Applying for a United States visa involves several stages, including booking a biometric appointment at a United States Citizenship and Immigration Services Application Support Centre (ASC). This procedure involves fingerprinting, photographing, and capturing your digital signature to confirm your identity.
Skipping this appointment or neglecting to observe the necessary processes can result in delays or even the refusal of your visa request.
This article offers a step-by-step summary of what to anticipate, how to get ready, and what to bring to your biometric booking.
Table of Contents
Meaning Of A United States Visa Biometric Appointment
A biometric appointment is needed for several United States visa candidates, where the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services collects fingerprints, digital signatures, and pictures. The intention is to perform safety and background reviews before continuing with the visa request.
Where does it happen? At a USCIS Application Support Center (ASC), as stipulated in your booking notice.
Who Needs To Attend?
- Visa candidates
- Petitioners and beneficiaries of relocation benefits.
- Sponsors in specific conditions.
Who Needs A US Visa Biometric Appointment
A biometric appointment is needed for many people applying for a United States visa or immigration benefits. This has to do with:
- Non-immigrant visa candidates include L-1, H-1B, B-1/B-2, and F-1 visas.
- Immigrant visa candidates (green card candidates)
- Candidates for change of status (Form I-485)
- USCIS petitioners, sponsors, and beneficiaries (in specific cases)
- Job approval candidates (Form I-765)
- Naturalization candidates (Form N-400)
Sponsors and petitioners: In most cases, United States nationals or residents sponsoring a relative may also be required to offer biometrics.
Who Is Excluded From The Biometric Appointment
Most people do not need to go for a biometric appointment, which includes:
- Kids below the age of 14 (in most situations)
- Candidates above the age of 79 (for non-immigrant visas)
- Specific visa categories that do not require biometric
- Persons who formerly offered biometrics for a recent USCIS request (if still authentic)
Keynote: USCIS specifies biometric booking conditions on a case-by-case basis. Even if you assume you are excluded, frequently review your appointment notice (Form I-797C) for verification.
Fees For US Visa Biometric Appointments
The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services biometric fee varies depending on the visa or immigration benefit you are applying for.
Biometric Fee Summary
| Types Of Application | Biometric Fee |
| Non-immigrant visa candidates | Attached is the visa fee |
| Green card candidates (Form I-485) | $85 |
| Naturalization candidates (Form N-400) | $85 |
| Job approval (Form I-765) | $85 |
| Temporary Protected Status (TPS) | $85 |
| DACA Renewal (Form I-821D) | $85 |
Key Notes
- The biometric payment is non-refundable, even if your request is refused.
- For non-immigrant visa candidates, biometric charges are commonly attached to the total visa request fee.
- Reimbursement is performed when you present your request, not at the ASC appointment.
How To Make A Payment
- Online through credit/debit card or bank transfer
- Using a check or money order (if mailing a paper request).
How To Book And Reschedule Your Biometric Appointment
When your visa request is presented, USCIS will forward you a Form I-797C (Notice of Action) with your appointment information, which includes:
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- Location
- Date
- Time
Require Rescheduling?
- You are required to request a reschedule before the original date of the appointment.
- Make use of your USCIS online account or contact the USCIS Contact Center at 800-375-5283.
- Do not send a rescheduling request through email; it will not be processed.
Keynote: If you skip the appointment without rescheduling, USCIS may consider your request rescinded and refuse it.
What To Bring To Your Biometric Appointment
Get ready with these critical documents before going to your ASC appointment:
- Appointment Notice (Form I-797C): This verifies your booking date and time.
- Authentic passport or government-issued ID: This includes a driver’s license, national identity card, or other USCIS-approved recognition.
- US Visa application Receipt: Evidence of your request presentation.
- Any accompanying documents (if needed): If USCIS demands additional documents, come with them.
What You Should Not Bring
- Electronic devices (most ASCs ban mobile phones)
- Drinks, food, or irrelevant personal items.
- Friends or relatives (unless needed for support).
What Occurs During The Biometric Appointment?
The biometric collection procedure is easy and often takes a period of 15 to 30 minutes:
- Identity confirmation: The official will review your ID and appointment notice.
- Scanning of fingerprint: Digital scans of your finger will be obtained.
- Capturing of photograph: A picture is obtained for USCIS histories.
- Digital signature: You will be requested to sign electronically to verify the correctness of your presented information.
Age conditions: Biometric appointments are commonly needed for candidates who are 14 years old and above. In most situations, children under 14 may also be required to attend.
Language support is obtainable: If you require support, you can bring a translator or request it at the ASC.
Special Conditions: Names Changes, Disabilities, And Biographic Updates
- If you have a disability:
- If you need special housing, contact USCIS on time to request support.
- Application to change your name or personal details:
- If your legal name has been modified because of marriage, divorce, or other motives, bring an accompanying document such as a marriage certificate or court order.
- For corrections to biographic details, inform the ASC officer during your appointment.
Hints For An Easy Biometric Appointment
- Land 15 to 30 minutes early to prevent any last-minute rush.
- Dress appropriately for your picture; do not wear hats, heavy makeup, or sunglasses.
- Observe the ASC laws, such as those that apply to electronic devices.
- Check your fingerprints to make sure they are appropriately scanned before you leave.
Biometric booking is an essential stage in the application procedure for your United States visa. By getting ready the needed documents, landing early, and observing ASC policies, you can guarantee an easy experience. Stay informed, observe USCIS directions, and get a step closer to getting your visa.
