HELP: Biometrics failed, need a new one but cant make it!

[Bibi and Beebti 4]

I'm so disaapointed right now we recieved a letter from our local USCIS office that the FBI could not process my fingerprint card, and that I will need to go in for a new biometrics appointment on the 3rd of January.

Problem is I'm travelling back home tomorrow for 2 weeks (for the first time since POE) and although they allow you to reschedule, they don't allow you to choose your later date. Only a choice to reschedule.

Has anyone had to go through this before? how much time do they provide before your next appointment usually ? and also im thinking of just dropping by tomorrow,taking both notices (completed biometrics and new one, plus my flight ticket) to see if they will accept me doing it on the spot

has anyone been thru such circumstances...please help with some experiences and/or advice

[SpelaD 4]

try an early walk in if your flight isnt too early

[belinda63 2,981]

I hope you just forgot to update your time line because right now it says you haven't received your advance parole document. If you leave before you receive that you will have to start all over.

[Bibi and Beebti 4]

try an early walk in if your flight isnt too early

thats what I'm going to try and do, my flight is an afternoon flight (4pm), but i'm packed and going to try an make it at USCIS for 10am (however i did notice both appintments given were afternoon appointments- so I wonder if they process other things in the morning

[Bibi and Beebti 4]

I hope you just forgot to update your time line because right now it says you haven't received your advance parole document. If you leave before you receive that you will have to start all over.

Yes I did, sorry, just updated. I do have my AP ,and interestingly my EAD- which has my fingerprint on it- although the 'rescheduled biometrics' notice says its for the purpose of processing both my I485 and I765 cases. So how can they not have obtained my fingerprints correctly, yet issued me with a EAD card...its bizarre.

Im wondering if they genuinely made a mistake

[JimVaPhuong 4,863]

Yes I did, sorry, just updated. I do have my AP ,and interestingly my EAD- which has my fingerprint on it- although the 'rescheduled biometrics' notice says its for the purpose of processing both my I485 and I765 cases. So how can they not have obtained my fingerprints correctly, yet issued me with a EAD card...its bizarre.

Im wondering if they genuinely made a mistake

No mistake. They just put an image of the fingerprint they took on the EAD card. The problem you're having is that the FBI's computer apparently can't properly process that image, but that wouldn't prevent them from being able to print it on a card.

Regarding your earlier question, biometrics are usually processed at a local Application Support Center. Many of these centers do biometrics and not much else. It's unlikely they would be doing something else in the morning. Unless they're really swamped with people they should be able to take you as a "walk in", especially after you explain your situation.

[Rebecca Jo 1,962]

No mistake. They just put an image of the fingerprint they took on the EAD card. The problem you're having is that the FBI's computer apparently can't properly process that image, but that wouldn't prevent them from being able to print it on a card.

Regarding your earlier question, biometrics are usually processed at a local Application Support Center. Many of these centers do biometrics and not much else. It's unlikely they would be doing something else in the morning. Unless they're really swamped with people they should be able to take you as a "walk in", especially after you explain your situation.

I thought a biometric collection failure meant the EAD and AP could not be processed. Is it a new practice for the Service to issue these documents if the prints are not readable?

One reason I am asking is because I'm wondering (since she has the AP) if the notice the OP has received is in error. Of course, probably the most expeditious way to get that answer is to just go in to the local office or support center (as you suggested).

[Bibi and Beebti 4]

No mistake. They just put an image of the fingerprint they took on the EAD card. The problem you're having is that the FBI's computer apparently can't properly process that image, but that wouldn't prevent them from being able to print it on a card.

Regarding your earlier question, biometrics are usually processed at a local Application Support Center. Many of these centers do biometrics and not much else. It's unlikely they would be doing something else in the morning. Unless they're really swamped with people they should be able to take you as a "walk in", especially after you explain your situation.

Thank you, this is a relief to know. last time I arrived to the center, the place was empty pretty much, just us and another 2 couples. I hope it will be the same tomorrow am. I will explain my situation and hope for the best. will update.

Yes I do already have my EAD card and two AP documents.

[Adam & May 4]

We showed up at our local USCIS office to ask about walk-in Biometrics due to scheduling conflict with our appointment time. They said they don't have walk-in days. They showed us on the form how to request a re-schedule then proceeded to do May's Biometrics anyway.

[Bibi and Beebti 4]

We showed up at our local USCIS office to ask about walk-in Biometrics due to scheduling conflict with our appointment time. They said they don't have walk-in days. They showed us on the form how to request a re-schedule then proceeded to do May's Biometrics anyway.

this is encouraging, I hope it will work for us too, we're going to be there early today.

[JimVaPhuong 4,863]

I thought a biometric collection failure meant the EAD and AP could not be processed. Is it a new practice for the Service to issue these documents if the prints are not readable?

One reason I am asking is because I'm wondering (since she has the AP) if the notice the OP has received is in error. Of course, probably the most expeditious way to get that answer is to just go in to the local office or support center (as you suggested).

An I-131 only requires biometrics if the application is for a Refugee Travel Document or Reentry Permit. Biometrics aren't required for Advance Parole.

Biometrics are required for an EAD because the photo and fingerprint are actually printed on the card. I'm not aware of any law that requires the FBI background check to be completed before approving an EAD for someone with a pending AOS petition. There's an entire section of the AFM dedicated to fingerprinting and background checks, but it's been redacted in the public version.

In other words, I have no idea whether a failed biometrics collection should cause an EAD approval to be held up, or whether the OP received the notice in error, but I think the prudent thing to do is to assume that the notice is correct, and go to an ASC for another biometrics collection.

[Jeff & Sylvia 0]

You have a very good chance of just walk-in and take them before your date as long as you bring the letter with you

because I live far away from the asc I have done both show up before and after the date with no problem.

Good luck!