How to Schedule and Prepare for Your ASC Biometrics Appointment

What happens at an ASC biometrics appointment

An ASC biometrics appointment is where USCIS collects your fingerprints, photograph, and signature. ASC stands for Application Support Center. You go in person, a technician takes your biometrics, and the whole process usually takes 15 to 30 minutes. USCIS uses these biometrics to run background checks on your immigration case.

You will receive a notice in the mail telling you which ASC to visit, what date and time to show up, and what to bring. The notice is called a biometrics appointment notice or I-797C form. Do not ignore it — if you miss your appointment without rescheduling, USCIS may deny your case.

ASCs are not the same as USCIS field offices. They are separate facilities run by contractors, and they only do biometrics. You cannot walk in without an appointment, and you cannot do biometrics at a regular USCIS office.

Key Takeaways

• Your biometrics appointment notice arrives by mail and tells you the exact ASC location, date, and time you must attend.
• Bring your appointment notice, a valid photo ID, and your green card or passport — do not bring originals of other documents.
• If you cannot make your scheduled date, contact USCIS before the appointment to reschedule, not after.
• The appointment itself takes 15 to 30 minutes and involves fingerprinting, a photograph, and your signature.
• After your biometrics are collected, USCIS uses them to run a background check on your immigration case.

How to find your ASC location and appointment details

USCIS mails your biometrics appointment notice to the address on your case. The notice includes the ASC address, your appointment date and time, and instructions. Read it carefully — it also tells you what to bring and any special rules for that location.

If you did not receive your notice, or if it is unclear, you can look up your ASC location on the USCIS website by entering your zip code. The website shows you which ASC serves your area, but it does not show your personal appointment time — only the location. Your appointment time is in the notice USCIS sent you.

If your notice got lost or you cannot find it, contact USCIS at 1-800-375-5283 before your appointment date. Have your case number ready. Do not wait until after you miss the appointment to call.

What to bring to your ASC appointment

Bring your biometrics appointment notice (the I-797C form) and a valid photo ID. Valid IDs include a driver's license, passport, state ID card, or green card. The ID must not be expired. If you do not have a photo ID, call USCIS before your appointment to ask what else they will accept.

Bring your green card or passport if you have one. If you are applying for a green card and do not have one yet, bring your passport or travel document instead. Do not bring original documents like birth certificates, marriage certificates, or medical records — ASC staff only need your appointment notice and ID.

Wear plain, dark clothing for your photograph. Do not wear hats, sunglasses, or heavy makeup. The photo will be used in your immigration file, so dress as you would for an official ID photo.

How to reschedule if you cannot attend

If you cannot make your appointment, contact USCIS before the scheduled date. Call 1-800-375-5283 or go online to the USCIS case status tool and look for a reschedule option. Some notices include instructions for rescheduling by phone or online — follow those if they are in your notice.

Do not simply skip your appointment and hope USCIS will reschedule you automatically. If you miss your appointment without rescheduling, USCIS will likely deny your case. The only exception is if you have a documented emergency — in that case, contact USCIS as soon as possible and explain what happened.

When you reschedule, USCIS will give you a new appointment date. You may receive a new notice in the mail, or the new date may be available online. Check your mail and your USCIS account regularly after you reschedule.

What happens during the appointment

Arrive 10 to 15 minutes early. Check in at the front desk with your appointment notice and ID. A staff member will call you when it is your turn. The technician will take your fingerprints using a digital scanner, take a photograph of your face, and collect your signature. The whole process takes 15 to 30 minutes.

The technician may ask you to confirm your name, date of birth, and case number. Answer honestly and clearly. If you do not understand a question, ask the technician to repeat it. You do not need to sign anything except the signature pad during the biometrics collection.

After your biometrics are collected, you are done. You do not need to wait for results or pick anything up. USCIS will receive your biometrics electronically and use them to run a background check. You will not hear anything unless there is a problem.

What happens after your appointment

USCIS receives your biometrics within one to three business days. They then run a background check, which can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks depending on your case type and the current workload. You do not need to do anything while you wait.

If your background check clears, USCIS will move forward with your case. You may receive a notice about your next step — such as an interview, a decision, or a request for more documents. Check your mail and your USCIS online account regularly.

If there is a problem with your biometrics — for example, if the fingerprints did not scan clearly — USCIS will send you a new appointment notice. If you receive a second notice, treat it the same way as the first: go to the ASC on the date and time shown, bring your notice and ID, and let the technician know it is a retake.

Common reasons appointments are rescheduled or cancelled

USCIS sometimes reschedules appointments due to staffing issues, facility closures, or system problems. If your appointment is rescheduled, you will receive a new notice in the mail with a new date and time. Do not assume your original appointment is still on — always check your mail.

In rare cases, USCIS may cancel your biometrics appointment if your case is denied or withdrawn before your appointment date. If this happens, you will receive a notice explaining why. You do not need to go to the ASC if your case has been cancelled.

If you move to a different state or city before your appointment, contact USCIS to reschedule at an ASC closer to your new address. Provide your new address and ask to be assigned to the nearest ASC. USCIS will send you a new appointment notice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can someone go to the appointment with me?

You must attend the appointment yourself. A family member or friend can accompany you to the ASC building, but only you can go into the biometrics collection area. If you need an interpreter, contact USCIS before your appointment to request one — do not bring your own interpreter.

What if I am pregnant, disabled, or have a medical condition?

Tell the technician about your condition when you check in. They can make reasonable adjustments, such as allowing you to sit during fingerprinting or giving you extra time. If you have a serious medical issue that prevents you from attending, contact USCIS before your appointment to discuss your options.

What if my fingerprints do not scan?

If your fingerprints are unclear due to scars, calluses, or age, the technician will try multiple times and may use different techniques. If they still cannot get a clear scan, USCIS will send you a new appointment notice for a retake. This is normal and does not hurt your case.

Do I need to bring my children to the appointment?

No. Only the person named on the appointment notice needs to attend. If your children have their own biometrics appointments, they will receive separate notices with their own dates and times.

What if I lost my appointment notice?

Call USCIS at 1-800-375-5283 and provide your case number. They can tell you your appointment date and ASC location. You can also check the USCIS case status tool online. You do not need the physical notice to attend — your ID and case number are enough.