How to Schedule Your USCIS Biometrics Appointment

USCIS sends you a notice when it's time for biometrics, and you schedule through their online system or by phone

You do not choose when to have biometrics taken — USCIS decides based on your case type and workload at your local office. When they are ready for you, you will receive a Notice of Action (Form I-797) in the mail. This notice tells you the deadline by which you must complete biometrics, your local Application Support Center (ASC) address, and how to schedule. Most people schedule online through the USCIS website or by calling the USCIS Contact Center.

The notice gives you a window of time — usually 60 to 90 days — to show up. If you miss the deadline without rescheduling, USCIS may deny your case. If you cannot make the appointment in that window, you can request a new date before the deadline passes.

Key Takeaways

• USCIS mails you a Notice of Action telling you when and where to go for biometrics; you do not initiate the request yourself.
• You can schedule online at the USCIS website using your receipt number, or by phone at 1-800-375-5283 if you do not have internet access.
• Bring your notice, a valid government-issued ID, and arrive 10 to 15 minutes early; the appointment itself takes 15 to 30 minutes.
• If you cannot attend on the scheduled date, request a new appointment before your deadline expires, or your case may be denied.
• Biometrics results go directly to USCIS; you do not receive a separate document, but you can check your case status online afterward.

What the Notice of Action tells you

The I-797 notice you receive in the mail contains everything you need to schedule. It includes your receipt number (starts with three letters, like EAC or WAC), your local Application Support Center address, the deadline date, and instructions for scheduling. Read the notice carefully — it may say you must schedule within a certain number of days, or it may give you a range of dates when appointments are available.

Keep this notice. You will need the receipt number to schedule online, and you must bring the physical notice to your appointment. If you lose it, you can print a copy from your USCIS online account if you created one, or call the Contact Center to request a replacement.

Scheduling online through the USCIS website

Go to uscis.gov and look for the "Schedule an Appointment" link, usually found under the "Tools" or "Services" section. You will need your receipt number from the I-797 notice. Enter it, and the system will show you available dates and times at your local ASC. Select the date and time that works for you, and you will receive a confirmation number by email and mail.

The online system is available 24 hours a day, and you get immediate confirmation. If the system shows no available dates, it means your local ASC is fully booked; check back in a few days, as new slots open regularly. Do not wait until the last week of your deadline to schedule — appointments fill up quickly in busy areas.

Scheduling by phone if you cannot use the website

Call the USCIS Contact Center at 1-800-375-5283. Have your receipt number ready. A representative will ask which date and time work best for you and will confirm your appointment over the phone. You will receive written confirmation in the mail within a few days. The phone line is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Eastern Time, and Saturday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Eastern Time.

Wait times can be long, especially early in the week. If you reach a busy signal, try calling early in the morning or late in the afternoon. Some people find it faster to use the online system even if they are not comfortable with technology — ask a trusted friend or family member to help you schedule if needed.

What to bring and what to expect on the day

Bring your Notice of Action (the I-797), a valid government-issued photo ID (passport, driver's license, or state ID), and your appointment confirmation if you have it. Arrive 10 to 15 minutes early. The ASC will call your name, take you to a private room, and collect your fingerprints and photograph using a digital scanner. The whole process takes 15 to 30 minutes.

You do not need to bring anything else — no documents, no copies, no proof of anything. The ASC staff will tell you if they need additional information. Wear clothes that allow access to your hands and fingers (avoid heavy gloves or long sleeves that are hard to roll up). If you have a medical condition that affects your fingerprints, bring a letter from your doctor explaining it; the ASC may still be able to take your prints or may note the condition in your file.

Rescheduling if you cannot make your appointment

If you cannot attend on the date you scheduled, reschedule before your deadline expires. You can reschedule online using the same USCIS website tool, or call 1-800-375-5283. When you reschedule, the system will cancel your old appointment and assign you a new one. You do not need to provide a reason for rescheduling.

If you reschedule after your deadline has passed, USCIS may deny your case. If you are in a situation where you cannot reschedule in time — for example, you are hospitalized or out of the country — contact USCIS immediately by phone or through your online account to explain. Some cases can be reopened if you show good cause for missing the deadline, but this is not may provide and takes additional time.

Checking your case status after biometrics

After you complete biometrics, USCIS receives your fingerprints and photograph electronically. You do not receive a separate document or receipt from the ASC. To confirm that your biometrics were received and processed, check your case status online at uscis.gov/case-status using your receipt number. The status should update within a few days to show that biometrics have been completed.

If your status does not update after a week, or if it shows an error, call the Contact Center. Do not go back to the ASC — they cannot look up individual cases. The next step in your case depends on your case type; USCIS will send you another notice when they are ready for an interview or a decision.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I never received a Notice of Action in the mail?

Check your USCIS online account if you created one — the notice may be there. If not, call 1-800-375-5283 with your receipt number or case number. USCIS can confirm whether biometrics have been scheduled and can resend the notice or provide the details over the phone.

Can someone go to the appointment for me?

No. You must appear in person. Biometrics require your actual fingerprints and photograph. If you are unable to travel due to a disability or medical condition, contact USCIS before your deadline to request an exception or a waiver.

What if my local ASC has no available appointments before my deadline?

Check the online system every few days — new slots open as other people reschedule or cancel. If you are still unable to find an appointment, call the Contact Center before your deadline to explain the situation. They may be able to move you to a different ASC location or extend your deadline.

Do I need to bring my green card, passport, or other documents?

No. Bring only your Notice of Action and a valid photo ID. The ASC does not need to see any other documents. If they ask for something beyond these two items, ask to speak to a supervisor — it is not standard procedure.

How long does it take to get biometrics results?

USCIS receives your biometrics electronically on the same day. Your case status online should update within a few days to show completion. You do not receive a separate results letter — the update in your online case status is your confirmation.