After you file your application, petition, or request, we will schedule your biometric services appointment at a local Application Support Center (ASC) if you need to provide your fingerprints, photograph, and/or signature. We have the general authority to require and collect biometrics from any applicant, petitioner, sponsor, beneficiary, or other individual residing in the United States for any immigration and naturalization benefit. See 8 CFR 103.2 (b)(9).
Your appointment notice (Form I-797C, Notice of Action) will include the date, time, and location for your ASC appointment. The biometrics you provide during your ASC appointment allow us to confirm your identity and run required background and security checks.
You may obtain a copy of your own FBI identification record using the procedures outlined in 28 CFR 16.32. The procedures to change, correct, or update your FBI identification record are outlined in 28 CFR 16.34. For additional information, please visit the Identity History Summary Checks and Privacy Act Statement pages on the FBI’s website.
WHAT TO BRING TO YOUR FINGERPRINT APPOINTMENT
Your attorney or an accredited representative does not need to go with you to the biometrics (“fingerprints”) appointment, even if they submitted your application, petition, or request to USCIS. Your notice will provide specific instructions on what you should bring to your ASC appointment.
You must also bring:
- Your ASC appointment notice (Form I-797C). If you received multiple biometrics appointment notices, please bring all notices to your appointment at the application support center; and
- Valid photo identification (such as your Green Card, passport, or driver’s license)
We recommend that you print or save a copy of your completed application, petition, or request for your records. We also recommend that you review this copy before you come to your ASC appointment. We cannot provide you with a copy at your appointment.
Rescheduling Appointments
If you are unable to attend your scheduled biometric services appointment for good cause, you may request to reschedule your appointment by calling the USCIS Contact Center at 800-375-5283 (TTY 800-767-1833). You must make your request before the date and time of the original appointment, and you must establish good cause for rescheduling. If you fail to call before your scheduled appointment or fail to establish good cause, USCIS may not reschedule your ASC appointment. If we do not reschedule your appointment, we will consider your application, petition, or request abandoned and, as a result, it may be denied.
If you need to change your address, please follow the instructions provided on our website.
If you have a serious ongoing medical condition and you cannot leave your home/hospital, you may request a mobile biometrics/homebound appointment by following the instructions in the Notice for People with Disabilities section of your appointment notice.
If you need to reschedule your appointment because you feel sick please follow the instructions above.
CONTACTING USCIS TO RESCHEDULE YOUR APPOINTMENT
If you are unable to attend your appointment for any reason you MUST contact USCIS to reschedule your appointment to avoid delaying or harming your immigration case. You can do this online by using the USCIS website to make a Service Request but you should also call the toll free number (1-800-375-5283) to reschedule in addition to doing it online.
For general information and to find the ASC closest to you, see the USCIS Service and Office Locator webpage. You can also call the USCIS Contact Center at 800-375-5283 (TTY 800-767-1833). Representatives are available to help in English and Spanish.
After submitting a service request online you should print or save a copy of the confirmation page showing you submitted a request and the confirmation number of your request. It is important that you write down your Service Request Number and the name and identification number of the USCIS representative that you speak to when you call. If they don’t automatically provide you with that information, which they should, then you should ask them for it. USCIS will often mark you down as failing to appear if you call to reschedule too soon before the appointment, but if you have this proof that you did reschedule then it will not be a problem and they will simply reschedule the appointment or tell you that you can go any time in the next two weeks.
INFORMATION ABOUT YOUR LOCAL SERVICE CENTER
You can find information about the Service Center location that you have been scheduled to appear at for your biometrics appointment by searching the USCIS Service and Office Locator.
Source: USCIS Tips For Preparing for Your Biometrics Appointment