U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) recently announced that applicants can now reschedule their biometrics appointment online.
Previously, applicants had to call the USCIS Contact Center to request a new date and time to have their fingerprints and photo taken.
What does this mean for me?
As long as you have a USCIS online account, you can conveniently reschedule most biometric services appointments without the need for a phone call. Keep in mind the tool cannot be used to reschedule appointments that have already been rescheduled two or more times, are within 12 hours, or have already passed. These requests can only be made by calling the Contact Center.
While you still have the option to contact the USCIS Contact Center to reschedule appointments, USCIS strongly encourages users to take advantage of the new tool. Doing so not only saves time but also increases efficiency and reduces call volume to the USCIS Contact Center, benefiting both applicants and USCIS staff, the agency said in a press release.
Acceptable reasons to reschedule
USCIS also outlined how it evaluates timely rescheduling requests made for “good cause.” Good cause refers to valid reasons for changing the scheduled date. These include:
- Illness
- Medical appointments
- Previously planned travel
- Significant life events
- Transportation difficulties
- Employment constraints, and
- Late or undelivered appointment notices
For more info, Boundless has put together an in-depth guide on the biometrics appointment. And if you have any questions about your case, here are three quick and easy ways to contact USCIS!