USCIS Biometrics Appointment Guide for Naturalization

After USCIS receives your Form N-400 application, the next step is a biometrics appointment at an Application Support Center (ASC). This appointment is short, typically 15 to 20 minutes, and does not involve any testing or questioning about your application. Its sole purpose is to collect your fingerprints, photograph, and signature for an FBI background check.

Why USCIS Collects Biometrics

USCIS uses your biometric data to run a fingerprint-based background check through the FBI's Next Generation Identification system. This check searches criminal databases across all 50 states and federal records for any arrests, convictions, or other records associated with your fingerprints. The results are used as part of the good moral character evaluation in your naturalization case.

What Is Collected at the Appointment

• Fingerprints. The technician rolls each finger across an electronic scanner and takes flat impressions of all four fingers on each hand. This replaces the old ink-and-paper method used for decades.
• Digital photograph. A front-facing photo is taken and stored in your biometric record.
• Signature. You sign electronically using a digital pad.

What to Bring

You only need two things at your biometrics appointment:

• Your biometrics appointment notice (Form I-797C). This is the letter USCIS mailed to you after receiving your N-400. Do not lose this letter before your appointment.
• A valid government-issued photo ID. A driver's license, state ID, or your current Green Card all work. Foreign passports are also acceptable.

Do not bring family members into the appointment area. They can wait in the lobby. Children should stay home if possible, as ASC waiting rooms can be crowded and the process can take 30 to 60 minutes including wait time.

If Your Fingerprints Are Rejected

Some applicants, particularly those who have done manual labor for many years, have worn fingerprints that do not scan clearly. If the scanner cannot read your fingerprints on the first attempt, the technician will try several more times using different techniques. In most cases, a usable scan is eventually obtained.

If the system cannot capture your prints after multiple attempts, the technician documents the attempt. USCIS may schedule a follow-up appointment or, in rare cases, may proceed without fingerprints if they cannot be captured despite repeated attempts. This is uncommon and handled on a case-by-case basis.

Applicants Who May Not Need a Biometrics Appointment

USCIS generally waives biometrics for naturalization applicants who are 75 years of age or older. These applicants' biometrics may already be on file from prior immigration applications. If USCIS waives your biometrics, you will not receive an ASC appointment notice, and you should proceed directly to waiting for your interview notice.

How to Reschedule

If you cannot make your scheduled biometrics appointment, contact the USCIS Contact Center at 1-800-375-5283 before the scheduled date to request a reschedule. Do not simply skip the appointment, as failing to appear without requesting a reschedule may cause USCIS to treat your application as abandoned.

You can also walk in to any ASC (not just the one listed on your notice) during that office's business hours, bringing your appointment notice and ID. Walk-in biometrics are accepted at most ASC locations, though you may have to wait if the office is busy.

What Happens After Your Biometrics

After your biometrics appointment, USCIS submits your fingerprints to the FBI for the background check. Processing typically takes several weeks. Your case status on the USCIS website will update to show that biometrics were received. The next update you will typically see is when USCIS schedules your interview. Biometrics results and interview scheduling often happen concurrently.