Once you submit your N-400 form to apply for US citizenship, your next step is to schedule a biometrics appointment. Everyone over 14 who applies for an immigration benefit in the US must go through this step, including those applying for citizenship, a green card, a work permit, or any other immigration benefit.
The FBI uses the information collected during the appointment to check your background. Based on what they find, they’ll decide whether you can move forward with your case. I understand that this biometrics appointment may sound intimidating, especially if you’re applying for citizenship and don’t know what to expect.
But don’t worry, it’s not as serious as it sounds. To help ease your mind, we’re breaking down exactly what to expect at a citizenship biometrics appointment so you can feel confident and prepared.
This article focuses on the biometrics appointment during the naturalization process. But even if you’re going through a different type of immigration case, this information can still be helpful since the steps are usually the same for everyone.
What to Expect at a Biometrics Appointment for Citizenship
The biometrics appointment is one of the easiest steps in the naturalization process. During this appointment, USCIS will take your fingerprints, photo, and digital signature. That’s basically all you have to do!
The purpose here is to check your criminal background in the US and internationally. It’s not an interview, and no one will ask you difficult questions. It’s simply a data collection appointment.
Once USCIS collects your fingerprints, they are sent electronically to the FBI. The FBI will check them against their records to see if you have been involved in any crimes in the US, such as arrests, convictions, or open investigations. They also check for any immigration issues or unresolved problems you may have had. The goal is to ensure that you are not a risk to the country and have not broken any serious immigration laws in the past.
So, if you’ve ever had legal trouble, even for something minor, or if you’ve had immigration violations, it’s best to talk to an immigration attorney before your biometrics appointment. Even better, consult one before sending in your application. Some offenses can affect your eligibility for citizenship, and you don’t want to find that out halfway through the process.
And no, you should not expect a blood or DNA test at your citizenship biometrics appointment. You can relax. Those kinds of tests are only requested in particular situations. For example, if you’re applying based on a family relationship, but there isn’t enough proof that you’re related.
When is your biometrics appointment?
After you submit your N-400 form, USCIS will mail you an appointment notice called Form I-797C. This notice will list your appointment’s exact date, time, and location.
Most people receive this notice four to eight weeks after submitting their citizenship application. So, if you’ve already submitted your N-400, keep an eye on your mailbox during that time.
What should you do if you can’t make it to your biometrics appointment?
If you cannot attend your appointment for any reason, you must notify USCIS immediately. They can reschedule it, but you must officially request it. How do you do that? You can call the USCIS Contact Center at 800-375-5283. They are available Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time. Or you can make the request through your USCIS online account.
However, don’t expect rescheduling your biometrics appointment for citizenship to be as simple as moving a doctor’s appointment or canceling a dinner reservation. USCIS requires a valid reason, and they don’t accept just any excuse.
It must be something serious and provable. For example, a significant illness (yours or a close family member’s), a medical emergency, or the death of a loved one. If your reason isn’t strong enough, they might deny your request.
Also, make sure you ask to reschedule well in advance. Don’t wait until the last minute. And whatever you do, don’t skip the appointment without saying anything. That could hurt your case. USCIS might think you’re no longer interested in pursuing citizenship and could delay or deny your application.
How long does the biometrics appointment take?
The appointment itself is quick. It usually takes about 15 to 20 minutes. But you may have to wait beforehand, depending on how many people are scheduled that day. Do not expect anyone at your biometrics appointment to explain the details of your citizenship process or provide case-specific advice. The staff does not have access to your file.
In fact, the people who take your fingerprints and photo usually don’t work directly for USCIS. They’re hired just to collect your biometrics. So, if you have questions about your case, this isn’t the best place to ask.
What should you bring to your biometrics appointment for citizenship?
As you probably expected, you must bring documents to your citizenship biometrics appointment. But don’t worry; it’s not as long as other parts of the process.
Here’s what to bring to uscis biometrics appointment:
- The ASC appointment notice (Form I-797C).
- A valid photo ID, such as a driver’s license, Green Card, or passport
- Your green card (if you’re a permanent resident).
- Any other document that USCIS asked for in the appointment notice.
If you’re not sure what to bring, don’t worry. The appointment notice will tell you precisely what you need. Just make sure you check it carefully so you don’t forget anything.
If you don’t speak English, you may bring an interpreter. You may also get a family member, attorney, or accredited representative.
What happens after the biometrics appointment for citizenship?
Once the staff takes your fingerprints, photo, and signature, they’ll stamp your appointment notice as proof that you showed up. Don’t leave without that stamp, it confirms your attendance, and you might need it later if there’s ever a problem with your record.
Sometimes, you might get a second notice for another biometrics appointment later. If that happens, don’t panic. It usually just means the fingerprints weren’t clear enough, and they need to retake them. It can also happen if your biometrics are no longer valid. USCIS only keeps these records for 15 months. So, if your application takes longer than that to process, it’s normal to be called back.
Now, if everything goes well and there are no legal issues, the next step is a good one: USCIS will send you another notice with the date, time, and place for your citizenship interview and test. You can usually expect that notice 1 to 4 months after your biometrics appointment.
Learn more: How long is the US Naturalization Process?
Summing up..
And that’s everything you should know about what to expect at biometrics appointments for citizenship. Like I said earlier, it’s not a big deal. Most people are in and out in about 30 minutes. But even though it’s a simple step, it’s a crucial one. Your naturalization process can’t move forward if you don’t show up.