What Is a US Visa Biometric Appointment?
When you apply for a US visa or immigration benefit, you’ll likely need to attend a US Visa Biometric Appointment at a USCIS Application Support Center (ASC). During this short visit, the USCIS staff will: A mandatory step where USCIS collects:
- Digital fingerprints (all 10 fingers) for FBI background checks
- Visa/immigration photo (stored in government databases)
- Digital signature (to verify identity)
Location:
- USCIS Application Support Center (ASC) – Find your center here.
- Premium Processing Applicants: Some may complete biometrics at PPC centers.
Who Must Attend?
Applicants Required to Attend
- Non-immigrant visas (H-1B, L-1, F-1, B-1/B-2)
- Green Card applicants (Form I-485)
- Employment Authorization (Form I-765)
- Naturalization (Form N-400)
Exemptions (When Biometrics Aren’t Needed)
- Children under 14 (unless specified)
- Applicants over 79 (for B1/B2 visas)
- If previous biometrics are still valid (within 15 months)
Always check your Form I-797C notice for requirements.
Biometric Fees and Payment (Updated Pricing)
| Application Type | Fee | Payment Method |
|---|---|---|
| Non-immigrant visas (B1/B2, H1B, etc.) | Included in visa fee | Paid via CEAC portal |
| Green Card (I-485) | $85 | Credit card, check, or USCIS Pay Portal |
| Employment Authorization (I-765) | $85 | |
| Naturalization (N-400) | $85 |
Key Notes:
- Fees are non-refundable (even if denied).
- Payment is made during application submission, not at the ASC.
How to Schedule or Reschedule
Scheduling
- After filing your application, USCIS mails Form I-797C with:
- Appointment date/time
- ASC location (check USCIS Office Locator)
- Track your case status here.
Rescheduling (Must Do Before Appointment!)
- Online: Via USCIS Account
- Phone: 800-375-5283 (TTY: 800-767-1833)
- Do NOT mail requests (they won’t be processed).
⚠ Warning: Missing an appointment may lead to denial.
What to Wear to Your US Biometric Visa Appointment
Your photo becomes part of your official immigration record. Follow these guidelines:
Do Wear:
- Plain, solid-colored shirts (avoid patterns/logos)
- Neat, professional attire (business casual is ideal)
- Everyday glasses (if you wear them regularly)
Avoid:
- White tops (blends with the background)
- Hats, sunglasses, or head coverings (unless for religious reasons)
- Heavy makeup or jewelry (may obscure facial features)
- Uniforms or camouflage (can trigger additional screening)
Pro Tip: Dress as you would for a passport photo (neutral expression, hair tidy).
Documents to Bring (Checklist )
- Appointment Notice (I-797C) – Mandatory
- Valid Passport or Government ID (Driver’s license, national ID)
- Visa Application Receipt (Proof of payment)
- Supporting Docs (If Requested):
- Marriage certificates (for name changes)
- Court orders (if applicable)
What NOT to Bring:
- Electronics (some ASCs ban phones)
- Food/drinks (most centers prohibit them)
- Friends/family (unless assisting a minor or disabled applicant)
What Happens During the Appointment?
The entire process takes 15-30 minutes:
- Check-in (Show ID and appointment notice).
- Fingerprinting (All 10 fingers scanned digitally).
- Photograph (Plain white/light-gray background).
- Digital Signature (On an electronic pad).
Language Help?
- Bring a translator (they cannot answer questions for you).
- Request an interpreter via USCIS Language Services.
Special Cases: Disabilities, Name Changes, Errors
For Disabilities
- Request accommodations via USCIS Disability Accommodations.
- Wheelchair-accessible ASCs are listed here.
Name Changes or Corrections
- Bring legal proof (marriage certificate, court order).
- Inform the ASC officer before biometrics are taken.
10 Expert Tips for a Smooth Appointment
- Arrive 15 minutes early (Latecomers may be turned away).
- Double-check documents (Missing I-797C? Call USCIS immediately).
- Wash hands (Dirty fingers can cause fingerprint rejections).
- No henna/ink stains (May interfere with scans).
- Check photo preview (Ensure it meets USCIS photo guidelines).
- Save your receipt (Proof of attendance).
- Follow ASC staff instructions (No photography or loud talking).
- Track next steps (Check case status here).
- Avoid peak hours (Mornings are often less crowded).
- Prepare for delays (Some ASCs experience technical issues).
FAQs for US Visa Biometric Appointment
Q: Can I wear glasses in my biometrics photo?
A: Only if you wear them daily for vision correction (no sunglasses or blue-light glasses).
Q: What if my fingerprints are unreadable?
A: The officer will rescan. If issues persist, USCIS may schedule a second appointment.
Q: Can I apply for a visa without biometrics?
A: No – Skipping biometrics will delay or deny your application.
Q: How long are biometrics valid?
A: 15 months. Expired biometrics require a new appointment.
Important URls for US Visa Biometric Appointment
- USCIS ASC Locator Tool
- USCIS Case Status Tracker
- Photo Requirements Guide
- Rescheduling Instructions
- Official USCIS Biometric Services Page
- USCIS Contact Center
Pro Tips for a Smooth Appointment
✅ Arrive 15–30 minutes early
✅ Dress appropriately (avoid hats or sunglasses)
✅ Double-check your fingerprint scans
✅ Stay calm – it’s a quick and straightforward process!
Final Thoughts
Your US visa biometric appointment is a major milestone in your journey toward visiting or moving to the United States. By understanding the process, preparing documents in advance, and showing up on time, you’ll be one step closer to a successful visa application.
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