Early biometrics - Oakland [edited title]

[Ad'n'Mel 0]

I've seen some people indicate that they've done early biometrics. Can you really just walk in weeks before your scheduled appointment? The staff doesn't get annoyed?

Are people doing this for convenience, or because you are thinking it will speed up your application?

[ScottThuy 140]

I've seen some people indicate that they've done early biometrics. Can you really just walk in weeks before your scheduled appointment? The staff doesn't get annoyed?

Are people doing this for convenience, or because you are thinking it will speed up your application?

Just to get things moving sooner and yes it is done all of the time... we did it...

[spookyturtle 9,466]

Just to get things moving sooner and yes it is done all of the time... we did it...

We did it for convenience. It was only a few days early. From the time we got the biometrics notice until the appointment was about 12 days, so it really doesn't speed things up that much. And there are people who have gone early and been turned away. I would not recommend going early to everyone. The Application Center is doing you a favor by taking you early and it depends upon how busy they are when you get there.

[Ansleis 0]

I've seen some people indicate that they've done early biometrics. Can you really just walk in weeks before your scheduled appointment? The staff doesn't get annoyed?

Are people doing this for convenience, or because you are thinking it will speed up your application?

Yes, you can really just walk in. I walked in both times when I applied for my 2-year green card and for removing conditions. Both times, I did have legitimate reasons, though. First one was that I wasn't going to be able to go at my scheduled time because of work. The second time was that I was going to be out of town. The security guard is the one who decides whether or not to let you in. I did it 2 weeks early this time around. There was only one other person at the center, so it took me only 5 minutes to get it done.

Good luck!

[Gary and Alla 3,694]

I've seen some people indicate that they've done early biometrics. Can you really just walk in weeks before your scheduled appointment? The staff doesn't get annoyed?

Are people doing this for convenience, or because you are thinking it will speed up your application?

We have done it each and every time. For our K-2 (to follow) son, I did not even wait for the biometrics letter, I just took him with the NOA1 to the local office. No problem. The other times we took the biometrics letter but the dates they assigned were not good for us, so we just went earlier. Make an infopass and go. If you are going to do this, do it BEFORE the date on the letter. If you do not show up for your biometrics appointment (or before) they will deny your application

Incidentaly you can do the same with the interview appointments, but NOT on a walk in basis. Make an infopass appointment, go in and ask for an earlier appointment. Most of the time you can get one.

The national center that handles your interviews and biometrics is given date windows by the local office they can use. Other dates and times are available but controlled by the local office. Go to them and they can give you a different date.

[Otto 83]

Ad'n'Mel - usually, yes. What city is your ASC (Application Support Center) in?

(Someone might know spcifically.)

[ThaitoUSA 15]

We successfully completed a walkin Bio at Baltimore's center. As mentioned previously the guard seemed to have discretion over who could. We explained that I was the only one to drive

my wife and I'd be returning to teach the following week. She said, "I am letting you go but you are taking someone else's place who did have an appointment." We looked around and the place was empty. Guess that's why she let us go.

[Ad'n'Mel 0]

My appointment is at the Oakland office. I don't really want to "rock the boat" and will probably just wait for the actual appointment date. I was just curious about showing up days/weeks early and how that was received by the employees.

I'm sure tons of people on this forum can understand the frustration of looking at everyone else who filed before you getting notices and appointments before you..... I am mystified by the internal workings at the processing centers!

[I AM NOT THAT GUY 5,715]

Yes. Go in the afternoon when things are slow, and be sure to bring your appointment letter. We showed up almost a month early, and we got approved about a month ahead of the average for CSC.

Edited April 11, 2011 by Some Old Guy

[Moosker 7]

I walked in early....no problem! I think it all depends on the office...