USCIS Launches New Self-Service Tool to Reschedule Biometric Services Appointments

The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has launched a new self-service biometric services appointment rescheduling tool on my.uscis.gov. This tool allows benefit requestors, their attorneys and accredited representatives, to reschedule most biometric services appointments online, without calling the USCIS Contact Center.

The new tool is available for both paper- and online-filed benefit requests. To use it, individuals must first create a USCIS online account (if they do not already have one) and visit my.uscis.gov before their scheduled appointment date. The individual must then select the Biometric Rescheduling option, follow the on-screen instructions to reserve a new appointment time and/or appointment location, choose a method (email or SMS message) to receive a confirmation message once a printable copy of the new appointment notice is available, and print the new appointment notice to bring to the application support center (ASC).

USCIS has also published a policy manual update 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, and providing guidance on what is considered “good cause” to reschedule a biometric services appointment.

Good cause exists where the request to reschedule provides a sufficient reason for the benefit requestor’s inability to appear on the scheduled appointment date. Sufficient reasons for “good cause” may include, but are not limited to: illness, medical appointment, or hospitalization; previously planned travel; significant life events such as a wedding, funeral, or graduation ceremony; inability to obtain transportation to the appointment location; inability to obtain leave from employment or caregiver responsibilities; and late delivered or undelivered biometric services appointment notice.

In certain instances, you will still need to call the Contact Center to reschedule a biometric services appointment. These instances include: the request is within 12 hours of your existing appointment time; this is the third attempt to reschedule the same appointment; the request is for a missed appointment; or the tool is unavailable due to technical reasons.

USCIS will also conduct outreach activities to ensure applicants and interested parties are familiar with the new rescheduling tool.

This new tool is a welcome addition to the USCIS online services portfolio and will make it easier for benefit requestors to reschedule their biometric services appointments. It is also a step towards the agency’s goal of reducing Contact Center wait times.