If you are applying for a Green Card in the United States that allows you to permanently work and live in the country, you likely know that a key part of the process is your biometrics appointment.
Regardless of where you’re at in the Green Card application process, you might be wondering “How long after biometrics will I get my Green Card?”
We are here to answer this question and provide helpful insights into the full biometrics process, from the documents you need to what happens after your appointment.
Plus, we will share how our tenacious immigration attorneys at Spar & Bernstein can help you navigate through the Green Card application process to ensure your American dream comes true.
Looking for help with your Green Card application ?Table of Contents
Bradford H. BernsteinThis article was written and reviewed by Bradford H. Bernstein, a second-generation leader at Law Offices of Spar & Bernstein, P.C., who has helped over 100,000 clients with immigration and personal injury issues. Brad joined the firm in 1993, became a partner in 1997, and assumed leadership in 2000 after Harry Spar retired.
A biometrics appointment is a key step in the permanent residence (Green Card) application process. During the appointment, officials will document your fingerprints, photo and digital signature.
The goal of this appointment is to crosscheck your data with the databases of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
In doing so, officials ensure your record is clear of any prior serious immigration violations and you have accurately disclosed information about your criminal record, if you have one.
Applicants already in the U.S. must visit a local U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) Application Support Center (ASC) or office for their biometrics appointment. Applicants outside of the U.S. must go to the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in the respective country to provide their biometrics.
The biometrics appointment is required for various immigration applications, including but not limited to adjustment of status, Green Card renewal or replacement, work permit applications, naturalization applications, temporary protected status applications or petitions to remove conditions on residence.
For more info on the application process, explore how long it takes to get a receipt from USCIS after filing an application.
If you are already in the U.S., your biometrics screening will typically occur early in the Green Card application process, between 3-8 weeks after you file your application.
If you are applying from abroad, you may be scheduled for your biometrics after your interview is scheduled.
You will be notified about your biometrics appointment by receiving a Notice of Action (Form I-797C) from your Application Support Center (ASC). The notice states the date, time and location of your appointment. It may also contain a code in the upper right corner, showing the type of data you must provide:
If you are applying for a Green Card, you must personally attend your biometrics appointment. The presence of the sponsor is not required.
If you are applying with family members, USCIS may attempt to schedule the biometrics screening for your family together, but it is not always possible.
Your family members can join you for your appointment if you have received a notice and they have not. However, it is entirely up to USCIS whether to combine the screening for all family members.
The biometrics appointment typically lasts just 15-20 minutes. During this time, USCIS officers will use a LiveScan machine to digitally capture your signature, photo and fingerprints.
Keep in mind that the officers conducting the biometrics appointment have no knowledge of the status of your case, so they won’t be able to answer any questions about your application.
