How to Schedule and Prepare for a Department of Homeland Security Appointment

What a DHS appointment is and where you schedule it

A Department of Homeland Security appointment is usually a USCIS appointment — the immigration agency that handles visas, green cards, citizenship, and work permits. You schedule these through the USCIS online system or by phone, not through a general DHS portal. The appointment might be for biometrics (fingerprinting), an interview, document review, or a status check, depending on your case.

Most people schedule through the USCIS website at uscis.gov, using your case number or receipt number. Some appointments are assigned to you automatically and you receive a notice in the mail telling you the date and location. Others you must schedule yourself within a window of time given in that notice.

If you cannot find your case online or need to reschedule, you can call USCIS at 1-800-375-5283. The wait time is usually long, so call early in the morning or use the online system if possible.

Key Takeaways

• USCIS appointments are scheduled through uscis.gov using your receipt number, or you may receive a notice in the mail with a pre-assigned date and location.
• Bring your appointment notice, valid ID, and any documents listed on the notice — missing documents is the most common reason appointments are delayed or rescheduled.
• Biometrics appointments usually take 15 to 30 minutes; interviews can take 30 minutes to several hours depending on your case complexity.
• If you cannot make your appointment, reschedule through the USCIS website or call 1-800-375-5283 as soon as possible, because missing an appointment without rescheduling can result in case denial.
• Bring originals of all documents, not copies, unless the notice specifically says copies are acceptable.

How to find your appointment notice and case number

Your appointment notice comes by mail and includes your receipt number (a code like EAC, WAC, or LIN followed by numbers). Keep this number — you will need it to check your case status, reschedule, or call USCIS.

If you have not received a notice but believe you have a pending case, log into your USCIS account at uscis.gov/account. You will need to create an account using your email and a password. Once logged in, you can see all your cases, their status, and any appointments assigned to you.

If you cannot locate your case online and did not receive a notice by mail, wait at least 30 days from the date you submitted your application. If still nothing arrives, call USCIS at 1-800-375-5283 with your name, date of birth, and the type of application you filed (green card, work permit, citizenship, etc.).

What documents to bring to your appointment

Always bring the appointment notice itself — the USCIS officer will check it first. Bring a valid government-issued photo ID (passport, driver's license, or state ID). If your ID is expired, bring it anyway along with a second form of ID if you have one.

Bring originals of every document listed on your appointment notice. Do not assume copies are acceptable unless the notice says so. For a biometrics appointment, you typically need only your notice and ID. For an interview, bring your passport, birth certificate, marriage certificate (if applicable), lease or mortgage statement showing your current address, and any documents related to your case — employment letters, medical records, police clearances, or financial documents depending on what you are filing for.

If you have a translator, bring them with you. USCIS offices have interpreters available, but bringing your own can speed the process. The translator must be at least 18 years old and able to interpret accurately between English and your language.

Biometrics appointments: what to expect

A biometrics appointment is a fingerprinting and photo session. You will be fingerprinted digitally, photographed, and possibly asked basic questions to confirm your identity. The whole process usually takes 15 to 30 minutes. You do not need to prepare documents beyond your notice and ID.

Wear clean, dark clothing if possible — the photo will be used on your green card or work permit. Remove hats, sunglasses, and heavy makeup. Do not wear a uniform or clothing with large logos or text.

Arrive 10 to 15 minutes early. The office will be crowded, and check-in can take time. If you are more than 15 minutes late, you may be turned away and asked to reschedule.

Interview appointments: what to expect and how to prepare

An interview appointment is longer and more detailed than biometrics. You will meet with a USCIS officer who will ask questions about your application, your background, your family, your work history, and your ties to the United States. The interview can last 30 minutes to several hours depending on your case type and whether the officer needs to verify information.

Bring all documents listed on your notice, plus originals of your passport, birth certificate, and any documents you submitted with your application. Bring bank statements, tax returns, employment letters, lease agreements, and any other documents that support your case. If you are filing for a family member, bring documents for them as well.

Answer questions truthfully and directly. If you do not understand a question, ask the officer to repeat it or explain it. Do not volunteer information beyond what is asked. If you do not know an answer, say so rather than guessing.

How to reschedule or cancel your appointment

If you cannot make your appointment, reschedule as soon as possible. Log into your USCIS account and look for a reschedule option next to your appointment. You will be given a window of available dates at your local office. Select a new date and confirm.

If you cannot reschedule online, call USCIS at 1-800-375-5283. Have your receipt number ready. The phone line is busy, so try calling early in the morning or late in the afternoon.

If you miss your appointment without rescheduling, USCIS may deny your case. If this happens, you will receive a notice in the mail explaining the denial and any options to appeal or reapply. Do not ignore this notice.

What happens after your appointment

After a biometrics appointment, USCIS will use your fingerprints to run background checks. This usually takes two to four weeks. You can check your case status online using your receipt number.

After an interview, the officer may tell you on the spot whether you are approved, or they may tell you they need to review your documents and will send a decision by mail. Decisions typically arrive within two to four weeks, though some cases take longer.

If you are approved, you will receive a notice in the mail with instructions on how to pick up your green card, work permit, or other document. If you are denied, the notice will explain why and whether you can appeal or reapply.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I bring someone with me to my appointment?

Yes. You can bring a family member, friend, or lawyer. If you bring a lawyer, they can speak on your behalf during the interview. If you bring a family member or friend, they can sit with you but cannot answer questions for you — you must answer all questions yourself.

What if I am late to my appointment?

Arrive as early as possible. If you are more than 15 minutes late, the office may turn you away and ask you to reschedule. If you are running late, call the local USCIS office directly if you have their phone number, or call 1-800-375-5283 to notify them.

Do I need to bring my children to a biometrics appointment?

Only if they have their own appointment notice. Children usually have separate appointments scheduled at different times. Check your notice to see whether it covers only you or your entire family.

What if I lost my appointment notice?

Log into your USCIS account and print a new copy, or call 1-800-375-5283 and ask them to mail you another one. You can also show up with your ID and receipt number, and the office staff can look up your appointment in their system.

Can I reschedule my appointment multiple times?

USCIS allows rescheduling, but repeatedly missing or rescheduling appointments can result in case denial. Reschedule only if you have a genuine conflict, and do it as soon as possible. If you have a pattern of missed appointments, USCIS may deny your case without further notice.