The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is embracing technological advancements to improve service delivery. On June 28, the USCIS unveiled a groundbreaking feature on its platform: an online self-service tool for rescheduling biometric services appointments. This innovative tool, accessible on my.uscis.gov, is designed to facilitate a more efficient appointment management process for benefit requestors, along with their attorneys and accredited representatives.
As part of the broader agenda towards enhancing federal customer service and rebuilding public trust in government, this online tool signifies USCIS’ dedication to implementing modern solutions. USCIS’ actions align with the Executive Order on Transforming Federal Customer Experience and Service Delivery to Rebuild Trust in Government Mandates (EO 14058).
Available for both paper- and online-filed benefit requests, the online appointment rescheduling tool is easy to use. Individuals with a valid reason, or “good cause,” for needing to reschedule must first create a USCIS online account (unless they already have one). After logging into the system on my.uscis.gov, users:
– Choose the Biometric Rescheduling option
– Follow the prompts to select a new appointment date/time and/or location
– Opt to receive confirmation via email or SMS message
– Print the new appointment notice to bring to the application support center (ASC)
On arrival at the ASC, each individual should present their printed new appointment notice and valid, unexpired photo identification. This could be a Permanent Resident Card (also known as a Green Card), passport, driver’s license, or another USCIS-authorized identity document. In the case of multiple biometric services appointment notices, all should be brought to the ASC appointment. As per EOIR requirements, ASCs cannot accept electronic copies of appointment notices.
To define what qualifies as a “good cause” to reschedule, USCIS has updated its policy manual. Some acceptable reasons include illness or medical appointments, planned travel, significant life events (e.g., weddings, funerals, graduation ceremonies), inability to secure transportation or leave from work, caregiver responsibilities, or a late or undelivered biometric services appointment notice.
Nevertheless, in certain circumstances, such as requests within 12 hours of the original appointment, multiple rescheduling attempts, missed appointments, or technical issues with the tool, individuals will still need to reach out to the USCIS Contact Center.
In efforts to familiarize applicants and interested parties with the new system, USCIS is planning to conduct outreach activities.
For a more comprehensive understanding of the policy guidance, visit the Policy Manual Update.
If you or your family members have any questions about how immigration and nationality laws in the United States may affect you, or if you want to access additional information about immigration and nationality laws in the United States or Canada, please don’t hesitate to contact the immigration and nationality lawyers at NPZ Law Group. You can reach us by emailing info@visaserve.com or by calling us at 201-670-0006 extension 104. We also invite you to visit our website at www.visaserve.com for more information.
USCIS link: https://www.uscis.gov/newsroom/news-releases/uscis-launches-online-rescheduling-of-biometrics-appointments