As part of the naturalization process, some applicants must attend a biometrics appointment with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
During this appointment, USCIS collects fingerprints, a photograph, and a digital signature to verify your identity and conduct required background checks.
Not everyone is required to attend a biometrics appointment. In some cases, USCIS may reuse fingerprints and other biometrics that were previously collected. If this applies to you, USCIS will notify you directly.
If USCIS requires biometrics, they will mail you an appointment notice (Form I-797C) with:
- The date and time of your appointment
- The location of the Application Support Center (ASC)
- Instructions about what to bring
Be sure to read your notice carefully and keep it for your records. You should bring this notice to your biometrics appointment.
- Your biometrics appointment notice (Form I-797C)
- If you received more than one biometrics notice, bring all notices with you.
- A valid photo ID, such as:
- Your Green Card
- Passport
- Driver’s license or state-issued ID
Biometrics appointments are usually quick and straightforward. USCIS staff will:
- Take your fingerprints
- Take your photograph
- Collect your digital signature
- When you provide your signature, you are confirming that the information submitted with your citizenship application was complete, true, and correct when it was filed.
If you cannot attend your appointment, you must request a reschedule before your scheduled appointment date and time. USCIS generally requires a valid reason for rescheduling.
Failing to attend your appointment without properly requesting a reschedule may result in delays or the denial of your application.
No. You may attend your biometrics appointment on your own. Your attorney or accredited representative does not need to accompany you.
If you have questions about your biometrics appointment or need help understanding a notice from USCIS, contact Project Citizenship by email (info@projectcitizenship.org) or by phone at 617-694-5949. Our team is here to help you navigate the naturalization process.
Will I Need a Biometrics Appointment?
Not everyone is required to attend a biometrics appointment. In some cases, USCIS may reuse fingerprints and other biometrics that were previously collected. If this applies to you, USCIS will notify you directly.
How Will I Know if I Have an Appointment?
If USCIS requires biometrics, they will mail you an appointment notice (Form I-797C) with:
- The date and time of your appointment
- The location of the Application Support Center (ASC)
- Instructions about what to bring
Be sure to read your notice carefully and keep it for your records.
What Should I Bring?
Bring the following items to your appointment:
- Your biometrics appointment notice (Form I-797C)
- A valid photo ID, such as:
- Your Green Card
- Passport
- Driver’s license or state-issued ID
If you received more than one biometrics notice, bring all notices with you.
What Happens at the Appointment?
Biometrics appointments are usually quick and straightforward. USCIS staff will:
- Take your fingerprints
- Take your photograph
- Collect your digital signature
When you provide your signature, you are confirming that the information submitted with your citizenship application was complete, true, and correct when it was filed.
Can I Reschedule My Appointment?
If you cannot attend your appointment, you must request a reschedule before your scheduled appointment date and time. USCIS generally requires a valid reason for rescheduling.
Failing to attend your appointment without properly requesting a reschedule may result in delays or the denial of your application.
Do I Need an Attorney to Attend?
No. You may attend your biometrics appointment on your own. Your attorney or accredited representative does not need to accompany you.
Questions?
If you have questions about your biometrics appointment or need help understanding a notice from USCIS, contact Project Citizenship. Our team is here to help you navigate the naturalization process.