What to expect at your biometrics appointment?

[Noktor 4]

My wife has finally received her I-797 for the biometrics appointment and I would like to know what to expect. Do I also need to attend this appointment, or is it strictly for her only. Since she's the one that filed the AOS packet.

[K1visaHopeful 2,814]

Only the applicant needs to go. 

She should do hair and make up if she wants to as that photo will likely appear on every immigration card she gets until she becomes a citizen. 

 

You walk in door. 

Sometimes security checks your notice for date and time. 

Go through security.

Wait in line to check in.

Give them notice and ID that matches the name on notice. 

They fill out a form, hand it to you with number and stamp your notice.

You go sit and walt. 

They call your number.

You hand in form. Keep stamped notice. 

You go up to booth and they take your fingerprints with a digital scanner. 

Then your photo.

That's it. 

 

[Noktor 4]

About how long does the process take on average?

 

Thanks for the straight forward answer. Is it okay if I go with her, since her english isn't good?

[Mike E 11,739]

8 minutes ago, Noktor said:

About how long does the process take on average?

5 minutes

[Crazy Cat 41,844]

5 hours ago, Noktor said:

About how long does the process take on average?

 

Thanks for the straight forward answer. Is it okay if I go with her, since her english isn't good?

I went with my wife.  It is a short fingerprint and photo gathering process.  No more.  

[SteveInBostonI130 3,434]

5 hours ago, Noktor said:

About how long does the process take on average?

 

Thanks for the straight forward answer. Is it okay if I go with her, since her english isn't good?

 

Typically security will not allow you to enter, unless you make arrangements in advance.

[Joyoussinger 1,425]

6 hours ago, Noktor said:

About how long does the process take on average?

 

 

Many people say they're in and out quickly. Our experience was not like that. My husband's appointment was in Elizabeth, NJ. We got there about half an hour early, and there was a long line just to check in. Then it seemed to be a first come, first served system and our actual appointment time had nothing to do with it. Our appointment was at 11:00 in the morning and he wasn't finished until after 3. As always, with immigration, be prepared for anything.

[powerpuff 6,697]

1 hour ago, Joyoussinger said:

Many people say they're in and out quickly. Our experience was not like that. My husband's appointment was in Elizabeth, NJ. We got there about half an hour early, and there was a long line just to check in. Then it seemed to be a first come, first served system and our actual appointment time had nothing to do with it. Our appointment was at 11:00 in the morning and he wasn't finished until after 3. As always, with immigration, be prepared for anything.

I had a very similar experience. They had their doors closed and a long line outside. Then at 10am or something like that they opened the doors and we all went it and had to wait in another line, then got seated and waited each our turn (so didn’t matter what time your appointment was). I think I was there for at least 3 hours.

 

They also had trouble taking my fingerprints as they weren’t clear enough so that took longer. My palms get sweaty easily and I think I also put lotion before leaving the house so my advice is don’t do that.

Edited July 21, 2023 by powerpuff

[Ketsuban 1,034]

Different offices have different policies as far as visitors and seeing people without appointments. 

 

The Cleveland field office is in a big office tower, so all sorts of people are coming in and out and security is for all of those businesses. I saw people walking in without appointments while I waited for my citizenship test yesterday asking for help with various things. They allow your partner to be with you.

 

Some are a lot more strict, I'm not sure if it depends on what kind of building they're in and whether they share it with other businesses or government entities. 

[MrsAb2021 29]

I went when my husband had his appointment, but I was not allowed past security. It took about 5-10 minutes total for everything.