USCIS Biometrics Appointment: Notice, What to Bring & Rescheduling
What your appointment notice shows, what to bring, what happens at the Application Support Center, how to reschedule under USCIS's current rules, and what came next in shared cases.
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What is a biometrics appointment?
A biometrics appointment (also called a fingerprint or ASC appointment) is a short visit to a USCIS Application Support Center. Staff there take your fingerprints, photograph and signature. USCIS says it uses them to confirm your identity and run the required background and security checks.
USCIS sends the appointment notice after it receives your case. For how many days after filing people in shared cases got theirs, see the figures on Biometrics Appointment Was Scheduled.
Your appointment notice (Form I-797C)
The notice is a Form I-797C, Notice of Action. It shows the date, time and location of your ASC appointment. Bring it with you; if you received more than one notice, bring all of them. Your case status may read Biometrics Appointment Was Scheduled once it is issued.
Which applications usually need biometrics?
- I-485: adjustment of status (green card)
- I-765: employment authorization, in most cases
- I-131: travel document
- N-400: naturalization (citizenship)
- I-90: green card renewal or replacement
- I-751: removing conditions on residence
Your form's instructions say whether it needs biometrics. If you received more than one appointment notice, bring all of them.
What to bring
- Your appointment notice (Form I-797C), and every notice if you received more than one.
- A valid photo ID, such as your Green Card, passport or driver's license.
What happens at the appointment
- Check-in: you show your appointment notice and photo ID.
- Fingerprints: your fingerprints are scanned digitally.
- Photo: a digital photo is taken.
- Signature: you sign on a digital pad.
After biometrics: what happens to your case
USCIS uses your biometrics for its background and security checks. Your case history may then show FNB (fingerprints taken), and your public status may read Case Was Updated To Show Fingerprints Were Taken.
USCIS doesn't say how long the next step takes. Biometrics Appointment Was Scheduled shows what came next in cases people shared with CaseStatusAPI, and how many days later. Those are past cases, not a prediction for yours.
How to reschedule your biometrics appointment
- Before the appointment: request it before the date and time of your original appointment, through your USCIS online account, at least 12 hours ahead. Don't mail a request.
- Good cause: you must show good cause, including when you only want a different location.
- Less than 12 hours before, or if the online account doesn't work for you: call the USCIS Contact Center at 800-375-5283 (TTY 800-767-1833).
- A different ASC: reschedule to change the location in advance. USCIS says an appointment at a different location won't be processed otherwise.
- Earlier than scheduled: the regulation lets you appear before your scheduled date and time, but USCIS's appointment page doesn't say an ASC will see you early. Go on your scheduled date unless you have rescheduled.
If you miss your appointment
If you don't appear, and by the appointment time USCIS hasn't received a rescheduling request or a change of address that excuses it, the regulation says USCIS considers the request abandoned and denies it. That denial can't be appealed, but a motion to reopen can be filed, and a new request can be filed with a new fee.
USCIS asks people who missed an appointment to call the Contact Center at 800-375-5283. This guide explains USCIS's rules; it is not legal advice.
Sources, checked October 23, 2026: USCIS: Preparing for your biometric services appointment (updated April 30, 2026) and 8 CFR 103.2 (b)(9), (b)(13) and (b)(15).
Frequently asked questions
How do I reschedule my USCIS biometrics appointment?
Through your USCIS online account, before the date and time of your original appointment and at least 12 hours ahead. You must show good cause. USCIS asks you not to mail a request. Less than 12 hours before, or if the online account doesn't work for you, call the USCIS Contact Center at 800-375-5283 (TTY 800-767-1833).
What happens if I miss my biometrics appointment?
If you don't appear and USCIS hasn't received a rescheduling request or a change of address by the appointment time, the regulation says USCIS considers the request abandoned and denies it. USCIS asks people who missed an appointment to call the Contact Center at 800-375-5283.
What do I bring to my biometrics appointment?
Your appointment notice (Form I-797C), every notice if you received more than one, and a valid photo ID such as your Green Card, passport or driver's license.
Can I go to a different Application Support Center?
Only if you rescheduled to change the location before your appointment. USCIS says an appointment at a different location won't be processed otherwise.
How long after biometrics until my case updates?
USCIS doesn't say. The status page "Biometrics Appointment Was Scheduled" shows what came next in cases people shared with CaseStatusAPI, and how many days later. Those are past cases, not a prediction for yours.
What does the FNB event code mean in my case data?
FNB means USCIS recorded your fingerprints and biometrics as taken. It appears after your appointment, not before it. Your public status may read "Case Was Updated To Show Fingerprints Were Taken".
See your own case, explained.
See every step USCIS has recorded for your case, in plain English: your timeline, silent updates, and what usually comes next for cases like yours.
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