How to Reschedule Your USCIS Biometrics Appointment

How to reschedule your biometrics appointment with USCIS

You can reschedule a USCIS biometrics appointment through the USCIS online account portal, by calling the USCIS Contact Center, or by visiting a local USCIS office in person. The method that works fastest depends on whether you have an online account set up and how far in advance you need the change. Most people reschedule online if they have an account; if you do not, a phone call to 1-800-375-5283 is usually quicker than going to an office.

USCIS sends biometrics notices by mail with a scheduled date, time, and location. You do not have to keep that appointment — you can change it — but you should reschedule rather than simply skip it. If you miss the appointment without rescheduling, USCIS may deny your case, so moving the date is worth the few minutes it takes.

Key Takeaways

• You can reschedule online through your USCIS account, by phone at 1-800-375-5283, or in person at a local USCIS office.
• Rescheduling online is fastest if you already have a USCIS account and can log in with your username and password.
• If you call, have your notice of biometrics appointment (the letter USCIS mailed you) in front of you so you can provide your case number and appointment details.
• Missing a biometrics appointment without rescheduling can result in your case being denied, so reschedule as soon as you know you cannot make the original date.
• USCIS typically allows you to reschedule to a date within a reasonable window — usually 30 to 60 days from your original appointment — but policies vary by location.

Rescheduling online through your USCIS account

If you have a USCIS online account, logging in and rescheduling takes about five minutes. Go to uscis.gov, click "Sign in" in the top right, and enter your username and password. Once you are logged in, look for your case and select the biometrics appointment notice. You should see an option to reschedule; click it and choose a new date and time from the available slots.

The available dates depend on your local USCIS office and how far out the system allows you to book. Most offices show appointments 30 to 60 days ahead, though some show fewer options. If you do not see a date that works, you can try again in a few days — new slots open regularly — or use the phone method instead.

After you reschedule online, you will see a confirmation on the screen and should receive an email confirming the new appointment. Print or save this confirmation in case you need to show it at the biometrics office.

Rescheduling by phone with the USCIS Contact Center

Call 1-800-375-5283 to speak with a USCIS representative. Have your notice of biometrics appointment (the letter USCIS mailed you) ready so you can give the representative your case number, your name, and your current appointment date and time. The representative will pull up your case and show you available dates at your local office.

Wait times vary. Calling early in the morning or mid-week often means shorter holds. If you reach a representative, the reschedule itself takes just a few minutes. Ask the representative to email you a confirmation of the new appointment, or ask for a confirmation number you can write down.

If you cannot reach anyone after waiting on hold, hang up and try again later. The Contact Center is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern time, except federal holidays.

Rescheduling in person at a USCIS office

You can walk into your local USCIS office with your notice of biometrics appointment and ask to reschedule. Bring the original letter USCIS mailed you, your passport or state ID, and any other documents listed on the notice. Go early in the day if possible — offices get busy in the afternoon.

A USCIS staff member will check your case and show you available dates. You will reschedule on the spot and receive a new appointment notice before you leave. This method works well if you are already in the area or if you have tried online and by phone without success.

What happens if you miss the original appointment

If you do not show up for your biometrics appointment and do not reschedule beforehand, USCIS will send you a notice saying you failed to appear. You then have a limited time — usually 30 days — to contact USCIS and explain why you missed it. If you do not respond, USCIS may deny your case without further review.

If you have already missed the appointment, contact USCIS immediately by phone or through your online account. Explain the reason you missed it and ask to reschedule. USCIS is more likely to work with you if you reach out on your own rather than waiting for them to contact you.

How far in advance you should reschedule

Reschedule as soon as you know you cannot make your original appointment. The earlier you reschedule, the more date options you will have. If you wait until the day before or the day of your appointment, you may find that no other slots are open at your office, and you may have to travel to a different location or wait weeks for the next available date.

If you are rescheduling more than a few weeks out, the online portal or a phone call will show you what is available. If you are rescheduling within a week or two, call the Contact Center — they sometimes have access to dates that do not show in the online system.

Documents and information you need to reschedule

You do not need to bring or send any documents to reschedule — USCIS already has your case file. You only need to provide your case number (found on your notice of biometrics appointment), your name, and your current appointment date. If you are rescheduling online, you just need your USCIS account login.

If you are rescheduling by phone or in person, having your notice letter in front of you makes the process faster. If you have lost the letter, you can still reschedule — just tell the representative your name and the type of case (for example, "I-485 adjustment of status"), and they can look it up.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I reschedule my biometrics appointment multiple times?

Yes. USCIS allows you to reschedule as many times as you need, as long as you reschedule before your appointment date. Each time you reschedule, you will receive a new appointment notice. However, repeatedly rescheduling may slow down your case, so reschedule only when necessary.

What if no appointment dates are available at my local office?

If the online system shows no open slots, call 1-800-375-5283 and ask whether dates are available by phone. If your local office is fully booked, ask whether you can be scheduled at a different USCIS office nearby. Some applicants are willing to travel to an office with sooner availability.

Do I need to bring anything to my rescheduled biometrics appointment?

Bring the same documents you would have brought to your original appointment: your notice of biometrics appointment, a valid passport or state ID, and any other documents listed on the notice. Biometrics appointments do not require you to bring your full case file — just identification.

How long does it take to reschedule?

Online rescheduling takes about five minutes. Phone rescheduling takes 10 to 20 minutes depending on wait time. In-person rescheduling at a USCIS office usually takes 15 to 30 minutes. You will have a new appointment date immediately after you reschedule.

What if I reschedule but then need to reschedule again?

You can reschedule again using the same method — online, by phone, or in person. Reschedule as soon as you know the new date will not work. There is no limit to how many times you can reschedule, but each change may add time to your overall case processing.