Citizenship Interview without biometrics?

[Fruit_blend 0]

Hi, guys!

I applied my docs for the citizenship and sent a check for 675$( N-400 and biometric fees) at the end of Feb...and on Apr 6 I got a letter to come to interview on May 7....But before that I never got my biometric's app-t being scheduled!! I called USCIS customer Service, but they told me they couldnt help me and if I was told to come to interview, just go there and ask them...

Did anyone had such an experience of interview before or without biometrics or heard about it? Im scared they wont even test me since I didnt have my biometrics taken....Thank you!!!!!

[v333k 59]

Hi, guys!

I applied my docs for the citizenship and sent a check for 675$( N-400 and biometric fees) at the end of Feb...and on Apr 6 I got a letter to come to interview on May 7....But before that I never got my biometric's app-t being scheduled!! I called USCIS customer Service, but they told me they couldnt help me and if I was told to come to interview, just go there and ask them...

Did anyone had such an experience of interview before or without biometrics or heard about it? Im scared they wont even test me since I didnt have my biometrics taken....Thank you!!!!!

Have you had a biometrics in the past 12 months? Usually, biometrics are valid for that much time and are not required again.

You can ask your IO during the interview, but I am not sure if you should even bother...

- oh by the way, Welcome to VJ!!!!

Edited May 4, 2010 by v333k

[Fruit_blend 0]

Have you had a biometrics in the past 12 months? Usually, biometrics are valid for that much time and are not required again.

You can ask your IO during the interview, but I am not sure if you should even bother...

- oh by the way, Welcome to VJ!!!!

Thank you, v333k, for welcoming me and your respond!!!

The last time i did fingerprints to remove conditions on Apr 28.2009..

But what about the biometric fee 80$ that i sent in?? Or is it that i have to pay it anyways no matter if i had my fingerprints or not?

[B&T 0]

Thank you, v333k, for welcoming me and your respond!!!

The last time i did fingerprints to remove conditions on Apr 28.2009..

But what about the biometric fee 80$ that i sent in?? Or is it that i have to pay it anyways no matter if i had my fingerprints or not?

I did my last bio on May 27, 2009 but I was still scheduled for bio again for May 06, 2010. I applied for Naturalization on April 05, 2010. From my last bio up until now, it is not even 1 year yet, but i was still required to do it again. So, i am not sure what is goin on with your case. The best way, just go to the interview and ask the IO. You will know the answer!

[Stefanie 1]

This is quite interesting. I had my last biometrics taken in November 2009. Let us know how the interview went and why you didn't have to go get your biometrics done.

[Kathryn41 3,205]

It seems to vary quite a bit. There have been a number of VJers who have had recent biometrics for the ROC who did not have to re-do their biometrics for their Citizenship application - and no, they don't refund the biometrics fee - but there have also been some who have had their biometrics done in the same time frame who have been sent to have them re-done. There doesn't seem to be any consistency in the situation at all. So, go to the interview and explain you haven't had the biometrics, then see what they say. If they say the biometrics are still valid, then well and good. If not, then they can make the arrangements for you to get them done. I suspect if they have been done within 15 months of your interview (they are supposed to remain valid for 15 months) and you don't receive another biometrics letter, the existing ones are considered still valid and you are good to go.

[sundeep 0]

I am also going to the interview without a new FP. Last time they took one was about a year ago and I am assuming they can still use those FP. I would not worry about your FP step, as you already got an interview date, which tells ya you are on the right track and successfully skipped the FP step. Good Luck to us.

It seems to vary quite a bit. There have been a number of VJers who have had recent biometrics for the ROC who did not have to re-do their biometrics for their Citizenship application - and no, they don't refund the biometrics fee - but there have also been some who have had their biometrics done in the same time frame who have been sent to have them re-done. There doesn't seem to be any consistency in the situation at all. So, go to the interview and explain you haven't had the biometrics, then see what they say. If they say the biometrics are still valid, then well and good. If not, then they can make the arrangements for you to get them done. I suspect if they have been done within 15 months of your interview (they are supposed to remain valid for 15 months) and you don't receive another biometrics letter, the existing ones are considered still valid and you are good to go.

[Fruit_blend 0]

Thank you, guys, for your input!!!!!!!! I feel so much better now!

I will let you all know what they will tell me about my fingerprints....I really hope they used my old ones and if this is the case, I wouldnt worry about those 80$ then....Thanks again!!!!!!

[rodeoman 0]

My friend had this same experience as you. But in his case..he married a US CITIZEN and had his biometrics done a year before he applied for citizenship. Therefore he was told that biometrics are valid for fifteen months therefore he did not need to do biometrics again. BUT, BUT, he was NOT refunded. I guess it is one way for them to make money ???

[Fruit_blend 0]

My friend had this same experience as you. But in his case..he married a US CITIZEN and had his biometrics done a year before he applied for citizenship. Therefore he was told that biometrics are valid for fifteen months therefore he did not need to do biometrics again. BUT, BUT, he was NOT refunded. I guess it is one way for them to make money ???

Yes, im married to a US citizen too...and my FP were done a year ago...i just wish they would notify somehow that my old FP are still valid and i dont have to do them again....as of those 80$, let them have it as everyone should pay for it and in my case it just saved me a trip SO,im just getting ready for my test this Friday and making sure I got all docs together...Thank you, Rodeoman!

[SandLand 1]

Fruit_Blend,

My wife and I are having a similar experience. We filed her N-400 from Germany under INA 319b back in February. I included the FP cards that were taken on the military base here in Mannheim. I then received a letter saying we needed to pay an additional $80 for biometrics. I sent the additional check to USCIS and have been waiting for over a month for a biometrics appointment.

This morning I received an email alert saying that my wife's case has been transferred to the local USCIS office and an interview will be scheduled. Now we're anxiously awaiting her interview letter...