Applying for a green card requires you to attend a biometrics appointment. It helps USCIS make sure who you are and do the proper background checks before taking the next steps for your application. If you are working on a green card through family, work, asylum or any category, it is important to follow the biometrics appointment steps to prevent any complications. The guide explains what will take place, how you should get ready and follows up on what happens after your biometrics appointment in 2025.

What Is a Biometrics Appointment?

A biometrics appointment refers to a visit organized by USCIS at an Application Support Center (ASC). When you come for this appointment, USCIS gathers your:

Fingerprints

Photograph

Digital signature

They check your identity and check your background with several organizations, including the FBI, DHS and others.

When Is the Biometrics Appointment Scheduled?

Once you complete your green card application (usually on Form I-485), you will be given a Form I-797C which shows the time, place and date for your biometrics appointment.

Usually, after your green card application is accepted, you will get your biometrics notice within 3–8 weeks.

What Happens During the Appointment?

During the appointment, you are seen for just 15–30 minutes and the procedure is not complicated. Knowing this will help you prepare:

Step-by-Step Process:

· Arrival: Admit 15 minutes prior to your appointment time with both your notice and proper photo ID.

· Check-In: The staff will check your identity and the particulars of your appointment.

· Biometrics Collection: At USCIS, a technician will take your fingerprints, take your picture and have you sign to prove the accuracy of your application.

· Confirmation: A notice will be given to you that confirms your biometrics were taken.

Documents to Bring:

Don’t forget your documents to show when you have your biometrics appointment:

Biometrics Appointment Notice (Form I-797C)

Valid government-issued photo ID, such as:

Passport

Driver’s license

State-issued ID

Employment Authorization Document (EAD)

Optional:

Green card approval notice (Form I-485)

Any described documents in your appointment notice

What If You Miss the Appointment?

If you don’t inform USCIS about missing your appointment, your green card process might be delayed or denied. If you cannot come, inform USCIS ahead of the appointment date to move it to another time.

To request a new date:

· Call the USCIS Contact Center at 1–800–375–5283

· Use your USCIS online account if available

Will You Need Another Biometrics Appointment?

In particular cases, USCIS can use the biometrics taken from an application you filed before. In that case, you will hear that your existing biometrics are adequate and you don’t have to book another appointment. But most people who apply for their first green card will usually have to go to an appointment for biometric data.

What Happens After the Biometrics Appointment?

After biometrics are submitted:

· USCIS will run security checks using FBI and DHS databases.

· Upon approval, your case will move to the next step which might involve an interview, EAD approval or the decision notice.

The experience of the appointment does not include immediate feedback. Look online to monitor your USCIS case progress.

Tips to Prepare for Your Biometrics Appointment

Make sure you are dressed well because your photograph is part of your official USCIS document.

Try not to put on hats, sunglasses or clothing that covers your face.

Show up ahead of time to preclude hassles from being late.

Only submit the papers that the USCIS tells you about — you won’t be able to add extra papers at this appointment

Helping Green Card is available to guide you through your green card process from beginning to end. The experts on our team work hard to make immigration management less difficult and more comfortable. For more information or to ask for personal help, go to HelpingGreenCard.com, call at +91 8305233223 or send an email to helpingreencard@gmail.com