Key Points
- USCIS now allows some biometrics appointments to be rescheduled online
- Rescheduling requests may now be made through a self-service tool
- USCIS accepts appointment rescheduling requests made for valid reasons
Overview
US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) now permits most biometric services to be rescheduled online with a new self-service tool before the individual’s scheduled appointment.
What are the Changes?
USCIS recently launched a self-service online tool allowing requestors, their representatives, and their attorneys to reschedule most biometric services before the initial appointment.
The new online system, available through the benefit requestors or accredited representatives’ USCIS online account, is designed to improve USCIS’s customer service and reduce the time and hassle it takes to go through the appointment rescheduling process. Before USCIS launched the online system, appointments could only be rescheduled by calling the USCIS Contact Center.
There are a few limitations to note for individuals looking to reschedule their biometrics appointments online. The online system cannot be used to reschedule appointments that are scheduled within 12 hours or that have already passed or were rescheduled two or more times. Requestors are still able to call the USCIS Contact Center as appropriate.
Individuals can request to have their appointments rescheduled if they have a USCIS account, regardless of whether their case was submitted by mail or online.
Individuals wishing to reschedule their biometrics appointment online must demonstrate a “good cause” for requesting a new appointment date. Valid reasons for rescheduling an appointment include:
- Previously planned travel
- Medical reasons
- Funeral, graduation, wedding, or other life event
- Caregiver or employment responsibilities
- Biometrics appointment letter delivered late or not delivered at all
USCIS may consider other reasons to be sufficient for rescheduling an appointment in addition to the list above.
Looking Ahead
USCIS notes that only timely submitted rescheduling requests can be made through the USCIS Contact Center. Only timely submitted rescheduling requests are accepted through the mail, a myUSCIS online account, or in person at a USCIS office.
Written by: Lucy Halse, Content Marketing Associate, Envoy Global
Edited by: Dmitri Pikman, Supervising Attorney, Corporate Immigration Partners
Source: US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)
