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EXPLAINER · EVERY RULE QUOTED FROM AN OFFICIAL SOURCE · CHECKED OCTOBER 18, 2026

Biometrics appointment

What the USCIS biometric services appointment is, what USCIS says to bring, what happens there, and how rescheduling works.

"Biometrics" here means fingerprints, a photograph and a signature. When USCIS needs them after a filing, it schedules an appointment at a local Application Support Center (ASC).[1]

For green card applicants, this step comes after Form I-485 is filed.[2]

Why USCIS collects them

USCIS uses biometrics to confirm identity and run background and security checks.[3]

  • For a work permit application (Form I-765), the same biometrics are used to make the card.[4]
  • USCIS says it has broad authority to collect biometrics for any immigration benefit.[5]

The appointment notice

The notice is Form I-797C, and it gives the date, time and place.[6]

USCIS says the notice itself lists what to bring, and names two items to bring in every case.[7]

  • The appointment notice, or every notice if more than one arrived.[8]
  • Valid photo identification.[9]

An attorney or accredited representative does not have to attend.[10]

Weapons are not allowed in any USCIS building.[11]

What happens there

Biometrics are taken on machines built for that purpose.[12]

  • The digital signature is a sworn statement that the filing was complete, true and correct when it was filed.[13]
  • For green card applicants, USCIS says not signing that acknowledgment, or missing the appointment without properly asking to reschedule, can lead to a denial.[14]
  • A signature is required from age 14.[15]
  • Names and personal details cannot be changed at the appointment.[16]
  • USCIS says people who do not understand spoken English should bring someone to translate.[17]

Rescheduling

Requests to reschedule go through the USCIS online account, not by mail.[18]

  • The request has to be made before the original appointment and show good cause for the change.[19]
  • Online requests must be made at least 12 hours ahead.[20]
  • Inside 12 hours, or after a missed appointment, USCIS points to its Contact Center.[21]
  • Changing to a different ASC also requires rescheduling; walking into a different center without one will not be processed.[22]
  • USCIS warns that failing to follow these rules can lead to the case being treated as abandoned and denied.[23]
  • People with a serious ongoing medical condition who cannot leave home or hospital can ask for a mobile appointment.[24]

Related pages

Biometrics are also part of a work permit (Form I-765) application.

Some green card applicants are later called to an adjustment of status interview.

This page explains general rules in plain English. It is not legal advice and does not tell you what applies to your case. Each numbered source below is the official page the sentence comes from; read it before relying on anything here.

Sources

  1. USCIS, Preparing for Your Biometric Services Appointment. Last checked October 18, 2026.
    “After you file your application, petition, or request, if you need to provide your fingerprints, photograph, or signature, we will schedule your biometric services appointment at a local Application Support Center (ASC).”
  2. USCIS, Adjustment of Status. Last checked October 18, 2026.
    “After you file your Form I-485, we will mail you a notice for your biometrics services appointment at a local Application Support Center (ASC) to provide your fingerprints, photograph, and/or signature.”
  3. USCIS, Preparing for Your Biometric Services Appointment. Last checked October 18, 2026.
    “The biometrics you provide during your ASC appointment allow us to confirm your identity and run the required background and security checks.”
  4. USCIS, Preparing for Your Biometric Services Appointment. Last checked October 18, 2026.
    “If you have submitted a Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization , we also use your biometrics to produce your Employment Authorization Document.”
  5. USCIS, Preparing for Your Biometric Services Appointment. Last checked October 18, 2026.
    “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.”
  6. USCIS, Preparing for Your Biometric Services Appointment. Last checked October 18, 2026.
    “Your appointment notice ( Form I-797C, Notice of Action ) will include the date, time, and location for your ASC appointment.”
  7. USCIS, Preparing for Your Biometric Services Appointment. Last checked October 18, 2026.
    “Your notice will provide specific instructions on what you should bring to your ASC appointment. You must also bring”
  8. USCIS, Preparing for Your Biometric Services Appointment. Last checked October 18, 2026.
    “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”
  9. USCIS, Preparing for Your Biometric Services Appointment. Last checked October 18, 2026.
    “Valid photo identification (such as your Green Card, passport, or driver’s license)”
  10. USCIS, Preparing for Your Biometric Services Appointment. Last checked October 18, 2026.
    “Your attorney or an accredited representative does not need to go with you to the ASC, even if they submitted your application, petition, or request to USCIS.”
  11. USCIS, Preparing for Your Biometric Services Appointment. Last checked October 18, 2026.
    “Federal law prohibits weapons like firearms, knives, pepper spray and ammunition at any USCIS facility.”
  12. USCIS, Preparing for Your Biometric Services Appointment. Last checked October 18, 2026.
    “When you appear for your appointment, you will submit your biometrics on machines designed to collect biometrics.”
  13. USCIS, Preparing for Your Biometric Services Appointment. Last checked October 18, 2026.
    “When you provide your digital signature, you will also be attesting, under penalty of perjury, that the information in your application, petition, or request (or one submitted on your behalf), and all documents filed in support of your application, petition, or request, were complete, true, and correct at the time of filing.”
  14. USCIS, Adjustment of Status. Last checked October 18, 2026.
    “If you do not sign the acknowledgment or miss your ASC appointment without properly notifying us and requesting that we reschedule your appointment, we may deny your Form I-485.”
  15. USCIS, Preparing for Your Biometric Services Appointment. Last checked October 18, 2026.
    “If you are 14 years old or older, you must provide a signature on an application, petition, or request filed with USCIS.”
  16. USCIS, Preparing for Your Biometric Services Appointment. Last checked October 18, 2026.
    “We cannot change your name or other personal information during your ASC appointment.”
  17. USCIS, Preparing for Your Biometric Services Appointment. Last checked October 18, 2026.
    “If you do not understand spoken English, you should bring someone with you who can translate for you.”
  18. USCIS, Preparing for Your Biometric Services Appointment. Last checked October 18, 2026.
    “you must make the request through your USCIS online account . Do not mail your request.”
  19. USCIS, Preparing for Your Biometric Services Appointment. Last checked October 18, 2026.
    “You must make your request before the date and time of the original appointment, and you must establish good cause for rescheduling.”
  20. USCIS, Preparing for Your Biometric Services Appointment. Last checked October 18, 2026.
    “Requests to reschedule through your USCIS online account must be made at least 12 hours before your scheduled appointment time.”
  21. USCIS, Preparing for Your Biometric Services Appointment. Last checked October 18, 2026.
    “If your request to reschedule your biometric services appointment is less than 12 hours from your appointment time or you have missed your scheduled appointment, please call the USCIS Contact Center”
  22. USCIS, Preparing for Your Biometric Services Appointment. Last checked October 18, 2026.
    “if you appear at an ASC other than the one listed on your appointment notice without having rescheduled, your appointment will not be processed due to scheduling and security compliance requirements.”
  23. USCIS, Preparing for Your Biometric Services Appointment. Last checked October 18, 2026.
    “If you fail to request to reschedule before your existing appointment or fail to establish good cause, USCIS may consider your application, petition, or request abandoned and it may be denied.”
  24. USCIS, Preparing for Your Biometric Services Appointment. Last checked October 18, 2026.
    “If you have a serious ongoing medical condition and you cannot leave your home or hospital, you may request a mobile biometrics/homebound appointment”

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