Biometrics appointment abroad?

[Slycoder 7]

I’m thinking about submitting my I-130 form in the near future. Us citizen with my wife in Japan. It says in a few weeks I will get scheduled for a biometrics appointment. Has anyone done this abroad? Will they send to a place near my hometown or can I do it from a us embassy? I’ll fly back for the appointment but trying to avoid travel during COVID. Anyone have experience doing this process while abroad?

[Boiler 45,486]

I can only think you misunderstand the process.

[Crazy Cat 41,845]

Your situation is a little unclear.  Please clarify a few things.

Where are you?

Where is your wife?

 

What biometrics appointment??

 

Edited December 7, 2020 by Lucky Cat

[Slycoder 7]

Me and my wife are in Japan. Biometrics appointment is something mentioned on the uscis site, where they say I will be fingererprinted, take a picture, and sign something. 

[Slycoder 7]

1 hour ago, Boiler said:

I can only think you misunderstand the process.

This is possible. When filing the I-130 application on the uscis site it says:

 

“A few weeks after you submit your application, we will contact you to schedule an appointment at an Application Support Center near you. At the appointment, we will get your fingerprints, photograph, and signature.”

 

so I was curious on how this will go for me not being in the US at the moment. Unless I am missing something?

[payxibka 10,045]

6 minutes ago, Slycoder said:

This is possible. When filing the I-130 application on the uscis site it says:

 

“A few weeks after you submit your application, we will contact you to schedule an appointment at an Application Support Center near you. At the appointment, we will get your fingerprints, photograph, and signature.”

 

so I was curious on how this will go for me not being in the US at the moment. Unless I am missing something?

Almost never happens ...  don't worry about it 

[Slycoder 7]

1 minute ago, payxibka said:

Almost never happens ...  don't worry about it 

Interesting... out of curiosity, I wonder in what grounds do they decide to make you do this?

[payxibka 10,045]

3 minutes ago, Slycoder said:

Interesting... out of curiosity, I wonder in what grounds do they decide to make you do this?

If they need to verify your identity.  Sometimes they have background check "hits" with a similarly named individual that because of the information received,  they need to be certain it is or maybe more important, is NOT you.

[Slycoder 7]

20 minutes ago, payxibka said:

If they need to verify your identity.  Sometimes they have background check "hits" with a similarly named individual that because of the information received,  they need to be certain it is or maybe more important, is NOT you.

I see. Thanks for the info. 

[Illiria 980]

Only time I have seen petitioner have to do this is when either they or someone with the same name date of birth and town had been either been investigated or convicted of child sexual crimes. 

[pushbrk 12,881]

I think it's possible the OP is reading instructions regarding adjusting status instead of instructions for seeking a spouse visa.  Context matters.

[payxibka 10,045]

39 minutes ago, pushbrk said:

I think it's possible the OP is reading instructions regarding adjusting status instead of instructions for seeking a spouse visa.  Context matters.

A careful read if the i130 instructions might prove otherwise.   Its obscure, but it is in there.

[pushbrk 12,881]

 

Oh, you mean the part of the instructions full of MAYs and IFs.  Yes, it's definitely there, including what to do if you are "overseas". LOL

 

Instructions indicating there WILL be a biometrics appointment are in the context of other forms, such as the I-485, not the I-130.  See below.

 

 

 

Biometric Services Appointment. USCIS may require that you appear for an interview or provide fingerprints,
photograph, and/or signature at any time to verify your identity, obtain additional information, and conduct background
and security checks, including a check of criminal history records maintained by the Federal Bureau of Investigation
(FBI), before making a decision on your application, petition, or request. After USCIS receives your petition and ensures
it is complete, we will inform you in writing, if you need to attend a biometric services appointment. 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.
If you are required to provide biometrics, at your appointment you must sign an oath reaffirming that:
1. You provided or authorized all information in the petition;
2. You reviewed and understood all of the information contained in, and submitted with, your petition; and
3. All of this information was complete, true, and correct at the time of filing.
If you fail to attend your biometric services appointment, USCIS may deny your petition.