After suspending biometric screening requirements for H4 EAD applicants, USCIS announced that applicants, petitioners, requestors and beneficiaries can now call the USCIS Contact Center (800-375-5283) to reschedule their biometric services appointments. Previously, applicants had to submit their rescheduling requests in writing. This led to undue paperwork and difficulty in tracking all the requests.

What You Should Know Before Rescheduling Your Biometric Appointment

• The original biometric appointment should have been scheduled at a USCIS Application Support Center.

• Applicants must have a good cause for rescheduling a confirmed appointment and the USCIS officer has discretion to accept or deny the reschedule request.

• To reschedule, the applicant must call well before the date and time of their original appointment.

• Walks ins are not permitted. If an applicant fails to call earlier and walks in on the day of the scheduled appointment to reschedule, the request will not be granted.

• Not turning up for a confirmed biometric appointment without rescheduling earlier will result in the application, petition, or request being abandoned and denied.

• If you are unable to make it to your biometrics appointment due to a serious medical disability, USCIS provides a mobile biometrics/homebound service. You may resort to this by following the instructions in the Notice for People with Disabilities section of your appointment notice.

What to Bring to Your Biometric/Fingerprinting Appointment

One you have rescheduled your biometric appointment, you should make all efforts to make it to this appointment. Review your original petition before you come to your ASC appointment. Have all the information and answers ready, if asked. USCIS does not provide copies of any document at your appointment.

You should bring the following to your appointment:

• A copy of your completed application, petition, or request (for your records only).
• Your ASC appointment notice (Form I-797C);
• If you received multiple biometrics appointment notices, please bring all notices to your appointment at the application support center;
• Valid photo identification such as your Green Card, passport, or driver’s license.

Recap Of Your Biometrics Appointment

USCIS has the authority to collect biometrics, fingerprints, photograph, and/or signature from any applicant, petitioner, sponsor, beneficiary, or other individual residing in the United States for any immigration and naturalization benefit. This allow US government to confirm your identity and run required background and security checks.

Once you file an application, petition, or request, USCIS schedules your biometric services appointment at a local Application Support Center (ASC). They issue Form I-797C, Notice of Action which will include the date, time, and location for your ASC appointment. 

Any rescheduling can now be done via a phone call to USCIS at 800-375-5283