Quick Summary: ASC Biometrics Scheduling Problem
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| What is an ASC? | Application Support Center, where USCIS collects biometric data from applicants |
| What was the problem? | Appointment notices were mailed after the scheduled appointment date had already passed |
| Has USCIS addressed this? | Yes — remedial action taken and guidance issued to all ASCs |
| What should you do if notice arrived late? | Still go to the ASC — bring the notice and explain it was received late |
| Will you be penalized for a missed appointment in this case? | No — ASCs are directed to accommodate late-notice applicants |
| What to bring? | Original appointment notice and explanation that it was received after the appointment date |
| Who reported this issue? | AILA (American Immigration Lawyers Association) on behalf of applicants |
What Is an ASC and What Does USCIS Biometrics Include?
An ASC (Application Support Center) is a USCIS facility where applicants provide biometric data as part of the immigration application review process.
| Biometric Data Collected | Details |
|---|---|
| Fingerprints | All 10 fingers |
| Photograph | Digital portrait taken at the ASC |
| Signature | Electronic signature |
Applications requiring an ASC biometrics appointment:
| Application | Biometrics Required? |
|---|---|
| I-485 (Adjustment of Status — Green Card) | Yes |
| I-131 (Advance Parole / Re-Entry Permit) | Yes |
| I-765 (Employment Authorization Document) | Yes |
| I-90 (Green Card Renewal) | Yes |
| I-539 (Extension of Nonimmigrant Status) | Yes |
| N-400 (Naturalization) | Yes |
Following member’s reports to the American Immigration Lawyers Association (“AILA”) that applicants have been receiving biometrics appointment notices either too late or with appointment dates that have already passed, AILA reached out to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (“USCIS”) to request clarification and resolution.
The USCIS acknowledged the issue and has taken steps to remedy the situation to prevent future occurrences. The agency has provided the following guidance:
All Application Support Centers (“ASCs”) have been advised to be extra aware of appointments that may have reached applicants late due to the shortened scheduling window. The applicants affected by this may return to the ASCs with their notices and should be processed.
AILA recommends that applicants attend their biometrics appointments as soon as they receive their notices, regardless of the noted appointment date. Applicants should bring the appointment notice and should be ready to explain to the ASC that they received the notice after the scheduled date.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do if I received my ASC biometrics appointment notice after the appointment date?
Per AILA guidance and USCIS direction, you should go to the ASC as soon as possible even though the appointment date on the notice has already passed. Bring the original appointment notice and explain to ASC staff that you received the notice after the scheduled appointment date. USCIS has informed all ASCs of this issue and the centers are directed to accommodate applicants who received late notices.
What is an ASC and what biometric data does USCIS collect?
An ASC (Application Support Center) is a USCIS facility where applicants provide biometric data including fingerprints from all 10 fingers, a digital photograph and an electronic signature. Biometrics are required for many USCIS applications including Form I-485 (adjustment of status for a green card), Form I-765 (employment authorization), Form I-131 (Advance Parole), Form I-539 (extension of nonimmigrant status) and Form N-400 (naturalization).
Will missing my ASC biometrics appointment affect my application?
Missing a scheduled biometrics appointment without a valid reason can cause delays to an immigration application. However in cases where the appointment notice was mailed after the scheduled date, this is an administrative error on USCIS’s part and not the applicant’s fault. USCIS has acknowledged the issue and committed to accommodating affected applicants. If you cannot go to the ASC immediately, contact USCIS at 1-800-375-5283 for assistance.
What should I bring to the ASC if I am going after my appointment date due to a late notice?
Bring the original ASC appointment notice even though the date on it has passed. Prepare a brief explanation — verbal or written — that you received the notice after the scheduled appointment date. If possible, retain the original mailing envelope with the postmark as evidence of when the notice was received. Also bring a valid photo ID (passport or government-issued identification) and any other relevant USCIS documents.
Where can I get help if I cannot resolve an ASC biometrics scheduling problem?
You may contact USCIS through the following channels: the USCIS Contact Center at 1-800-375-5283 (during U.S. business hours), your myUSCIS account at my.uscis.gov to submit an online inquiry, or your local USCIS field office to request in-person assistance. If you are represented by an immigration attorney, contact your attorney first as they can reach USCIS directly on your behalf.
If you have any questions about biometrics appointment scheduling, contact us at info@enterlinepartners.com and speak with a U.S. immigration attorney in Ho Chi Minh City, Manila and Taipei.
ENTERLINE & PARTNERS CONSULTING
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam Office
146C7 Nguyen Van Huong St, Thao Dien Ward,
District 2, Thu Duc City
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Tel: +84 933 301 488
Email: info@enterlinepartners.com
Facebook: Enterline & Partners – Dịch vụ Thị thực và Định cư Hoa Kỳ
YouTube: @EnterlineAndPartnersConsulting
Website: http://enterlinepartners.com
Manila, Philippines Office
LKG Tower 37th Floor
6801 Ayala Avenue
Makati City, Philippines 1226
Tel: +63 917 543 7926
Email: info@enterlinepartners.com
Facebook: Enterline and Partners Philippines
Website: https://enterlinepartners.com/language/en/welcome/
Copyright 2024. This article is for information purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. This article may be changed with or without notice. The opinions expressed in this article are those of Enterline and Partners only.
