Your USCIS biometrics appointment: what to bring and what happens
For many applications, USCIS asks you to come to an Application Support Center (ASC) to take your fingerprints, photo and signature. This is the biometrics appointment. It is short, but missing it can cost you your case.
General information only, not legal advice. Follow the instructions on your own appointment notice, which take priority over this general guide.
What to bring
- Your appointment notice (Form I-797C). If you got more than one, bring them all.
- A valid photo ID, such as your passport, green card or driver’s license.
- If you do not understand spoken English, you can bring someone to translate.
What happens
Staff check your notice and ID, take your fingerprints, take your photo and record your signature. It usually takes a short time once you are called. Since late 2025, USCIS uses photos taken at these appointments instead of photos you send yourself.
Need to reschedule?
- Reschedule before the appointment, with a good reason such as illness, a medical appointment, planned travel, a wedding or funeral, no transportation, or not getting the notice in time.
- You can do it in your USCIS online account at least 12 hours before the appointment, or call the USCIS Contact Center.
If you miss it
If you do not show up and have not asked to reschedule, USCIS can treat your application as abandoned and deny it. If something went wrong, contact USCIS right away.
Need help organizing your documents?
One Path Finder can help you gather and organize documents where permitted by law. We are not a law firm and can’t tell you what applies to your case. Contact us to start a conversation. For legal advice, ask us for a referral to our partner law firm.