The Biometric Experience

[Goran 2]

Hello Folks,

Wanted to drop a note about my Biometrics experience in Norfolk, VA. We had pretty big (for Richmond) snow "storm" last couple of days (sun-mon), which dropped 12" snow. Norfolk, being about 2 hours east of Richmond, did not get any snow at all, alas, field office was open. Luckily, my wife has a 4-wheel drive car that I used to get out of my driveway/neighborhood.

Never-the-less, my appointment was for 11AM, and I arrived around 10AM. The building is located in an office park right off Interstate 64. It was "Application Support Center" spelled out in large letters on the side of the building facing the street you're coming in on.

As you enter the building, it states no cell phones, no food, no drink, no cameras, etc... however, the guard/receptionist on post as you enter the building did not seem too concerned checking for these things. He sits behind a desk, inspects your NOA for your Biometrics appointment, inspects your green card, and asks you to fill out a "Application Worksheet". Basically, you need to write down your name, address, phone number, ssn, A#, NOA Receipt number, and any aliases you have used. Once completed, he give you a number and asks you to sit in the waiting area, which is just a few steps away from his desk. My number was 717, and they were currently servicing 713.

It is a very open area, where as you are sitting waiting for your number to be called, you can see the other applicants' fingerprints being taken. They had two fingerprint stations going when I went. I only had to wait for about 20 minutes, and it was my turn.

The fingerprint technician asks you to verify your information on his/her computer before your fingerprints are taken. Apparently, I had a problem "relaxing" my arm, so she had to re-scan some of my fingers. However, I must tell you that when you're 6'3", trying to position your arm in a "relaxed" mode for someone who is 5'0", certain difficulties present themselves. There's only so "relaxed" you can be when they are twisting and rolling your fingers!

The process took about 15 minutes. She then asked me if I had the study guides for the test, to which I answered "No". She gave me the study guide booklet and I was on my way. I was out of there around 10:40.

Couldn't be more any more painless. Now I just have to wait for the Interview letter to come, which according to these forums should be here within a month.

Cheers everyone!

Goran

[NickD 203]

Hello Folks,

Wanted to drop a note about my Biometrics experience in Norfolk, VA. We had pretty big (for Richmond) snow "storm" last couple of days (sun-mon), which dropped 12" snow. Norfolk, being about 2 hours east of Richmond, did not get any snow at all, alas, field office was open. Luckily, my wife has a 4-wheel drive car that I used to get out of my driveway/neighborhood.

Never-the-less, my appointment was for 11AM, and I arrived around 10AM. The building is located in an office park right off Interstate 64. It was "Application Support Center" spelled out in large letters on the side of the building facing the street you're coming in on.

As you enter the building, it states no cell phones, no food, no drink, no cameras, etc... however, the guard/receptionist on post as you enter the building did not seem too concerned checking for these things. He sits behind a desk, inspects your NOA for your Biometrics appointment, inspects your green card, and asks you to fill out a "Application Worksheet". Basically, you need to write down your name, address, phone number, ssn, A#, NOA Receipt number, and any aliases you have used. Once completed, he give you a number and asks you to sit in the waiting area, which is just a few steps away from his desk. My number was 717, and they were currently servicing 713.

It is a very open area, where as you are sitting waiting for your number to be called, you can see the other applicants' fingerprints being taken. They had two fingerprint stations going when I went. I only had to wait for about 20 minutes, and it was my turn.

The fingerprint technician asks you to verify your information on his/her computer before your fingerprints are taken. Apparently, I had a problem "relaxing" my arm, so she had to re-scan some of my fingers. However, I must tell you that when you're 6'3", trying to position your arm in a "relaxed" mode for someone who is 5'0", certain difficulties present themselves. There's only so "relaxed" you can be when they are twisting and rolling your fingers!

The process took about 15 minutes. She then asked me if I had the study guides for the test, to which I answered "No". She gave me the study guide booklet and I was on my way. I was out of there around 10:40.

Couldn't be more any more painless. Now I just have to wait for the Interview letter to come, which according to these forums should be here within a month.

Cheers everyone!

Goran

Wasn't this your third experience with biometrics? But no picture taking for the 3rd one, this time, you have to provide your own. Single guard sitting sounds more like our SS office, was added after 9/11, but last year, counted six guards at the Milwaukee office, could only wonder what they were guarding. Some places asked me to remove my belt, some didn't, but always emptied my pockets. Could it be that picture of Bush on the wall? Or an old folding chair they were protecting?

[Goran 2]

Wasn't this your third experience with biometrics? But no picture taking for the 3rd one, this time, you have to provide your own. Single guard sitting sounds more like our SS office, was added after 9/11, but last year, counted six guards at the Milwaukee office, could only wonder what they were guarding. Some places asked me to remove my belt, some didn't, but always emptied my pockets. Could it be that picture of Bush on the wall? Or an old folding chair they were protecting?

Hi Nick,

Haha... Yeah, I'm not sure what the guard was protecting. While I was waiting my turn, a group of 3 armed immigration officers walked by with a guy in hand cuffs. I assume they were coming from the nearby airport (about 4 blocks away, Norfolk International), and this guy in their custody didn't seem to speak any English or have any "papers" with him. I think he was claiming to be a naturalized citizen, but had lost his passport. Maybe the guard at the front desk is there as a "backup."

It was kind of weired, because this office is in a "converted" office park building. As someone waiting your turn, you had clear view over the "processing" station where thus guy in custody was being seated, and also full view over the two biometric fingerprint stations. You could hear all conversations....

Cheers,

Goran

PS. Nope. This was my second experience. The first was in the late 90's when I went to another office in Downtown Norfolk during my AOS to Green Card process.

Edited March 3, 2009 by Goran

[nocturnalbeat 0]

Glad to hear it was painless Goran! So did you explain to the biometrics technician about your last name issue?

[virginian 0]

As you enter the building, it states no cell phones, no food, no drink, no cameras, etc... however, the guard/receptionist on post as you enter the building did not seem too concerned checking for these things.

When I had my biometrics done in Norfolk on last Black Friday (believe me someone scheduled me on that day), the first question I was asked was whether I had my cell phone with me. I was told that I need to keep it in my car.