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What happens if I miss my biometrics appointment?

By January 24, 2024January 25th, 2024Family Immigration
biometrics appointment

For certain types of immigration petitions, such as if you are adjusting status in the U.S., you will first have to attend a biometrics appointment before USCIS can approve your petition.

What is a biometrics appointment?

This is an appointment at a local USCIS Application Support Center, where you will have to provide your fingerprints, photograph, and your signature. This will allow USCIS to conduct the required background and security checks before your application is approved.

USCIS does not offer the option to choose appointment dates. Dates will be assigned depending on the ASC’s availability and is on a first come first served basis. USCIS will notify applicants of their appointment dates through mailing the appointment notice.

How important is it to attend a biometrics appointment?

It’s very important. The application cannot be approved until the biometrics is completed. Not attending the biometrics or rescheduling in time will result in denial of the application as USCIS will deem the application as abandoned.

What if I can’t make my biometrics appointment date?

If the date of your appointment has not passed yet, biometrics appointments can be rescheduled online on the applicant’s USCIS account. Once USCIS receives the request, they will assign another date further out in the future. The online function can only be used to reschedule an appointment twice. If the applicant has to reschedule more than twice, the appointment has to be rescheduled by calling USCIS’ customer service number, 1 (800) 375-5283.

What if I missed my biometrics appointment?

Missing biometrics can happen due to delayed or lost mail. In the case where the original biometrics appointment date has already passed, USCIS will no longer allow rescheduling online. USCIS will only reschedule missed biometrics appointments through their customer service number at 1 (800) 375-5283. While calling USCIS, let the automated voice messaging system know that you missed your appointment, the system will transfer you to an officer. The officer will ask for the reason for missing the appointment and then the request will be transferred to a special department to review rescheduling requests. Only when the request is approved will another appointment be scheduled.

Another thing applicants who have missed their appointments can try is going to the ACS center in person and asking the officers if you can make up the appointment. The officers have no obligation to allow missed appointments in but will sometimes allow one depending on whether the center has availability. Going to the ACS center to try can be the first thing to try after missing an appointment. If the officers will not allow a make up appointment, it’s beneficial to call USCIS as soon as possible. A delayed reschedule request can result in the application being denied due to abandonment.

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