Biometrics Appointments: What You Need to Know Before Your USCIS Appointment

If USCIS has scheduled you for a biometrics appointment, you may be wondering what the appointment is, what you need to bring, and what you should expect.

At Soberalski Immigration Law, we want our clients to feel prepared and confident. This guide brings together the information you need in one place.

Important: Your biometrics appointment is not the same as your immigration interview. A biometrics appointment is generally for collecting your biometric information. If USCIS schedules you for an interview, you will receive a separate notice with information about that appointment.

What Is a Biometrics Appointment?

A biometrics appointment is an appointment at a USCIS Application Support Center (ASC).

During the appointment, USCIS may collect:

  • Your fingerprints

  • Your photograph

  • Your electronic signature

USCIS may use this information to verify your identity and conduct background and security checks.

Your appointment notice will tell you where and when to appear.

What Should I Bring?

Before leaving for your appointment, make sure you have:

  • Your USCIS biometrics appointment notice (Form I-797C)

  • A valid photo identification, such as a driver's license, state identification card, passport, or Permanent Resident Card, if applicable

  • The second page of our notice filled out

How do I fill out the second page of the notice?

  1. Fill out the first portion in the "Name" section with your name while placing each part of your name in the appropriate sections: first, middle, and last name(s). This typically will be the name the first page of the biometrics notice includes.
    a. If your name is misspelled on the first page, spell your name correctly on the second page.

  2. If you have used other names, please list them under "List Any Other Names Used." This can include maiden and previous marriage names, as well as different iterations of your name you may have used. Otherwise, keep this section blank.

  3. Fill out "Date of Birth" using a two-digit format for each part: month/date/year
    a. For instance, someone born on February 24, 1997, would write 02/24/97

  4. Fill out the "Country of Birth" and "Country of Citizenship" with the complete spelling.
    a. If the country of birth is the same as the country of citizenship, please continue to fill out both sections.

    The following sections are for you to checkmark. Please check only one box per section.

  5. "Sex": check the corresponding box.

  6. "Race": check off one of the listed races.
    a. If you are Latino/a, please mark off "CAUCASIAN/LATINO"

  7. "Eye Color": check off one of the listed eye colors. This should be the same eye color you've used or listed in your identifications.
    a. If you have different colored eyes, please select "MULTICOLOR"

  8. "Hair Color": check off your natural hair color. This should be the same hair color you've used or listed in your identifications.

    The last sections have two options for you to fill out according to your preference. Do not fill out both parts in these sections.

  9. "Height": fill out your height in either feet/inches or centimeters. Do not fill out both.
    a. If you fill out in feet/inches, use the following format: feet', inches." For instance, someone who is 5 feet and 2 inches tall would write 5' 2"

  10. "Weight": fill out your weight in either pounds or kilograms. Do not fill out both.

    As always, feel free to contact our office if you have further questions or concerns

Watch To Learn How to Fill Out the Second Page of Your Notice

We've created a video for you to understand how to fill out the second page of your notice

Video: How to fill out the second page

Frequently Asked Questions

  • The biometrics appointment is with your local USCIS office, during which your digital fingerprints and photo will be taken. You may attend the appointment in comfortable attire. Although the appointment will last approximately 5 minutes, we recommend being available for at least an hour in case of a long wait time. While waiting, a USCIS contracted employee will take copies of your filled-out notice and valid identification.

  • Please notify your paralegal to ensure this error is noted in our system. USCIS sometimes misspells the names when they fill them out manually on their system. We will submit inquiries to USCIS to correct the typographic error.

  • USCIS utilizes your information to check what was submitted for your case.

  • You will not be asked any questions; this appointment is only to gather your biometric information. You will only interact with a USCIS officer at the entrance of the USCIS office to check your documents, while a biometrics specialist will assist you with the rest of your appointment.

  • Only the people who need to attend the appointment should generally come with you.

    If you have questions about whether a family member, caregiver, or interpreter needs to accompany you, contact our office before your appointment.

  • If you cannot attend your scheduled appointment, do not simply miss it.

    Missing a biometrics appointment without taking appropriate action can delay your case and, depending on the circumstances, may negatively affect your application. USCIS states that failure to appear can result in an application or petition being denied in some circumstances.

    If you need to reschedule, USCIS has an online biometrics rescheduling process for eligible appointments. Requests should generally be made before the scheduled appointment date.

    If you are a current Soberalski Immigration Law client and you are unsure what to do, contact our office before your appointment whenever possible.

  • This varies according to the type of case that you have. We recommend referencing the information provided on the USCIS Case Processing Times website and by our office about the processing times and notices related to your case.

  • Thankfully, there have not been instances at the Milwaukee USCIS office of individuals detained at their biometrics appointment. Our office is doing everything possible to stay on top of risks and changes with USCIS that may be affected by the sociopolitical climate. We suggest following Soberalski Immigration Law's socials for any updates. A helpful guide to know your rights can be found on our site, which also covers further questions regarding ICE: https://www.soberalskilaw.com/blog/know-your-rights.

Melissa Zacaula