Last Updated on July 13, 2023
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) now permits most biometric services to be rescheduled before the requestor’s originally scheduled appointment.
Overview
USCIS recently launched a self-service online tool that allows requestors, their representatives, and their attorneys to reschedule most biometric services prior to the initially scheduled appointment.
The new online system is designed to improve USCIS’s customer service and reduce the time and hassle it takes to go through the appointment rescheduling process. Before USCIS launched the online system, appointments could only be rescheduled by calling the USCIS Contact Center.
There are a few limitations to note for individuals looking to reschedule their biometrics appointments online. The online system cannot be used to reschedule appointments that are scheduled within 12 hours; that have already passed; or were rescheduled two or more times. Individuals can request to have their appointments rescheduled if they have a USCIS account, regardless of whether their case was submitted by mail or online.
Individuals wishing to reschedule their biometrics appointment online must demonstrate a “good cause” for requesting a new appointment time. Valid reasons for rescheduling an appointment include:
- Previously planned travel
- Medical reasons
- Funeral, graduation, wedding or other life event
- Caregiver or employment responsibilities
- Biometrics appointment letter delivered late or not delivered at all
USCIS may consider other reasons to be sufficient for rescheduling an appointment in addition to the list above.
Looking Ahead
USCIS notes that untimely rescheduling requests can only be made through the USCIS Contact Center. Requests to reschedule are not accepted through mail, a myUSCIS online account, or in person at a USCIS office.
Envoy is pleased to provide you this information, which was prepared in collaboration with Christina Elder, who is a Managing Attorney at Global Immigration Associates (GIA), one of the two independent U.S. law firms Envoy exclusively works with on the Envoy Platform (the “U.S. Law Firms”).
Content in this publication is for informational purposes only and not intended as legal advice, nor should it be relied on as such. For additional information on the issues discussed, consult an attorney at one of the two U.S. Law Firms working with the Envoy Platform or another qualified professional. On non-U.S. immigration issues, consult an Envoy global immigration service provider or another qualified representative.
