How to Schedule and Prepare for Your Homeland Security Appointment

What a Homeland Security appointment is and where to book it

A Homeland Security appointment is a scheduled meeting with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), which is part of the Department of Homeland Security. These appointments cover biometrics collection (fingerprints and photos), interviews for immigration cases, and document reviews. You do not walk in — USCIS assigns you a specific date, time, and location.

You book through USCIS's online system, which varies depending on what you are there for. If you received a notice in the mail telling you to appear, that notice includes instructions and often a link to schedule. If you are scheduling on your own, you go to the USCIS website and use their appointment scheduler. Some cases require you to call the USCIS Contact Center at 1-800-375-5283 instead.

The location is not your choice — USCIS assigns you to the field office or application support center nearest your address or the one handling your case. You will see the address and directions when you confirm your appointment.

Key Takeaways

• Check your USCIS notice or case status online to see whether you need to schedule an appointment or if one has already been assigned to you.
• Bring your appointment notice, valid ID, and any documents listed in your notice — missing documents often means rescheduling.
• Arrive 15 minutes early; USCIS locks doors at the appointment start time and may not let you in if you are late.
• If you cannot make your appointment, reschedule through the same system where you booked it, not by calling or emailing.
• Biometrics appointments usually take 15 to 30 minutes; interviews can take 30 minutes to several hours depending on your case.

How to check if you already have an appointment scheduled

Before you try to book, log into your USCIS account at uscis.gov using your username and password. Go to "My Cases" and look for your case number. If an appointment has been assigned, it will show the date, time, location, and what to bring.

If you do not have an online account, you can create one at uscis.gov/account. You will need your case number (from your receipt notice) and your A-number (your USCIS alien number, also on your receipt notice). If you cannot find these numbers, call 1-800-375-5283 and have your name, date of birth, and country of birth ready.

If your case status says "Decision" or "Case Closed," you may not need an appointment. Read the status details carefully. If it says "Appointment Scheduled" but gives no date, the appointment may still be processing — check again in a few days.

Scheduling an appointment through the USCIS online system

If your notice tells you to schedule your own appointment, go to uscis.gov/field-offices and select your state and city. You will see a list of nearby USCIS locations. Click the one handling your case (your notice should say which one).

Click "Schedule Appointment" and log in with your USCIS account. Select the type of appointment from the dropdown — this is usually filled in based on your case, but confirm it matches your notice. Then choose from available dates and times. USCIS shows you only slots that are actually open; you cannot book a date that is already full.

After you select your time, you will see a confirmation screen. Print this page or save the PDF — this is your proof of appointment. You will also receive an email confirmation. Bring both your printed confirmation and your original appointment notice to the office.

What to bring to your appointment

Your appointment notice lists exactly what you need. At minimum, bring your notice itself, a valid government-issued photo ID (passport, state ID, or driver's license), and your green card or work permit if you have one. Do not assume — read your notice line by line.

If your notice says to bring birth certificate, marriage certificate, divorce decree, police clearance, medical exam results, or financial documents, bring originals and copies. USCIS often makes copies on site, but bringing your own copies saves time. If a document is in another language, bring the original and a certified English translation.

If you are bringing a translator or representative, your notice will say so. If it does not say you can bring someone, ask USCIS before the appointment — some appointments are individual only. If you are bringing a child, check your notice; some offices do not allow children in the waiting area.

What happens during biometrics and interview appointments

A biometrics appointment is usually quick. You check in, wait your turn, and an officer takes your fingerprints (usually digital, sometimes ink), takes a photo, and may ask a few basic questions to confirm your identity. The whole process takes 15 to 30 minutes. You do not need to prepare anything beyond what is on your notice.

An interview appointment is longer and more detailed. An officer will ask you questions about your case — why you are seeking immigration status, your work history, your family, your background. They may ask you to explain documents you submitted. Bring all documents you submitted with your case, even if your notice does not list them. Interviews typically take 30 minutes to an hour, though complex cases can take longer.

At both types of appointments, arrive 15 minutes early. USCIS locks the doors at your appointment time; if you are late, you may be turned away and have to reschedule. Bring a pen in case you need to fill out a form. Do not bring weapons, recording devices, or large bags — USCIS has security screening at the entrance.

Rescheduling or canceling your appointment

If you cannot make your appointment, reschedule as soon as you know. Log into your USCIS account, go to "My Cases," find your appointment, and click "Reschedule Appointment." Choose a new date and time from the available slots. You will get a new confirmation — print it and bring it to your new appointment.

Do not skip your appointment and do not call to cancel without rescheduling. If you miss an appointment without rescheduling, USCIS may close your case or deny your request. If you have a genuine emergency and cannot reschedule online, call 1-800-375-5283 immediately and explain. Ask them to hold your case while you reschedule.

If you need to reschedule more than once, USCIS may require you to call instead of using the online system. If the online scheduler will not let you reschedule, call the Contact Center and have your case number ready.

What to do if you lose your appointment notice or forget the details

Log into your USCIS account and check "My Cases." Your appointment details are there — date, time, location, and what to bring. You can print this page as proof. If you do not have an online account, create one using your case number and A-number.

If you have lost your case number, call 1-800-375-5283 with your name, date of birth, and country of birth. They can look up your case and tell you your appointment details over the phone. Write down everything they tell you.

If your appointment is in the next few days and you cannot access your information online, call the field office directly. Your appointment notice has the phone number, or you can find it on uscis.gov/field-offices. Have your name and date of birth ready.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I am late to my appointment?

USCIS locks the doors at your appointment time. If you arrive after that, you will likely be turned away. Call the field office immediately and ask if they can still see you. If not, reschedule through your online account as soon as possible. Repeated no-shows can result in case closure.

Can I bring someone with me to my appointment?

Your appointment notice will say if you can bring a translator, lawyer, or representative. If it does not mention it, you should go alone unless you have a disability or language barrier that requires accommodation. Call the field office ahead of time to request an interpreter if you need one.

How long does it take to get results after my appointment?

Biometrics results usually post to your online case within 2 to 4 weeks. Interview decisions vary — some are made the same day, others take weeks or months. Check your online case status regularly for updates. Do not call asking for results before 30 days have passed.

What if I moved and my appointment is at the wrong office?

Call 1-800-375-5283 and tell them your new address. They can transfer your case to the field office nearest your new location and reschedule your appointment. Do this as soon as you move — showing up at the wrong office wastes your appointment slot.

Can I reschedule my appointment by phone or email?

No. You must reschedule through your online USCIS account. If the online system is not working or will not let you reschedule, call 1-800-375-5283. Emailing does not work — USCIS does not monitor general email for appointment changes.