When applying for a visa, green card, or citizenship in the United States, one critical step that applicants don’t fully understand is the biometrics appointment. Though it may seem like a routine fingerprinting session, biometrics in the immigration process play a far more significant role. Biometric checks are used for identity verification, background screening, and maintaining national security. If you’re navigating the immigration process, it’s important to understand what biometrics are and what will happen during your appointment.
What Are Biometrics?
Biometrics refer to the physical characteristics that make you unique. In the context of immigration, this includes things like your fingerprints and how you look. The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) uses your biometrics to verify your identity and perform background checks, including criminal and immigration history.
Biometrics are one way to make sure that every applicant is who they say they are. By capturing and comparing these physical identifiers with other national and international databases, USCIS can more effectively uncover any past criminal activity or immigration violations that might affect the outcome of your application.
What Happens During Your Biometrics Appointment?
After you file your application or petition, you will typically receive a notice for a biometrics appointment, known as Form I-797C. The notice will include a date, time, and location for your appointment. During your biometrics appointment, you will be required to:
- Show a government-issued photo ID (like a passport, green card, or driver’s license)
- Provide your fingerprints using a digital scanner
- Have your photograph taken
- Potentially digitally sign an acknowledgment confirming that all the information you submitted is accurate
The entire appointment usually takes less than 30 minutes. However, missing or rescheduling your biometrics appointment can cause significant delays in your immigration case. In some cases, repeated failure to attend your appointment may result in a denial of your application.
Are There Any Exceptions to the Biometrics Appointment?
There are a few exceptions related to biometrics in the immigration process that applicants should be aware of:
- Children and the Elderly: Applicants who are under the age of 14 or over the age of 79 are sometimes exempt from certain biometric requirements, though not always. It’s essential to check with an immigration attorney to understand your obligations.
- Disabilities and Medical Conditions: If you have a condition that makes taking your fingerprints difficult or impossible, you may be asked to submit additional documentation or attend a special appointment. This does not mean that you will be denied entry, just that you may need to from a USCIS employee.
How Can Your Immigration Attorney Help?
Understanding the significance of biometrics in the immigration process is vital, but successfully navigating the immigration process requires experienced legal guidance. A Maryland immigration attorney can help you:
- Make sure your application is correctly completed and submitted
- Track and respond to appointment notices
- Prepare you for your biometrics appointment
- Handle any issues, like missed appointments or requests for further evidence
In cases where a criminal record or prior immigration violation surfaces during your biometrics check, an experienced attorney can advise you on how to respond and whether a waiver or legal defense is available. We are here to support you!
Partner with an Experienced Personal Immigration Attorney at The Law Office of Elizabeth Anu Lawrence
If you believe your rights have been violated or if you want to learn more about your legal protections, choose an experienced firm like the Law Office of Elizabeth Anu Lawrence to give you the help you need. Please give us a call at 443.352.3201. Skype and telephone consultations are both available to clients.
