How to Schedule and Prepare for Your IRCC Biometrics Appointment in the USA

Where to book your IRCC biometrics appointment from the United States

If you are in the United States and received a biometrics request from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), you do not go to a USCIS office. IRCC uses a separate contractor network, and you must book through IRCC's official appointment system, not through USCIS.

Log into your IRCC account online using your username and password, or create one at canada.ca if you do not have an account yet. Once logged in, look for the link to book your biometrics appointment. IRCC will show you available dates and locations near you. The system only displays Service Canada offices and other IRCC-authorized locations in the United States — you cannot book at a USCIS Application Support Center, even though both collect fingerprints.

If you cannot find the booking link in your account, check the letter IRCC sent you. It will include a direct link to the appointment booking system and may list specific locations serving your area. Keep that letter with you when you go to your appointment.

Key Takeaways

• Book your IRCC biometrics appointment through your IRCC online account or the link in your appointment letter, not through USCIS or any other system.
• IRCC uses Service Canada offices and contracted locations in the United States, which are different from USCIS offices.
• Bring your appointment letter, a valid passport or travel document, and proof of your current address to your appointment.
• Biometrics appointments typically take 15 to 30 minutes, and you will receive confirmation that your biometrics were collected within a few days.
• If you miss your appointment or need to reschedule, cancel through your IRCC account as soon as possible so someone else can use that slot.

What documents to bring to your appointment

Bring your original appointment letter from IRCC. This letter contains your appointment confirmation number, the exact location, date, and time. Without it, the office may not process you. Take a photo of it on your phone as a backup in case you lose the paper copy.

Bring a valid passport, travel document, or permanent resident card. IRCC staff will check your identity against the name and date of birth on your appointment letter. A driver's license alone is not enough — it must be a travel or identity document issued by a government. If your passport has expired but you still have it, bring it anyway; staff can use it to verify your identity.

Bring proof of your current address in the United States. A utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last three months works. This confirms where you are living and helps IRCC update your file. If you recently moved, bring both your old and new address documents if you have them.

What happens during your biometrics appointment

When you arrive, check in at the front desk and give them your appointment letter. A staff member will call you to a collection station, usually within 15 minutes of your appointment time. They will verify your identity again, ask you to sign a consent form, and take your fingerprints and photograph.

The fingerprinting process is digital. You place each finger on a scanner one at a time — it takes about five minutes. The photograph is a standard headshot taken at the station. You do not need to dress formally, but your face must be clearly visible and you cannot wear sunglasses or a hat that covers your face.

The entire appointment usually takes 15 to 30 minutes from check-in to completion. You will receive a receipt showing that your biometrics were collected. Keep this receipt until IRCC confirms in writing that they received your biometrics. You should see confirmation in your online account within three to five business days.

Rescheduling or cancelling your appointment

If you cannot make your appointment, cancel it through your IRCC online account as soon as you know. Log in, find your appointment, and select the option to cancel. This frees up the slot for someone else and prevents IRCC from marking you as a no-show.

If you cancel, you can immediately rebook a new appointment through the same system. Appointment availability changes daily, so check back frequently if your preferred date is full. Some locations have more slots than others, so if your nearest office is booked, look at locations within a reasonable distance.

If you miss your appointment without cancelling, IRCC may send you a letter asking you to reschedule. You can still book a new appointment through your account. Missing an appointment does not disqualify you, but it may delay your application, so reschedule as soon as you receive notice.

What to do if you cannot find an appointment near you

IRCC biometrics appointments are available at Service Canada offices and select partner locations across the United States. If no appointments show in your area, the local office may be temporarily full. Check back daily — new slots often open as people cancel.

If your area has no locations listed at all, you may be in a region where IRCC does not currently offer U.S.-based biometrics collection. In that case, IRCC will provide instructions in your appointment letter for how to proceed — this might mean collecting biometrics at a Canadian port of entry, a Canadian consulate, or through an alternative method. Read your letter carefully for these instructions.

Contact IRCC directly if you have questions about appointment availability in your region. You can reach them through the contact information on your appointment letter or through the IRCC website. Have your application number and appointment letter ready when you call.

After your biometrics appointment

After your appointment, you do not need to do anything. IRCC will receive your biometrics electronically from the collection office. Check your online account in three to five business days — you should see a message confirming that your biometrics were received and are being processed.

Your application will continue to be processed. Biometrics are one step in the overall timeline, but they are not the final step. IRCC will contact you if they need additional documents or information. Keep checking your account regularly and respond to any requests within the deadline they give you.

If you do not see confirmation of your biometrics in your account after a week, contact IRCC. Bring your appointment receipt to confirm you attended. Technical delays are rare, but if your biometrics were not uploaded correctly, IRCC can arrange for you to redo them.

Common reasons appointments get cancelled or delayed

IRCC sometimes cancels appointment slots if staffing changes or if a location closes temporarily. If your appointment is cancelled, you will receive a notice in your account and by email. You can immediately rebook at another location or wait for new slots to open at your preferred office.

Locations may also have reduced hours during holidays or due to staffing shortages. If you see fewer available dates than usual, this is often temporary. Check back after a few days to see if more slots appear.

Weather, building closures, or other emergencies can affect appointments on the day itself. If severe weather is forecast for your appointment date, contact the office directly to confirm it is open. The phone number is usually on your appointment letter or on the IRCC website.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I book an IRCC biometrics appointment at a USCIS office?

No. USCIS and IRCC use separate biometrics systems and contractors. You must book through IRCC's system only. Showing up at a USCIS office with an IRCC appointment letter will not work, and USCIS staff cannot process you.

What if I do not have a valid passport?

You need a government-issued travel or identity document. If your passport is expired, bring it anyway — it can still be used for identity verification. If you do not have a passport at all, contact IRCC before your appointment to ask what alternative documents they will accept.

Do I need to bring my Social Security number or U.S. address?

No. Bring proof of your current address in the United States, such as a utility bill or lease. You do not need a Social Security number for a biometrics appointment. IRCC is a Canadian agency and does not require U.S. tax or Social Security information at this stage.

What happens if I move before my appointment?

You can reschedule to a location near your new address. Cancel your current appointment through your IRCC account and rebook at a Service Canada office or partner location in your new area. Update your address in your IRCC account as well so IRCC has your current information on file.

How long does it take for IRCC to process my biometrics after the appointment?

IRCC typically confirms receipt of your biometrics within three to five business days. Processing times after that depend on your application type and current processing volumes. Check your account regularly for updates on your application status.