You can no longer file a written request to reschedule your USCIS biometrics appointment. You must now reschedule by calling USCIS contact center at 1-800-375-5283.
In the past, if you had to reschedule your USCIS biometrics appointment, you had to send a written request to the Biometrics Processing Unit (BPU) in Alexandria, VA. USCIS just announced that it closed the BPU and no longer accept written requests to reschedule biometrics appointments. If you need to reschedule, therefore, you must now call the USCIS Contact Center.
If you have questions about biometrics, see the USCIS biometrics appointment page.
Why Biometrics?
Biometrics are the unique physical characteristics that can be used to confirm identity. Most people used the term biometrics and fingerprints interchangeably because your fingerprints are a unique physical characteristic. DHS defines it this way:
Biometrics are unique physical characteristics, such as fingerprints, that can be used for automated recognition. At the Department of Homeland Security, biometrics are used to detect and prevent illegal entry into the U.S., grant and administer proper immigration benefits, vetting and credentialing, facilitating legitimate travel and trade, enforcing federal laws, and enabling verification for visa applications to the U.S.
See https://www.dhs.gov/biometrics.
After you file an application, petition, or request that requires your fingerprints, photograph, and/or signature, USCIS will schedule a biometrics appointment at a local Application Support Center (ASC). USCIS conducts biometrics under the regulatory authority granted to it by 8 CFR 103.2 (b)(9).
Appearance for interview or biometrics. USCIS may require any applicant, petitioner, sponsor, beneficiary, or individual filing a benefit request, or any group or class of such persons submitting requests, to appear for an interview and/or biometric collection. USCIS may require the payment of the biometric services fee in 8 CFR 106.2 or that the individual obtain a fee waiver. Such appearance and fee may also be required by law, regulation, form instructions, or Federal Register notice applicable to the request type. USCIS will notify the affected person of the date, time and location of any required appearance under this paragraph. Any person required to appear under this paragraph may, before the scheduled date and time of the appearance, either: (i) Appear before the scheduled date and time; (ii) For good cause, request that the biometric services appointment be rescheduled; or (iii) Withdraw the benefit request.
8 CFR 103.2 (b)(9)
How to Reschedule a USCIS Biometrics Appointment
To reschedule your appointment, you must now call the USCIS Contact Center at 800-375-5283 before the your original appointment date and establish good cause for rescheduling. It is important that you call before your appointment and establish good cause. If you fail to do either, USCIS may not grant your request, which could be disastrous. In fact, if you fail to appear for your originally scheduled USCIS biometrics appointment and the appointment is not rescheduled, USCIS has authority to deny your application, petition, or request as being deemed abandoned.
You should make all efforts to attend your regularly scheduled biometrics appointment. If you absolutely cannot attend, then follow the above procedures. If you miss your appointment, then contact an experienced Ohio immigration lawyer.
For more information, please visit the Preparing for Your Biometric Services Appointment webpage.
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The immigration lawyer at Porter Law Office, LLC specializes in assisting businesses and individuals with securing visas to work and live in the United States. Contact the experienced immigration attorney in Columbus, Ohio to discuss your visa options. Call (614) 428-2887 today.