USCIS Biometrics Appointment for U.S. Citizenship: What Happens After Filing Form N-400?
If you recently submitted Form N-400, Application for Naturalization, congratulations...you have completed one of the biggest steps in your U.S. citizenship journey. But what happens after you submit your application?
One of the next steps may be a USCIS biometrics appointment.
During this appointment, USCIS may collect your fingerprints, photograph, and signature so that your identity can be verified and the required background checks can be completed. However, not every naturalization applicant will need to appear for a new biometrics appointment.
In this post, I will explain
What happens after you file Form N-400
How you will know whether USCIS requires biometrics
Where you need to go
What documents you should bring
What happens at the appointment
What you should do if you cannot attend your scheduled appointment
What Happens After You Submit Form N-400?
After USCIS accepts your naturalization application, the agency begins processing your case. As part of this process, USCIS determines whether it needs to collect new biometrics from you. Biometrics generally include your fingerprints, photograph, and signature. USCIS uses this information to verify your identity and conduct required background and security checks. Fingerprints are submitted to the FBI for a criminal background check. However, you may not necessarily have to provide new biometrics.
USCIS May Reuse Your Previous Biometrics
In some cases, USCIS may be able to reuse fingerprints and photographs that were previously collected from you. If USCIS determines that your existing biometrics can be reused, you should receive a notice informing you that your biometrics will be reused.
If you receive a biometrics reuse notice, you generally do not need to visit an Application Support Center simply to provide another set of biometrics. Continue monitoring your case, however, because USCIS can request additional information or biometrics if necessary.
It is important not to assume that USCIS will reuse your biometrics simply because you recently provided fingerprints to another government agency or when entering the United States. USCIS decides whether the biometrics it has available can be reused for your naturalization application.
How Will You Receive Your Biometrics Appointment Notice?
If USCIS needs new biometrics, it will send you an appointment notice containing the date, time, and location of your appointment. If you filed Form N-400 online, regularly check your USCIS online account, including the Documents section, for new notices and updates.
USCIS may also communicate notices through the mail and/or your online account.
Do not rely only on waiting for something to arrive in your mailbox. Checking your USCIS account periodically can help you stay on top of your case.
Where Do You Go for a USCIS Biometrics Appointment?
Most applicants who need biometrics will be instructed to visit a USCIS Application Support Center, commonly called an ASC. You should go to the location specified on your appointment notice.
Do not assume that you can simply visit another USCIS office or use a private fingerprinting service instead. Your appointment notice tells you exactly where and when USCIS expects you to appear.
What Should You Bring to Your Biometrics Appointment?
Preparing for the appointment is relatively simple. USCIS instructs naturalization applicants to bring:
Your biometrics appointment notice
Your Form I-551, Permanent Resident Card (Green Card)
A second government-issued photo ID, such as a driver's license, state identification card, or passport
USCIS specifically states that the second form of identification should contain your photograph. Most importantly, read your actual appointment notice carefully before leaving home. If USCIS provides additional instructions for your particular case, follow those instructions.
What Happens During the Biometrics Appointment?
A biometrics appointment is generally much simpler than the naturalization interview.
After you arrive, USCIS personnel will verify your identity and collect the biometric information required for your case. This may include your fingerprints, photograph, and signature.
Your fingerprints can then be used as part of the FBI criminal background check and other required identity and security checks.
This appointment is not your citizenship interview. You will not be asked to complete the naturalization English and civics tests as part of the biometrics appointment. Those requirements are generally addressed later during the naturalization interview, unless you qualify for an applicable exemption or waiver.
What If USCIS Cannot Read Your Fingerprints?
Occasionally, fingerprints may not be clear enough for the FBI to process them. If the FBI rejects your fingerprints because of their quality, USCIS may schedule another fingerprinting appointment. USCIS's naturalization guidance states that applicants are not required to pay again for this second fingerprinting attempt. Therefore, receiving another biometrics appointment does not necessarily mean that there is a problem with your naturalization application.
What If You Cannot Attend Your Biometrics Appointment?
If you know that you cannot attend your scheduled appointment, do not simply skip it.
USCIS guidance allows biometrics rescheduling requests to be made through a myUSCIS online account or through the USCIS Contact Center. Follow the instructions provided with your appointment notice and request the change as soon as possible.
Missing the appointment without properly addressing it can delay your application. Depending on the circumstances, USCIS may also consider whether the underlying application or benefit request has been abandoned. For that reason, always take a USCIS biometrics appointment notice seriously.
What Happens After Biometrics?
After USCIS has the biometrics it needs, the agency can continue processing your naturalization application and completing the required background checks.
Once the necessary processing is complete, the next major step for most applicants is the Naturalization interview.
USCIS will send you another notice telling you the date, time, and location of your interview. During the naturalization interview, a USCIS officer will review your application and ask questions about your background. Unless you qualify for an exemption or waiver, you will also complete the applicable English and U.S. civics tests.
Concluding Thoughts
The biometrics stage of the U.S. naturalization process is usually straightforward.
After filing Form N-400, USCIS will determine whether it can reuse biometrics already available or whether you need to attend a new appointment. If a new appointment is required, follow the instructions on your notice, go to the designated Application Support Center, and bring your appointment notice, Green Card, and an acceptable government-issued photo ID.
Most importantly, continue checking your USCIS online account and your mail for updates throughout the process. Once the biometrics and background-check stage is complete, you can start focusing on one of the most important parts of your citizenship journey: preparing for your naturalization interview and the English and civics tests.
Disclaimer: This article provides general informational guidance and is not legal advice. USCIS procedures and requirements can change, and applicants should always follow the instructions on their individual USCIS notices and current USCIS guidance.
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