In a December 29, 2020 Stakeholder Message, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) provided an update on biometrics appointment delays at Application Support Centers (ASCs) due to COVID-19.
USCIS collects biometrics for certain kinds of applications, including but not limited to:
- Form I-485, Application to Adjust Status
- Form I-131, Application for Travel Document (including reentry permit)
- Form N-400, Application for Naturalization
- Form I-53, Application for Change of status, Extension of stay, or F-1 Student Reinstatement
ASC Closures
USCIS closed its offices between March and June due to COVID, cancelling approximately 280,000 appointments. There continue to be some sporadic and temporary closures due to stay-at-home orders and COVID related cleaning. By late October, ASC operations were at approximately 65% of pre-COVID levels.
Current State
Approximately 1.3 million applications are awaiting biometrics
appointments as of mid-December. Applicants should continue to wait for an ASC appointment notice or a Form I-797, Notice of Action, from USCIS indicating that their previously collected biometrics may be reused. See Can USCIS Reuse Biometrics Submitted Previously?
No Walk-Ins
USCIS will not process walk-ins for biometrics collection except for military applicants and their family members when the principal
applicant is scheduled for an appointment.
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