How Long After Biometrics Will I Get My Green Card?

Bradford H. Bernstein

This article was written and reviewed by Bradford H. Bernstein, a second-generation leader at Law Offices of Spar & Bernstein, P.C., who has helped over 100,000 clients with immigration and personal injury issues. Brad joined the firm in 1993, became a partner in 1997, and assumed leadership in 2000 after Harry Spar retired.

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Bradford H. Bernstein

How Long After Biometrics To Get My Green Card: Key Takeaways

• The time it takes to receive your Green Card after a biometrics appointment depends on several factors, including USCIS workload and the type of application you filed
• The biometrics appointment is a common step on your path towards U.S. permanent residence status, where USCIS officials collect your fingerprints, photo, and signature
• This is done so that the authorities can conduct a background check to identify prior violations or serious offenses
• Depending on whether you are applying for a Green Card in the U.S. or abroad, your biometrics appointment might follow a different path, happening before or after your Green Card interview

If you are applying for a Green Card in the United States that allows you to permanently work and live in the country, you likely know that a key part of the process is your biometrics appointment.

Regardless of where you’re at in the Green Card application process, you might be wondering “How long after biometrics will I get my Green Card?”

We’ll break down:

• The time it takes to move from your biometrics to receiving your Green Card
• What biometrics include
• What the process looks like
• The documents you need to have with you at the biometrics appointment
• What happens after that

How Long After Biometrics You’ll Get Your Green Card?

The time it takes to get your Green Card after your biometrics appointment can range from several months to several years. The waiting period will depend on various factors, such as:

• The type of your application
• The location you applied from
• USCIS workload

Biometrics Appointment Explained

A biometrics appointment is a key step in the permanent residence (Green Card) application process. During the appointment, officials will document your fingerprints, photo and digital signature.

The goal of this appointment is to crosscheck your data with the databases of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

In doing so, officials ensure your record is clear of any prior serious immigration violations and you have accurately disclosed information about your criminal record, if you have one.

• If you’re already in the U.S., you’ll visit a local U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) Application Support Center (ASC) or office for your biometrics appointment.
• If you’re outside of the U.S., you’ll go to the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in your country to provide biometrics.

You’ll need to provide biometrics not only for a Green Card but also for other immigration processes:

• Adjustment of status
• Green Card renewal
• Green Card replacement
• Work permit applications
• Naturalization applications
• Temporary protected status applications
• Petitions to remove conditions on residence

Explore how long it takes to get a receipt from USCIS after filing an application.

Getting Ready For Your Biometrics Appointment

If you are already in the U.S., your biometrics screening will typically occur early in the Green Card application process, between 3-8 weeks after you file your application.

If you are applying from abroad, you may be scheduled for your biometrics after your interview is scheduled.

You will be notified about your biometrics appointment by receiving Form I-797C, Notice of Action from your Application Support Center (ASC).

The notice states the date, time and location of your appointment. It may also contain a code in the upper right corner, showing the data type you must provide:

• Code 1 for all 10 fingerprints
• Code 2 for your index fingerprint, photo and digital signature
• Code 3 for all 10 fingerprints, photo and digital signature

If you are applying for a Green Card, you must personally attend your biometrics appointment. The presence of your U.S. sponsor is not required.

If you are applying with family members, USCIS may attempt to schedule the biometrics screening for your family together, but it is not always possible.

Your family members can join you for your appointment if you have received a notice and they have not. However, it is entirely up to USCIS whether to combine the screening for all family members.

The biometrics appointment typically lasts just 15-20 minutes. During this time, USCIS officers will use a LiveScan machine to digitally capture your signature, photo and fingerprints.

Keep in mind that the officers conducting the biometrics appointment have no knowledge of the status of your case, so they won’t be able to answer any questions about your application.

What Documents Do You Need For Your Biometrics Appointment?

When you arrive for your biometrics appointment, you must have:

• • • The appointment notice you received from the USCIS, listing your appointment details
    • An ID with a photo, such as a valid passport, driver’s license, employment authorization or a permanent resident card, if you are applying for renewal
    • Any document the USCIS specifically requested, such as travel permits or previous employment authorization documents, for example

Note that there are certain items you’re not allowed to take with you into the fingerprinting area. These include weapons, electronic devices, cameras, recording devices, and food.

What Happens After The Biometrics Appointment?

After the appointment, USCIS will stamp your notice to confirm they’ve collected your fingerprints and photo for the background check.

Make sure you keep this document in a safe place and have it ready to show if the need arises.

What comes next?

1. Green Card Interview

Depending on the application form you filed (such as Form I-130 for a family member, Form I-485 for adjustment of status, or Form I-140 for employment-based immigration, you may be called for a Green Card interview.

During the interview, you will be asked questions related to your application. Check some of the marriage interview questions you may hear.

2. Notice Of Another Biometrics Appointment

You may think that once your biometrics appointment is over, that ends this step in the Green Card process. However, it’s not uncommon to receive notice of a second biometrics appointment.

Don’t stress out. This does not mean your application has been denied or there has been a sign of wrongdoing on your part.

The reasons for a second biometrics appointment can vary, with the most common reasons including:

• Smudged fingerprints that cannot be used
• Expiration of biometric data before processing your application. If your application is not processed within the 15 months in which the information is valid, you will be scheduled for a second biometrics appointment.

For more information about what happens after your biometrics appointment and answers to other immigration law questions, check out the Brad Show Live video below.

Hosted by Brad Bernstein, Spar & Bernstein Managing Partner, the show has over 190,000 subscribers and followers on Facebook and YouTube and aims to educate viewers about various immigration situations.

What Happens After I Complete My Biometrics? | Free Immigration Law Advice

How To Check The Status Of Your Green Card Application

To check the status of your Green Card application:

• Visit the USCIS website.
• Call USCIS at 1-800-375-5283.
• Schedule an Info Pass appointment and go to a local USCIS office.
• Request information by mail.
• Work with an experienced immigration lawyer who’ll update you on the progress of your case.

How Long After Biometrics To Get My Green Card: FAQs

Does the biometrics appointment speed up the Green Card process?

Biometrics is only one step in the Green Card process, allowing USCIS to complete your background checks. The overall timeline depends on other factors, including interview scheduling and case backlog.

What happens if I miss my biometrics appointment?

Missing your biometrics appointment without rescheduling may lead to a denial of your application. If you cannot attend, notify USCIS immediately to reschedule.

Can I travel outside the US after my biometrics appointment?

Once you’ve attended biometrics, you may travel outside the United States if you have proper travel authorization, such as an advance parole document. Traveling without authorization while your Green Card application is pending may result in denial.

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