Life happens. People get sick. Travel is delayed. A family situation might come up. If you receive a biometric appointment from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and cannot attend, you may be able to reschedule it online through your USCIS account.
This guide explains how biometric appointments work, when you can reschedule, and what to do if the online option is not available.
What is a biometric appointment?
USCIS may require a biometric services appointment as part of certain immigration applications At this appointment, USCIS collects your fingerprints, photo, and signature. This information is used to verify your identity and complete background and security checks.
You will receive a paper notice in the mail titled Form I-797C, Notice of Action. This includes your appointment date, time, location (usually a local Application Support Center), and instructions for what to bring. You can also view your notice online by signing in at https://my.uscis.gov.
If you filed Form I-90 for a replacement green card or Form I-765 for work authorization, your biometrics may also be used to produce your new card.
What if you cannot attend?
USCIS permits rescheduling if you cannot attend your appointment and you have good cause. Good cause does not mean you need a medical emergency. Examples USCIS considers valid include illness, caregiving responsibilities, prepaid travel, work obligations, religious observance, or a late or missing appointment notice.
Who can reschedule online?
You can use your myUSCIS account to reschedule your appointment if you have received a biometric appointment notice (Form I-797C), you log in more than 12 hours before your scheduled time, and you have not already rescheduled the same appointment twice.
Create or access your account at https://my.uscis.gov.
How to Reschedule Online
Once you are signed in:
- Open your biometric appointment notice
- Choose the reschedule option
- Select your reason
- Submit the request
If your request is approved, you will receive a new Form I-797C with the updated date and location. You must bring that notice and a valid photo ID to your appointment.
When the online tool cannot be used
The USCIS online rescheduling tool cannot be used if your request is submitted within 12 hours of your appointment, if you have already rescheduled that same appointment two or more times, or if your appointment has already passed.
If you fall into any of those categories, contact the USCIS Contact Center at 800-375-5283 (TTY 800-767-1833), or use the USCIS virtual assistant, Emma.
What happens if you do not reschedule
If you miss your biometric appointment and do not reschedule ahead of time, USCIS may treat your case as abandoned. This could result in denial of your application. To avoid this, make sure to request a new date before your appointment and clearly explain your reason.
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