Everything You Need to Know if You Missed Your Biometrics Appointment
Life is full of uncertainties, and sometimes things don’t go as planned. One such instance is missing your biometrics appointment. Biometrics appointment is an essential part of the immigration process. It is a mandatory appointment where an applicant provides their fingerprints, photograph, and signature. Missing this appointment can put your immigration application on hold or even lead to denial. In this article, we’ll discuss everything you need to know if you miss your biometrics appointment.
Understanding Biometrics Appointment
Before we dive into what happens if you miss your biometrics appointment, let’s first understand what a biometrics appointment is. A biometrics appointment is a crucial part of the immigration application process. It is mandated by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) for most applicants for immigration benefits. The primary purpose of a biometrics appointment is to capture biographical information from applicants. During the biometrics appointment, applicants are fingerprinted, photographed, and provide their signature.
What Happens If You Miss Your Biometrics Appointment?
Missing your biometrics appointment is a serious issue and can significantly delay your application process. It may even lead to a cancellation of your application or denial. If you miss your appointment due to unavoidable circumstances, such as sudden illness or family emergency, you should contact USCIS as soon as possible. USCIS may reschedule your appointment, but this is not a guarantee.
If you miss your biometrics appointment without any notice or valid reason, USCIS may consider it as a sign of abandonment of your application. The application will be on hold until you reschedule and attend the biometrics appointment. However, if you miss multiple biometrics appointments, USCIS may consider it as a lack of interest in your application and deny it.
How to Reschedule a Biometrics Appointment?
If you miss your biometrics appointment, you must reschedule it immediately. To reschedule your appointment, you must contact USCIS and inform them of your reason for missing the initial appointment. You can call the USCIS Contact Center at 1-800-375-5283, mail a letter to the office where your appointment was scheduled or visit the local USCIS office personally. USCIS will schedule a new appointment based on availability.
Conclusion
Missing your biometrics appointment is a significant obstacle and can delay or even deny your immigration application. It is essential to make every effort to attend the appointment as scheduled. However, if you cannot attend the appointment, make sure to contact USCIS immediately and provide a valid reason for your absence. Remember, rescheduling an appointment is not a guarantee, and it’s crucial to be proactive and not miss an appointment in the first place.
