail its date, time, and location.

To be clear, the biometrics appointment is not an interview. It is a means of collecting data necessary to verify your identity and allow USCIS to run a comprehensive criminal background check on you before any immigration benefits are conferred. To prepare for your USCIS biometrics appointment, you should review the appointment notice in full. The appointment notice will also set forth a list of items that you will need to bring to the appointment. Be sure to gather these items prior to your appointment.

At the appointment, you will need to have a valid form of photo identification. Documents that are generally accepted for this purpose include:

  • Permanent resident card (Green Card)
  • Passport
  • National photo identification issued by your country of origin
  • Driver’s license
  • Military photo identification
  • State-issued photo identification card

You will need to present your photo identification at your appointment. When you present yourself for your USCIS biometrics appointment, your fingerprints, photograph, and your signature will all be digitally captured via a LiveScan machine. Before signing your name, you will be asked by USCIS to read a statement that asks you to attest to the truth of the statement relating to the fact that your application, petition, or request as well as all supporting documentation and evidence submitted to USCIS is true, correct, and complete.

Immigration Law Attorneys

If you should have any questions or need more information about the ways in which the U.S. Immigration and Nationality Laws may impact you, your family, your friends or your colleagues, please contact the U.S. Immigration and Nationality Lawyers at the NPZ Law Group – VISASERVE – U.S. Immigration and Nationality Lawyers by e-mailing us at info@visaserve.com or by calling us at 201-670-0006 (x104). You can also visit our Law Firm’s website at www.visaserve.com.