The Biometrics Appointment
After you file your application, petition or request, we will schedule your biometric services appointment at a local Application Support Center (ASC) if you need to provide your fingerprints, photograph, and/or signature. Your appointment notice will include the date, time and location for your ASC appointment.
The biometrics you provide during your ASC appointment allow USCIS to confirm your identity and run required background and security checks. Check the USCIS website for more details.
What happens at the biometrics appointment?
- During the biometrics appointment, USCIS will collect your fingerprints, photograph, and signature. Note that USCIS will use this photograph for the Certificate of Naturalization, so you should dress in appropriate clothing for the biometrics appointment. During the biometrics appointment, you will be required to sign an oath reaffirming that you provided or authorized all the information in the N-400 application, understand the information, and that the information was complete, true, and correct at the time of filing.
If I am 75 or older, do I have to go to the biometrics appointment?
- Yes, applicants age 75 or older are required to attend the biometrics appointment for collection of their fingerprints, photograph, and signature, even though they do not have to pay the biometrics fee.
What if I miss my biometrics appointment?
- It is important to keep all appointments with USCIS in order to avoid delays in processing the application. USCIS may close your case for abandonment if you miss your appointment and do not request a different date. The biometrics appointment notice provides instructions for how to request a new appointment date if needed.
Why does USCIS take my fingerprints?
- USCIS requires fingerprints to check for criminal history and determine if you have good moral character. USCIS sends fingerprints to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), where they are entered into a national database of all fingerprints taken by law enforcement agencies across the country. If you have ever had your fingerprints taken under an arrest, the FBI will inform USCIS, regardless of why you were arrested, when you were arrested, and whether you were arrested under a different name. The arrest record will remain with the FBI even when a conviction is removed or expunged by the court.
- USCIS will compare the FBI report with the information you provided on your application. If you have ever been arrested, be sure to seek legal advice from an attorney or accredited representative before filing the N-400.
What happens after the biometrics appointment?
- USCIS will send you a notice with the location, date, and time of your naturalization interview. You will also receive a list of documents to bring with you to the interview.
Other information about Biometics, from the USCIS website:
Assistance During Your ASC Appointment
If you need help during your ASC appointment, you may bring someone with you, such as a family member, attorney, or accredited representative. If you do not understand spoken English, you should bring someone with you who can translate for you.
There is no requirement for your attorney or accredited representative to go with you to the ASC, even if he or she submitted your application, petition, or request to USCIS.
What to Bring to Your ASC Appointment
Your notice will provide specific instructions on what you should bring with you to your ASC appointment. You must also bring:
- Your ASC appointment notice (Form I-797C), and
- Valid photo identification (such as your Green Card, passport, or driver’s license)
It is recommend that you print or save a photocopy of your completed application, petition, or request to review in the future and for your records. It is also recommend that you review your copy of your completed application, petition or request before you come to your ASC appointment. No one will provide you with a copy at your appointment.
What to Expect During Your ASC Appointment
When you appear for your appointment, they will capture your fingerprints, photograph and/or signature with machines designed to collect these biometrics. When you provide your digital signature, you will also be attesting that the information in your application, petition, or request was complete, true, and correct at the time of filing.
NOTE: They will only allow you to complete your biometric services appointment if you can reaffirm, under penalty of perjury, that all of the information in your application, petition, or request was complete, true and correct at the time of filing.
Age Requirements
If you are 14 years of age or older, you must provide a signature on an application, petition, or request filed with USCIS.
Children under the age of 14 are not required to provide a signature on an application, petition, or request filed with USCIS, but they may choose to sign their name during their ASC appointment if they are capable of signing. A parent or legal guardian may also sign the application, petition, or request on the child’s behalf.