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How long does it take to get an biometrics appointment after filing I-131?

I submitted my re-entry permit application in the first week of October. The fingerprint fee was received and my check was cashed. It has been six weeks since the application was received. How long does this take to get my biometrics? Is it because of COVID that it is taking longer than usual? This is my second time applying, and the first time applying took less than one month to get the biometrics appointment.

Answers

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    Belma Demirovic Chinchoy

    Immigration Attorney
    Answered on

    Yes, fingerprints are delayed and in some instances waived. If an appointment is scheduled, we see the notices arrive anytime between 4 and 12 weeks after filing.

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    A Olusanjo Omoniyi

    Immigration Attorney
    Answered on

    The pandemic is affecting the USCIS. Hopefully, the situation will be resolved soon. Currently, a wait of six weeks is still acceptable.

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    Bernard P Wolfsdorf

    Immigration Attorney
    Answered on

    It is taking longer but there is no consistency. Sometimes it is about a month, sometimes more. And in many cases, they actually waiving the biometrics since they already have them on file.

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    Fredrick W Voigtmann

    Immigration Attorney
    Answered on

    Sometimes USCIS is able to reuse biometrics that already exist in its computer systems. Sometimes USCIS will send you a notice confirming that such is the case and sometimes you do not get a notice. If it has been six weeks and you have not received either an ASC appointment notice or a notice confirming USCIS was able to reuse your previously-captured biometrics, you should call the USCIS Contact Center to inquire as to the status. You can always request a rescheduling of the appointment if you are unable to attend. You also should notify USCIS of any change of address within 10 days.

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    Stephen Berman

    Immigration Attorney
    Answered on

    You may not need biometrics if they can reuse your prior biometrics.

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    Ying Lu

    Immigration Attorney
    Answered on

    Yes, biometrics appointment takes a long time to be scheduled due to Covid-19. Two to three months or longer is possible.

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    Lynne Feldman

    Immigration Attorney
    Answered on

    Very random scheduling. Sometimes you can take the Receipt Notice to an ASC near you and ask them to print you early for good cause need to travel.

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    Salvatore Picataggio

    Immigration Attorney
    Answered on

    Things have been taking longer on the biometrics front, as for several months no appointments were scheduled at all. Right now, all one can do is be patient.