Better early than late to biometric appointment?

[sunlight999 3]

I will be out of town until the third week of May (around May 20th) so I want to send my application and expect biometric appointment no earlier than the 20th of May. From reading other people's progress it seems most of the March applicants have their appointment date approximately 30 days after the day they sent them in. Right now I am planning to mail it on April 20th. But is it true that 3 days early to get fingerprint done is better than being 3 days late? If so it's probably better for me to send it around the 22nd or 23rd of this month. What do you think?

Edited April 17, 2016 by sunlight999

[JimmyHou 611]

Not all locations accept walk-ins.

If they don't let you in early, then they may not let you in late either.

If you try to go early and they let you, you'll be done. If they don't let you in, you can change your travel plans or you can try to do a walk-in elsewhere (if there is an application support center in the town where you'll be on the day of your appointment). This works for some people and not for others; it depends on local office policy.

If you miss your appointment and they don't let you go in late, then you'll have to contact USCIS to explain why you skipped your appointment.

If you want to stick to the guidelines, you should just ask USCIS to reschedule the appointment when you get the letter.

Finally, it's hard to predict response times and dates. In my case, the application was mailed on the 17th and my bio appointment was for the 13th of the following month. If you're worried, then just wait a few more weeks before sending your application. That way you will avoid this whole issue.

Edited April 17, 2016 by JimmyHou

[sunlight999 3]

Thanks. I did mine at the bronx location for AOS (two weeks early walk-in), it should be the same place for naturalization right? I haven't moved since.

[charmander 692]

I doubt they would reject you if you bring a copy of your travel itinerary (plane tickets, hotel reservation, etc) with you. There will be 12-15 days difference between your biometrics letter and actual appointment, for some reason if you don't receive it before you go on your trip, just ask a friend you trust to keep an eye for your mail 'cause online status won't show biometrics appointment.