My Biometrics Experience

[Ansleis 0]

I received my biometrics appointment notices for both I-485 and I-765 on 3/26. They scheduled me for 4/8, when I'll be out of town. So, I just went to the office today (10 days early) to see if they'll let me do it. I just walked in without rescheduling.

I got there at 8:20 (the office opens at 8). I was going to get there by 8, but hey, it's Saturday. I didn't want to get up so early. When I walked in, I was greeted by an immigration officer. He said, "what can I do for you?" I said, "I'm here for fingerprints" and showed him my notices. He said, "what time is your appointment?" I said, "well, it's not till next... well, it's in April." He said, "well, I need to finish my 8 o'clock appointment, so come back at 9." I asked, "can I wait in here?" He said, "no, you need to return." I asked again, "so, what time should I come?" He said, "9."

So, I went back to my car, and just waited. I noticed that people were lining up outside the office. I figured they were there for 9 o'clock appointment. I got out of my car at 8:50 and lined up. At 8:55, the officer started letting people in. The officer greeted me and said, "so, your appointment is next week, right?" I said, "yes" not realizing it was actually not next week, but the week after. He looked at my notices and gave me a number and told me to grab a clip board and have a seat.

So, I filled out the form on the clip board. It was easy. Just name, address, height, weight, eye color, hair color, social security number, A # on receipt, and receipt numbers. He called my number. I gave him the form, my 2 notices, and my driver's license. He checked everything, and I also showed him my marriage certificate since I haven't changed my driver's license with my new last name yet. He was like "wow, I don't have to correct anything. Usually it takes a while and some people need to fix everything." He stamped my notices ("bio processing stamp 3/28/09") and gave me a number. He told me to wait until my number was called.

My number was 19. As soon as I sat down, 18 was called. So, I was like "oh, that's fast. I'm next." Then it was my turn. The lady who did my fingerprints and stuff was an Asian lady. It wasn't my first time getting fingerprinted, so it was a smooth ride. She gave me lots of lotion for my hands. While I was rubbing in the lotion, she typed in my info, asked me if everything was correct. Then she fingerprinted me. 4 left fingers, left thumb, 4 right fingers, right thumb, and all individual fingers right hand and then left. At one point, my fingerprint wasn't showing too clear, so it kept saying, "warning" or something, and it kind of freaked me out. It says "pass" in green every time your fingerprint looks clean. Anyway, after the fingerprint, she took a picture of me. She told me to brush hair out of my face, and chin up. She also told me to close my mouth, but that I could smile. I didn't like my picture, but whatever. She then said, "ok, you're all done." She gave me a survey to fill out: "how were our services?" Then I was out of the door. The time I went in and left was about 35 minutes. It was a breeze!

Now all my part is done. From marriage to everything on my part was all within this month. Quick move! I hope I won't get an RFE. I'm pretty sure I won't.

For people who are starting the AOS process, just be super organized, and you'll be fine. Immigration people appreciate organized people.

I think this forum needs a guide that describes "from the time you filed your paperwork to green card" or something. For example:

USCIS receives your paperwork

USCIS sends you receipts (within 5-7 days, sometimes a little longer)

USCIS sends you biometrics appointment notice (either at the same time as your receipts or 10 days-2 weeks from the time they received your paperwork)

You go to your biometrics appointment (2 weeks from when you received your appointment letter or a little later)

...

Good luck everyone!

[Kathryn41 3,205]

Nice review:-).

[christera22 8]

Great ...what to say ... i must say u r really daring to go there 10 days earlier and just to see whther they let you do that or not. The guy must be really impressed by you. Did they at all ask you why you came so many days in advance ?? Keep in touch. Mine one is coming in 3-4 days. Nice review though. ANy idea what to write for people who doesnt have a Social Security Number.Thanks.

Edited March 29, 2009 by christera22

[PrinceandPrincess 0]

Thanks for sharing your bio experienced!

[Ansleis 0]

Great ...what to say ... i must say u r really daring to go there 10 days earlier and just to see whther they let you do that or not. The guy must be really impressed by you. Did they at all ask you why you came so many days in advance ?? Keep in touch. Mine one is coming in 3-4 days. Nice review though. ANy idea what to write for people who doesnt have a Social Security Number.Thanks.

Well, before the immigration officer had a chance to ask me why I came in advance, I said, "my appointment is in April, but I can't come on that day, and I can't come during the week because I have work."

Any idea what to write for people who don't have a social security number

You mean, on the form they give you? Just leave it blank. After you fill out the form, the immigration officer checks to see if you filled it out correctly, and if he asks you about your social security number, you can just say you don't have one yet.

[christera22 8]

Thank You for the answers. Keep in touch and best wishes.

[Kittykisses73 1]

We just had our biometrics appt on Friday, and I have to say it was smoother than we could have ever expected. Super friendly service! Our appt was at 3pm we went in about 2:45p, and we were out before 3pm!

Hope the WHOLE process goes this smooth!