What is a Biometrics (Fingerprint) Appointment? What Should You Do?

By Ergul Celiksoy, Immigration Attorney at CK Law Firm

The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) collects biometric data from individuals applying for visas, Green Cards, or citizenship for identity verification purposes. This data includes applicants’ fingerprints, photographs, and signatures. Biometric data is used for security checks and identity verification, ensuring that the application is securely and accurately processed. The biometrics appointment is one of the mandatory steps in the immigration application process, and without completing this appointment, your application cannot be processed. Attending this appointment on time is essential for a smooth application process. In this article, we will provide information about the biometrics appointment:

• Preparations for the Biometrics Appointment
• What Happens During the Biometrics Appointment?
• Post-Appointment Process

If you have any questions beyond these, please do not hesitate to contact me via the comments section below, send a message directly through LinkedIn, or reach out via the website of CK Law Firm, where I am a co-founder.

Preparations for the Biometrics Appointment

Preparing for the biometrics appointment is a critical step in the application process. The Appointment Notice (I-797C Form) sent by USCIS is an official document that contains all the details about your appointment. Carefully review this document and ensure you attend on the specified date. The basic documents you should bring to your appointment are:

• Appointment Notice: You must bring this letter from USCIS to your appointment, as it is a fundamental requirement for identity verification.
• Valid Identification: You should present a valid ID such as a passport, driver’s license, or an ID card issued by the U.S. government. USCIS will require this document to verify your identity.
• Additional Documents: In some cases, USCIS may request additional documents. These may vary depending on your application type or current status. For instance, if there is missing information in your application, you may be asked to provide extra documents to complete it.

It is very important to arrive on time. USCIS schedules appointments on a strict timeline, and delays can cause significant disruptions to your application. If you cannot attend the appointment, you must request a new appointment officially and as soon as possible.

What Happens During the Biometrics Appointment?

During the biometrics appointment, USCIS officers collect various biometric data from the applicant to complete identity verification. This process is generally quick, and the applicant is asked to perform a few basic tasks. The procedures during the biometrics appointment include:

• Fingerprinting: The applicant’s fingerprints from both hands are collected. Fingerprints are one of the most important biometric data used for identity verification and security checks.
• Photo: A passport-style photo of the applicant is taken and recorded in the USCIS system. This photo is used on identification documents and helps USCIS recognize the applicant during the application process.
• Signature: After collecting the biometric data, the applicant may be asked to provide a signature. The signature is added to the application file as part of the identity verification process.

Once these procedures are complete, the appointment ends, and the applicant can return to their daily activities. The appointment process usually takes about 15-30 minutes and aims to provide applicants with a comfortable experience.

For a professional impression, choosing appropriate clothing is recommended. Since USCIS will take your photo, it is advisable to wear clean and neat clothing. Additionally, avoid wearing accessories that cover your face (such as hats, large glasses, etc.) to ensure a proper photograph.

Post-Appointment Process

After the biometrics appointment is completed, USCIS continues to process your application. The collected biometric data is shared with security agencies like the FBI for background checks. During this stage, it will be investigated whether the applicant has a criminal record or poses any security risks. If no issues arise during the security checks, the application moves to the next stage.

If a problem is identified during the security checks, USCIS will inform the applicant and provide instructions on the necessary steps to address the issue. However, failing to attend the appointment or going without the required documents can result in the denial of your application or significant delays. Therefore, the biometrics appointment is crucial and should be carefully followed.

If you cannot attend your appointment, you can contact USCIS to request a new one. During this process, you must explain why you could not attend the appointment and schedule a new date. It is also important to follow the procedures set by USCIS when making a new appointment request.

Finally, the biometrics appointment is a critical step in your immigration application, and completing this process smoothly will positively impact your application’s approval. Preparing the necessary documents completely, attending the appointment on time, and adhering to USCIS officials’ requests are essential for the success of your application.

For professional support, detailed information, and consultation during your application process, feel free to contact us at cklawfirm.org, via email at info@cklawfirm.org, or through LinkedIn.

Who is Attorney Ergül Çeliksoy?

Attorney Dr. Ergül Çeliksoy is a founding partner of CK Law Firm and also serves as an Assistant Professor of Law at the University of Nottingham. With extensive experience in U.S. immigration law, Dr. Çeliksoy completed a Master’s degree in international law and human rights law at the University of Nottingham in 2017, followed by a Ph.D. at the same university. His Ph.D., completed in 2022 at the University of Nottingham School of Law, marked a significant milestone in his academic career. Dr. Çeliksoy has published extensively in leading academic journals and is internationally recognized for his expertise in modern slavery, criminal justice, and criminal law. As a member of the California Bar, Dr. Çeliksoy offers exceptional service to his clients, particularly in U.S. immigration law cases. His expertise and experience in immigration law significantly contribute to CK Law Firm’s work in this area.

Dr. Çeliksoy provides comprehensive and strategic solutions to his clients in immigration law cases, helping secure their legal status in the U.S. His work on human rights and immigration processes, particularly in modern slavery and criminal law, effectively addresses the complex legal issues immigrants face. Dr. Çeliksoy reinforces CK Law Firm’s leadership in immigration law by offering reliable and effective legal consulting services to his clients, helping them build new lives in the United States.