Biometrics Questions Answered
Today I want to talk about biometrics. We often get questions on our channels about biometrics, and almost everyone applying for an immigration benefit must go through it, so it’s a good idea to share what it is. What does biometrics mean? When does it happen? How much does it cost, and how do you pay for it?
Biometrics – what is it?
What Is a Biometrics?
Biometrics just means you get your fingerprints taken at an office run by United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). They also get identifying information from you. They do this to run a background check.
Before COVID-19, shortly after we applied for our clients, they would need to go in and have their biometrics done. Sometimes, within a month or so if USCIS is getting the application.
Now, it is taking much longer.
We have heard people not getting a notice for several months, and the appointment is not happening for ten months or longer.
One good part of this is that they are using older biometrics and not making you get them again and pay another fee. Before COVID-19, if your biometrics were 14-16 months old, you would need to get them again, but that is changing right now.
I don’t know how long that will stay that way, but we’ll take it while we can, right?
We hope as things reopen, the delay shortens, and you can get your biometrics done sooner. But keep in mind that your biometrics being done doesn’t indicate how fast your case will be processed, unfortunately.
If you need help applying for your biometrics appointment, checking the visa bulletin, or processing your green card, then don’t hesitate to consult our immigration attorneys in New Jersey. Our law firm can help you with all the immigration information and immigration laws you need to know.
Who Must Get Biometrics?
Almost every person who is 14 years or older and under 79 years old and applies for an immigration benefit must get their biometrics taken.
For almost every person who must get biometrics, you must pay for them. The fee is $85. You do not pay this separately from your other fees.
What I mean by that is, when your fees are paid, this amount is included with the other costs you are paying. If you are paying for this yourself, an attorney is not sending payment in for you, including the biometrics and other fees.
Schedule a consultation with us today so our New Jersey immigration lawyer can help you with your U.S. visa application and other paperwork.
What If I Miss My Biometrics Appointment?
People often ask us what they should do if they can’t get to their biometrics appointment or missed it.
We used to advise you to go to the USCIS office if you missed it, and it was close (within the same week) to the scheduled date. Do not do this any longer. They will not let you in or talk to you.
On your notice, there should be a number you can contact with an address that you can write to if you cannot make it to your scheduled appointment and instructions on how to notify USCIS.
Follow these instructions. Keep in mind that this may delay the processing of your case. If you miss your appointment, USCIS could deem your application as abandoned and deny it, and you will lose any fees that you submitted, so I highly recommend that you don’t let this happen.
USCIS does not have to change the date, but they usually will.
If you need help processing your citizenship status, business visa, labor certification process, and other immigration concerns call us for help. Our New Jersey immigration law firm can help you obtain legal status.
Got Immigration Concerns? Consult Our New Jersey Immigration Attorneys!
If you have immigration concerns such as applying for a visa renewal or getting a green card, call our New Jersey immigration law firm. Our reliable immigration attorneys can help with your immigration case.
My name is Andres Mejer. I’m an immigrant and immigration attorney based in New Jersey. I help people get a legal status no matter where they are in the US.
I started helping people with their immigration issues because my family had a bad experience with an immigration attorney when I was growing up. My family paid them to help us get our green cards, and they didn’t do anything.
My goal is to make sure YOUR immigration process is as stress-free as possible. Schedule a consultation today so you and your family can get legal status in the U.S.
