Early biometrics and issues with fingerprints:

[Mrs. JHH 3]

Hey all,

Here is an update of my case: This matter contains information about early biometrics and issues with fingerprints:

I went to Alexandria on August 7th at 8am to do my early biometrics at a different ASC location than assigned.

Walk-in was successful and painless. The office was packed at 8am and it took me a little longer than what I was expecting after reading a lot of other similar situations here at VJ. No big deal though! People there were extremely nice and helpful. At the front desk I presented my biometrics letter and my passport. The lady stamped my biometric letter (before taking my fingerprints) and gave the letter back to me. I was given a sheet of paper to fill out some basic information: name, DOB, weigh, height, color of eyes and hair etc... Then I waited about 15 minutes before being called to fingerprint. I had my picture taken and started doing my fingerprints. Some of my fingers were a little too hard to read (my pinky from both hands and ring fingers). The machine was saying "reject" all the time for those fingers. The lady doing my fingerprints kind of gave up trying on those fingers after trying so many times and she submitted "reject" scans of those fingers. Then she said: "Let's wait to hear from the FBI"; I insisted to try to have them taken again, but she said she couldn't do anything else and there were a lot of other people waiting. Then she said that I was done and asked me to please sign an electronic field (like those we sign when we swipe our credit card in grocery stores). After that I was dismissed, worried for those fingerprints that were "rejected". I was doubtful and started wondering if I screw up by having biometrics done early and at a different location..

Last Friday I called the National Customer Service Center at 1-800-375-5283 to ask if they had received my fingerprints but I had no luck. I have read that that service is not helpful since they have just the same information you see at the website when you are checking your status. Indeed, the operator couldn't tell if they had received my biometrics.

So this morning (August 13th) I took the gamble and called the FBI at (304) 625-5590 to check if they had any useful information. I heard a recorded message, pressed 2 then 9 and was directed to a live operator. An operator named Amy (very nice on the phone) asked for my A number, name and date of birth. Amy said that the FBI had received my fingerprints on August 7 and replied to the USCIS at the same day! WHAT A RELIEF! Just one thing to keep in mind: they CAN NOT tell you if the fingerprints were "good", or what their decision is, or what actions they are going to take next. But at least I know that the fingerprints were submitted and if there is anything else to be done I know that the USCIS will notify me.

Just wanted to let you all know...

And the waiting game continues...

[RandT 0]

Hey all,

Here is an update of my case: This matter contains information about early biometrics and issues with fingerprints:

I went to Alexandria on August 7th at 8am to do my early biometrics at a different ASC location than assigned.

Walk-in was successful and painless. The office was packed at 8am and it took me a little longer than what I was expecting after reading a lot of other similar situations here at VJ. No big deal though! People there were extremely nice and helpful. At the front desk I presented my biometrics letter and my passport. The lady stamped my biometric letter (before taking my fingerprints) and gave the letter back to me. I was given a sheet of paper to fill out some basic information: name, DOB, weigh, height, color of eyes and hair etc... Then I waited about 15 minutes before being called to fingerprint. I had my picture taken and started doing my fingerprints. Some of my fingers were a little too hard to read (my pinky from both hands and ring fingers). The machine was saying "reject" all the time for those fingers. The lady doing my fingerprints kind of gave up trying on those fingers after trying so many times and she submitted "reject" scans of those fingers. Then she said: "Let's wait to hear from the FBI"; I insisted to try to have them taken again, but she said she couldn't do anything else and there were a lot of other people waiting. Then she said that I was done and asked me to please sign an electronic field (like those we sign when we swipe our credit card in grocery stores). After that I was dismissed, worried for those fingerprints that were "rejected". I was doubtful and started wondering if I screw up by having biometrics done early and at a different location..

Last Friday I called the National Customer Service Center at 1-800-375-5283 to ask if they had received my fingerprints but I had no luck. I have read that that service is not helpful since they have just the same information you see at the website when you are checking your status. Indeed, the operator couldn't tell if they had received my biometrics.

So this morning (August 13th) I took the gamble and called the FBI at (304) 625-5590 to check if they had any useful information. I heard a recorded message, pressed 2 then 9 and was directed to a live operator. An operator named Amy (very nice on the phone) asked for my A number, name and date of birth. Amy said that the FBI had received my fingerprints on August 7 and replied to the USCIS at the same day! WHAT A RELIEF! Just one thing to keep in mind: they CAN NOT tell you if the fingerprints were "good", or what their decision is, or what actions they are going to take next. But at least I know that the fingerprints were submitted and if there is anything else to be done I know that the USCIS will notify me.

Just wanted to let you all know...

And the waiting game continues...

We did a walk-in today also. There was only one person before us and the people there are pretty nice. We were joking and laughing with the security guard at front desk. This is in Oakland, California.

My wife had the same problem with many of her scanned fingerprints rejected but after so many tries, they are going to send them to the FBI anyway for review.

I guess you didn't have to do the fingerprints the second time. I hope that is the case for my wife.

[AnotherLostSoul 167]

Sounds to me the OP did not have to do fingerprinting again and got their green card in October. Good for them. I think you'll be fine as well! Good luck!

[Peter_Pan 661]

Same issue here, thankfully just with one pinky that kept on being rejected. Hope it is good enough to be approved.

[RandT 0]

Sounds to me the OP did not have to do fingerprinting again and got their green card in October. Good for them. I think you'll be fine as well! Good luck!

thanks. Our interview is April 3 so I guess its all fine.

[Peter_Pan 661]

Wow, that was fast, congrats!