Minor children and biometrics

[Jeremy + Kristy 0]

Hmm. I'm confused about what's needed for my step-daughter (she's 9). She only got a letter extending the expiration on her green card, my wife got a NOA and appointment time for biometrics and a more official looking letter extending her green card.

We showed up for my wife's appointment with my step-daughter in tow, thinking she would have her biometrics taken, too. Well, they wouldn't take my daughter's since she didn't have an appointment letter. I then made an INFOPASS appointment to talk with an IO, and she stated that since my step-daughter was under 14, she didn't need biometrics, contrary to what is stated on http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis/menuitem.5af9bb95919f35e66f614176543f6d1a/?vgnextoid=f858d59cb7a5d010VgnVCM10000048f3d6a1RCRD&vgnextchannel=db029c7755cb9010VgnVCM10000045f3d6a1RCRD

Base petition fee plus $80 biometric services fee for all conditional resident applicants. Each conditional resident child listed under Part 5 of this form who is a dependent seeking to remove their conditional status, is required to submit an additional biometric services fee of $80, regardless of age.

What I'm worried about is what if my step-daughter's appointment letter was lost in the mail and since she missed her appointment is considered to have abandoned the green card process?

[Abhay 15]

I might be wrong, but minor's do not have to have biometrics done! Yes you do pay for them as the form states.

[PfcsBaby 0]

My son is 6 years old and he had to have his biometrics done. As far as what I have read and asked on here, all children need them done. When I was at the biometrics appointment there was another couple there with their 4 or 5 year old and he was having his done too. I don't know what visa they were going for but the child needed his biometrics done as well. I would print out everything you can on the USCIS website about children and biometrics and see if you can get another infopass appointment and speak to someone else. I know how frustrating it is to have to go back there, believe me, but if your step-daughter needs the biometrics done, you do everything you can to get it done. That way, as you said, you didn't just abandoned the card process. I hope this helps.

[v333k 59]

Hmm. I'm confused about what's needed for my step-daughter (she's 9). She only got a letter extending the expiration on her green card, my wife got a NOA and appointment time for biometrics and a more official looking letter extending her green card.

We showed up for my wife's appointment with my step-daughter in tow, thinking she would have her biometrics taken, too. Well, they wouldn't take my daughter's since she didn't have an appointment letter. I then made an INFOPASS appointment to talk with an IO, and she stated that since my step-daughter was under 14, she didn't need biometrics, contrary to what is stated on http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis/menuitem.5af9bb95919f35e66f614176543f6d1a/?vgnextoid=f858d59cb7a5d010VgnVCM10000048f3d6a1RCRD&vgnextchannel=db029c7755cb9010VgnVCM10000045f3d6a1RCRD

What I'm worried about is what if my step-daughter's appointment letter was lost in the mail and since she missed her appointment is considered to have abandoned the green card process?

NO - children under 14 do not require a biometrics - or let me state it in a better way - children under 14 do not always require a biometrics. Once the wife gets approved, the child will get automatically approved. The IO at your infopass appointment is correct.

Many people were in the same situation and their children did not require a biometrics.

You can relax about it

hope this helps

Edited May 8, 2010 by v333k

[Greg&Dolly 0]

I was worried about the same thing when I took my biometrics. Had my 8 y/o daughter skip school thinking that she will take biometrics too even if she didn't have an appointment. She didn't do biometrics but her permanent resident card arrived in the mail the same time mine did, it was a month or so after i had my biometrics done. Hang in there, your cards will be in the mail soon! God bless!

[JaEnglishGirl 34]

My son is 6 years old and he had to have his biometrics done. As far as what I have read and asked on here, all children need them done. When I was at the biometrics appointment there was another couple there with their 4 or 5 year old and he was having his done too. I don't know what visa they were going for but the child needed his biometrics done as well. I would print out everything you can on the USCIS website about children and biometrics and see if you can get another infopass appointment and speak to someone else. I know how frustrating it is to have to go back there, believe me, but if your step-daughter needs the biometrics done, you do everything you can to get it done. That way, as you said, you didn't just abandoned the card process. I hope this helps.

You are wrong. MOST children going for ROC are not required to get their biometrics done.

USCIS takes the fee, but often does not make appointments for children.

[Jeremy + Kristy 0]

Thanks everyone! You've put my mind at ease, at least. It's just lovely that they are taking money for a service that isn't being performed, though.

[payxibka 10,044]

Thanks everyone! You've put my mind at ease, at least. It's just lovely that they are taking money for a service that isn't being performed, though.

don't forget that when the child turns 14, you need a new GC (with full biometrics) regardless of what it says on

the expiration date.

This is done via form I-90

Edited May 10, 2010 by payxibka

[Jeremy + Kristy 0]

don't forget that when the child turns 14, you need a new GC (with full biometrics) regardless of what it says on

the expiration date.

This is done via form I-90

Thanks for that tidbit. However, in our case, my wife and step-daughter plan on naturalizing next year. I also find that a lovely convenience charging of fees. GC w/ conditions last for two years, so you have to remove conditions only one year before naturalization based on marriage. They'll likely have their 10 year GC for less than year before they naturalize.

[payxibka 10,044]

Thanks for that tidbit. However, in our case, my wife and step-daughter plan on naturalizing next year. I also find that a lovely convenience charging of fees. GC w/ conditions last for two years, so you have to remove conditions only one year before naturalization based on marriage. They'll likely have their 10 year GC for less than year before they naturalize.

but naturalization is optional....

my son got his 10 yr card in November and turns 14 in September when we need top pay again... this is two months before his mother is eligible to naturalize (if that is what she decides). So if all goes, the he has his 10 yr card for a little more than a year, his replacement card because he turned 14 for a couple months and then naturalization if that is what is decided.

Edited May 10, 2010 by payxibka

[Sahara24 5]

Hey guys I am applying for green card for my self and my son. Yesterday my son got a Biometrics letter and he is only 5 years old. From my understanding and reading children under 14 do not require biometrics.

does anyone know anything about it?