United States

USCIS launches online rescheduling of biometrics appointments

7 Jul 23

UNITED STATES

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services has launched a new self-service tool allowing benefit requestors, and their attorneys and accredited representatives, to reschedule most biometric services appointments.

Key Points:

  • Individuals who have or create a USCIS online account can now reschedule most requests for biometric services appointments without having to call the Contact Center before the date of the appointment.
  • The biometric rescheduling tool can be accessed via a USCIS online account regardless of whether the pending case was submitted online or by mail.
  • The tool cannot be used to reschedule an appointment that has already been rescheduled two or more times, is within 12 hours or has already passed.
  • Previously, benefit requestors and accredited representatives could only request to reschedule a biometric services appointment by calling the USCIS Contact Center.

Additional Information: USCIS issued policy guidance explaining that the agency may consider an untimely request to reschedule a biometric services appointment and the effect of failing to appear for an appointment, as well as how the agency considers a timely request to reschedule a biometric services appointment for “good cause.” Good cause exists when the reschedule request provides sufficient reason for the benefit requestor’s inability to appear on the scheduled date. More information is available here.

BAL Analysis: The new biometrics rescheduling tool aims to improve customer service by removing barriers and reducing burdens to applicants while saving time, increasing efficiency and reducing call volume to the USCIS Contact Center, USCIS said. Individuals are reminded that USCIS only accepts untimely rescheduling requests made to the USCIS Contact Center and does not accept untimely requests to reschedule by mail or in person at a USCIS office or through the myUSCIS online rescheduling tool.

This alert has been provided by the BAL U.S. Practice Group. For additional information, please contact berryapplemanleiden@bal.com.

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