How to Schedule and Attend Your USCIS Fingerprint Appointment

What happens at a USCIS fingerprint appointment

A USCIS fingerprint appointment is when you go to an IdentoGO service center to have your fingerprints taken and photographed for a background check. USCIS requires fingerprints for many immigration cases — green card petitions, work permits, travel documents, and citizenship applications among them. The appointment itself takes about 15 minutes. A technician will roll each of your fingers on a digital scanner, take a photo of your face, and you will receive a receipt showing the appointment was completed.

You do not choose when or where the appointment happens. USCIS sends you a notice in the mail called a Notice of Action (Form I-797) that tells you the date, time, and IdentoGO location assigned to you. The notice also includes a barcode you will need to bring. If you do not receive this notice, or if the appointment date does not work for you, you can request a reschedule — but you must do this before the appointment date passes.

Key Takeaways

• USCIS mails you a Notice of Action with your assigned fingerprint appointment date, time, and location — you do not schedule it yourself.
• You must bring the notice with its barcode, a valid photo ID, and arrive 10 to 15 minutes early to the IdentoGO service center.
• If the appointment date does not work, you can request a reschedule by contacting USCIS before that date, but you cannot simply skip it.
• The fingerprinting itself takes about 15 minutes and produces a receipt you should keep with your immigration file.
• If you miss the appointment without rescheduling, USCIS may deny your case, so contact them immediately if you cannot attend.

When you receive your fingerprint notice and what it contains

USCIS mails the Notice of Action to the address you provided on your immigration petition or application. The notice arrives in a white envelope with the USCIS seal. Inside, you will find the appointment date, the exact time you must arrive, and the name and address of the IdentoGO location. The notice also includes a barcode specific to your case — this barcode is how the technician pulls up your information at the service center.

The notice typically arrives 2 to 4 weeks before your appointment date. If you filed your case online through USCIS, you may also see the appointment information in your online account before the physical notice arrives. Read the notice carefully for any special instructions — some locations have different entry procedures, and some notices include information about what documents to bring beyond the standard photo ID.

Documents you must bring to the appointment

Bring the Notice of Action itself — the technician will scan the barcode on it to pull up your case. Bring a valid photo ID. This can be a driver's license, passport, state ID card, or any government-issued ID with your photograph and signature. If you do not have a photo ID, contact USCIS before your appointment to ask what alternatives they will accept at your location.

Bring nothing else unless the notice tells you to. Do not bring your original documents, birth certificate, or passport — fingerprinting does not require them. If you are bringing a minor child to the appointment because they also need fingerprints, bring their notice and their photo ID as well. Arrive 10 to 15 minutes early so the technician has time to check you in.

How to reschedule if the appointment does not work

If the date or time does not work for you, contact USCIS before your scheduled appointment date. You can call the USCIS Contact Center at 1-800-375-5283 (TTY 1-800-767-1833 for deaf or hard of hearing callers). Have your Notice of Action in front of you when you call. The representative will ask why you need to reschedule and will assign you a new date and location if one is available.

You can also reschedule online if you have a USCIS online account and your case type supports it. Log in, find your case, and look for a reschedule option. Processing a reschedule request usually takes a few days, so do not wait until the last minute. If you miss your appointment without rescheduling, USCIS will likely deny your case. If this happens, contact USCIS immediately to explain and ask whether they will reopen your case.

What to expect when you arrive at IdentoGO

Arrive at the service center address on your notice at the time shown. Check in at the front desk and give the staff member your Notice of Action. They will verify your identity using your photo ID and may ask you to confirm your address and date of birth. You will then wait in the waiting area until a technician calls your name.

The technician will take you to a private room or station. They will ask you to place your fingers on a digital scanner one at a time — first all four fingers of your right hand, then your thumb, then all four fingers of your left hand, then your left thumb. The scanner captures the image automatically. The technician will then take a digital photograph of your face. The whole process takes about 10 to 15 minutes. You will receive a receipt showing that your fingerprints were captured. Keep this receipt.

What happens after your appointment

After the appointment, IdentoGO sends your fingerprints and photograph to USCIS electronically. USCIS then sends your fingerprints to the FBI and other law enforcement agencies for a background check. This process usually takes 2 to 4 weeks, though it can take longer during high-volume periods.

You do not need to do anything while you wait. USCIS will contact you by mail if they need more information or if there is a problem with your fingerprints. If the background check is clear, USCIS will move forward with your case. If there is an issue, USCIS will send you a notice explaining what happened and what you should do next. Keep your receipt from the appointment in case USCIS asks you to verify that you attended.

What to do if you cannot find your notice or appointment information

If you did not receive your Notice of Action in the mail, check your USCIS online account if you have one — the appointment information may be there. If you still cannot find it, call USCIS at 1-800-375-5283 and provide your case number or receipt number. The representative can tell you your appointment date, time, and location and can mail you a replacement notice if needed.

If your notice arrived but you lost it, you can still attend the appointment if you know the date, time, and location. Bring your valid photo ID and tell the staff member at check-in that you do not have the notice. They may be able to look up your case using your ID and date of birth, though having the notice makes check-in faster. If you are unsure whether you can attend without the notice, call USCIS first to confirm.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I am pregnant or have a medical condition that makes fingerprinting difficult?

Contact USCIS before your appointment date to explain your situation. They may be able to reschedule you to a later date or provide guidance on how to proceed. Do not skip the appointment without contacting them first, as this can result in case denial.

Can someone else attend the appointment for me?

No. USCIS requires you to appear in person. The fingerprints and photograph must be yours, and the technician will verify your identity using your photo ID. If you cannot attend, you must reschedule before the appointment date.

What if my fingerprints do not scan properly?

The technician will try again. If your fingerprints still do not scan clearly — for example, if you have scars, very dry skin, or other conditions affecting your fingertips — the technician will note this and USCIS will contact you with next steps. You may need to return for another attempt or provide additional information.

Do I need to bring my children to their fingerprint appointments?

Yes, if USCIS sent them a separate Notice of Action, they must attend their own appointment. Bring their notice and their photo ID. Children under 14 may be able to use a school ID or other form of identification — call USCIS if you are unsure what your child's location will accept.

What if I was told to reschedule but never received a new appointment notice?

Check your USCIS online account for the new date and location. If you still cannot find it after a week, call USCIS at 1-800-375-5283 to confirm the reschedule went through and to ask them to mail you a new notice if needed.