Preparing for your biometrics appointment

No matter which visa type you are applying for, or how long you are planning to stay in the U.S., it is most probable that you will need to attend a biometrics appointment as part of the primary requirements. After collecting your biometric data, the USCIS will use it to run in law enforcement databases as part of the standard background check process, and will provide your data to these databases to be stored for future reference.?

What happens at the Biometrics Appointment?

The biometrics appointment is a mandatory part (although waivers may apply for some cases) of the U.S. immigration and border control procedures. The USCIS, directly or through your local Embassy or Consular Office, will collect essential data to confirm your identity, such as fingerprints, a facial scan and digital photographs, which will be linked to your application in order to assess if you appear in any law enforcement records, enable authorities to identify you during your stay, and more generally out of national security concerns.

Be aware that your data will be retained by U.S. authorities even after your stay in the U.S., in order to be used for law enforcement purposes.

It is a good idea to arrive to your appointment well ahead of schedule, especially in some of the busier embassies and USCIS offices. You will be asked to perform a fingerprint scan on all ten fingers, and ID photos will be taken. For these photos, you need to remove any face coverings or accessories - with the exception of those worn for religious reasons. Children under 14 years, or adults over 79 years old do not need to provide fingerprints.

What should I bring at the Biometrics Appointment?

Once you have submitted your application, you will be contacted by the USCIS with an appointment date for your biometrics collection. Make sure you are able to get there on time!

When you do go in for your appointment at the local USCIS office, Embassy or Consulate, you will have to bring along a couple of important items:

• A printed copy of your application form
• A valid passport
• An additional photo ID (such as a driver’s livence)
• A copy of all supporting documentation attached to your application
• Your official appointment notice

Although the scope of the appointment is the collection of your biometric data, any part of your application can be looked at by the officer in charge, so it is a good general rule of thumb to have everything with you each time you interact with the immigration authorities. Otherwise, you risk setting yourself up for unnecessary, and avoidable delays.

As a final note, remember that there is really no need to be nervous or worried about your biometrics appointment, unless you have a criminal record that may show up as a consequence. As long as you are well-prepared and show up on time, you will walk out of there with a stamp on your official appointment notice, which confirms that your biometric data has been collected. You will have to keep this document safe, as it will be required further along in your visa journey!

If any of this still makes you a little anxious, it is a good idea to speak with one of our experienced travel and immigration consultants to be sure that you have all the details covered.