As part of the application process for Green Card, U.S. Citizenship, and Work Permit, you will be required to attend a Biometrics Appointment at the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) Application Support Center (ASC).
The main purpose of the Biometrics Appointment is to collect your picture, fingerprints and other important data to run background and security checks. USCIS will check your personal data against FBI databases to see if you have any serious criminal records or prior immigration violations that might prevent you from getting immigration benefits you applied for.
However, it does not mean that USCIS will automatically deny every petitioner with a criminal record. Even though some types of criminal records can make you ineligible, in most case it is matter of checking if the criminal records were accurately disclosed on your USCIS/DOS application(s). If you have a criminal record or think you might have a criminal record, even if expunged, it is highly recommended to get legal assistance. A lawyer can request an immigration and criminal record check on your behalf from the FBI and help you correctly address any potential issues, as well as ensure that you properly disclose your criminal record(s) on your immigration application(s).
For your Biometrics Appointment you need to bring an ASC Appointment Notice (Form I-797C, Notice of Action) and a photo identification, such as driver’s license, state-issued photo identification card, permanent resident card (Green Card), passport or national photo identification. You may also need to bring any additional documents listed on the ASC Appointment Notice.
If for any reasons you are not able to attend your appointment, it is possible to reschedule. Keep in mind that when rescheduling, you will not be able to pick the date and time you desire. USCIS will issue you a new ASC Appointment Notice approximately within 3-8 weeks after receiving your request to reschedule.
USCIS Biometrics are valid for 15 months. If your immigration application is not processed within this time, you will be issued another ASC Appointment Notice.
Biometrics Appointment is a standard part of applying for many U.S. immigration benefits. For most applicants, there is no need to be intimidated by this requirement. However, some applicants, especially those with a criminal record, obviously feel stressed about this procedure. If you have any concerns about your appointment, or have reasons to believe that there might be some problems with your background check, please contact a knowledgeable immigration attorney as soon as possible. At Root Law Group we offer free in-office consultations with our experienced immigration attorneys who will guide you through the process and provide you with viable advice on your immigration case. Call us today at (323) 456-7600 and schedule your appointment!
