biometrics for n400 under 319(b)

[RachelFara 17]

Hey friends,

My husband and I are applying for his naturalization under the 319(b) exception (employment abroad).  We are currently in Dallas and my post starts in 2 weeks.  We plan to send our application in at the same time that we fly our together to my post.  I keep reading that fingerprints are required in the application and some places say that after they receive your N400, they will schedule you a biometrics appointment at a USCIS service center in the US (if you are in the US) or you can do it abroad.  Is there anyway to schedule an appointment for fingerprints before we actually submit the N400 application?  Or can we get fingerprints at a notary or local business center that provides them?  We don't want to hassle with trying to find a USCIS center abroad (we think there is not one in the country where we are going) to get fingerprints after our application has already been submitted.

 

Thanks for reading and responding!  You guys are the best <3

Rachel

[Lucky2Lucky 2,526]

14 minutes ago, RachelFara said:

Hey friends,

My husband and I are applying for his naturalization under the 319(b) exception (employment abroad).  We are currently in Dallas and my post starts in 2 weeks.  We plan to send our application in at the same time that we fly our together to my post.  I keep reading that fingerprints are required in the application and some places say that after they receive your N400, they will schedule you a biometrics appointment at a USCIS service center in the US (if you are in the US) or you can do it abroad.  Is there anyway to schedule an appointment for fingerprints before we actually submit the N400 application?  Or can we get fingerprints at a notary or local business center that provides them?  We don't want to hassle with trying to find a USCIS center abroad (we think there is not one in the country where we are going) to get fingerprints after our application has already been submitted.

 

Thanks for reading and responding!  You guys are the best ❤️

Rachel

No, there is no way to schedule biometrics before you submit an application nor can you go to a local business to get them done. This has to be done through USCIS Application Support Center in the USA or abroad at an embassy or consulate. Chances are the country you are going to has a US embassy. Is there a reason you are planning to submit the application the day you fly out? It can be submitted online. 

[RachelFara 17]

Just now, Luckycuds said:

No, there is no way to schedule biometrics before you submit an application nor can you go to a local business to get them done. This has to be done through USCIS Application Support Center in the USA or abroad at an embassy or consulate. Chances are the country you are going to has a US embassy. Is there a reason you are planning to submit the application the day you fly out? It can be submitted online. 

OK thats helpful information!  Yes the country we are going to has a US embassy. Can they be done at an embassy?  I was under the impression that there are some USCIS service centers around the world and thought we would have to travel to another country to get them done.  

[JeanneAdil 6,491]

Marriage was April 2019 so  not married 3 years yet and too early to apply

[RachelFara 17]

1 minute ago, JeanneAdil said:

Marriage was April 2019 so  not married 3 years yet and too early to apply

We are applying under exception 319(b) so we can apply

[JeanneAdil 6,491]

1 minute ago, RachelFara said:

We are applying under exception 319(b) so we can apply

 

Chapter 4 - Spouses of U.S. Citizens Employed Abroad | USCIS

www.uscis.gov › volume-12-part-g-chapter-4

 

1.  

Jan 7, 2013 — Married to a U.S. citizen spouse regularly stationed abroad in ... for at least three years prior to filing the application until the time of ... qualify for naturalization under INA 316(a) or INA 319(a), which could permit ... See Section C, Qualifying Employment Abroad [12 USCIS-PM G.4(C)]. 2. ... See INA 319(b)(3).

[RachelFara 17]

5 minutes ago, JeanneAdil said:

 

Chapter 4 - Spouses of U.S. Citizens Employed Abroad | USCIS

www.uscis.gov › volume-12-part-g-chapter-4

 

1.  

Jan 7, 2013 — Married to a U.S. citizen spouse regularly stationed abroad in ... for at least three years prior to filing the application until the time of ... qualify for naturalization under INA 316(a) or INA 319(a), which could permit ... See Section C, Qualifying Employment Abroad [12 USCIS-PM G.4(C)]. 2. ... See INA 319(b)(3).

It doesn't say anything there about needing to be married 3 years.  That is for people applying for naturalization who do not have spouses employed abroad.  

[Lucky2Lucky 2,526]

2 hours ago, RachelFara said:

OK thats helpful information!  Yes the country we are going to has a US embassy. Can they be done at an embassy?  I was under the impression that there are some USCIS service centers around the world and thought we would have to travel to another country to get them done.  

I can't find the original source that said they are done at an embassy but on the N400 instructions is does state:  "..If an appointment is necessary, the notice will provide you the location of your local or designated USCIS Application Support Center (ASC) and the date and time of your appointment or, if you are currently overseas, instruct you to contact a U.S. Embassy, U.S. Consulate, or USCIS office outside the United States to set up an appointment."

 

So it does look like there are USCIS offices as well! (I learned something new!) https://www.uscis.gov/sites/default/files/document/forms/n-400instr.pdf But regardless it looks like you will be instructed on who to contact.