How Long After Biometrics YOU WILL Get YOUR Green Card?
How long does it generally take to get my Green Card after completing the biometrics stage?
The collection of biometrics data is an important part of the process to receive a U.S. Permanent Resident Green Card.
Biometrics data allows U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to verify the identity of someone who is applying for immigration to the United States; check whether he or she has violated U.S. immigration law in the past or has a criminal background; and can be used to create official government-issued documents (such as Green Cards).
When the biometrics appointment is scheduled will depend on whether an immigrant is already legally living in the USA or is applying for a Green Card from outside of the United States.
This article will give you the basic information about the biometrics process and how long after the biometrics appointment you can expect to receive your Green Card if approved for U.S. permanent residency.
Table of Contents
What Is Biometrics in the Green Card Process?
Biometrics data is information regarding a person’s physical characteristics that is used to positively identify him or her.
Examples of biometrics data include your facial features and fingerprints.
Millions of people around the world use biometrics data in order to securely login to their smartphones or laptop computers with a simple touch of a finger or using facial recognition from their device’s camera.
USCIS collects biometrics data from people who apply for a U.S. Green Card for several reasons including to:
- Verify the identification of a Green Card applicant
- Check for previous violations of U.S. immigration law
- Check for criminal background or other security issues
- Create official government-issued documents (such as a Green Card)
When someone applies for a Green Card, he or she will normally pay the $85 USD Biometrics Fee, to cover the cost of collecting the applicant’s biometrics data.
After a person applies for a Green Card, the USCIS will send notification that a biometrics appointment has been scheduled.
The Biometrics Appointment Notice (Form I-797C Notice of Action) is usually sent approximately 5-12 weeks after the Green Card application has been filed and it will generally include the:
- Date and time of the biometrics appointment
- Location of the Application Support Center where the biometrics appointment will be held
- What to bring to the Application Support Center (such as your identification and Biometrics Appointment Notice)
A Green Card applicant will normally provide the following biometrics data at the Application Support Center:
- Digital photo of the face
- Fingerprints
- Digital signature
The entire process only takes about 15-30 minutes to complete.
Factors Affecting the Timing of Green Card after Biometrics
- Processing time of USCIS
- Type of Green Card applied for (e.g., family sponsorship, employment-based, renewal, etc.)
- Request for Evidence (how fast you provide any additional documentation that may be requested)
- Background check and security clearances
- Volume of applications
How Long It Takes after Biometrics to Get Green Card
- It generally takes 5-12 months to get a Green Card (if approved) following the biometrics appointment
- Factors that can impact the average timeline include:
- The type of Green Card (e.g., family sponsorship, employment-based, renewal, etc.)
- Whether the Green Card applicant is living in the USA or another country
- If this is the first Green Card issued to an immigrant or is a renewal
- How busy USCIS is processing Green Card applications
Steps to Take While Waiting for the Green Card
- Check the status of your application online at the USCIS case status webpage
- Keep necessary documentation and evidence ready
- Prepare for the next steps in the Green Card process
Conclusion
The biometrics appointment is one of the important steps of the Green Card application process, which occurs after the Green Card application has been filed.
After the biometrics appointment, the next major step is the Green Card interview, which could be scheduled several weeks or months later.
At the end of the Green Card interview, the USCIS officer will usually inform the applicant if he or she was approved, however, a notice about the decision is normally sent within about 30 days after the interview.
If an applicant receives a notice from USCIS stating that he or she was approved for U.S. permanent residency, the Green Card will usually be received within about 30 days after the approval notice was sent.
There are various pathways to receive a Green Card, including Family Sponsorship by an American citizen or a U.S. permanent resident, as well as employment-based programs and the Green Card Lottery.
Each U.S. immigration program has its own eligibility requirements and application procedure.
Since 2001, USAFIS has been helping people around the world to explore their options to legally live in the USA.
USAFIS can provide you with a U.S. Visa Assessment that will evaluate your details and let you know which U.S. visa option is right for you.
Additional services are available to USAFIS customers to help make the relocation process go as smoothly as possible.
Are you ready to take the first step toward a new life of opportunities?
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)
How long after biometrics will I get my Green Card in 2023?
It generally takes about 5-12 months to get a Green Card following the biometrics appointment (if you are subsequently approved for U.S. permanent residency). The amount of time depends on various factors such as which type of Green Card you are applying for; if you are living in the USA or in another country; if you are applying for a Green Card renewal; how busy USCIS is with processing applications; etc.
Can I travel outside the U.S. while waiting for my Green Card after biometrics?
It is recommended not to travel outside of the United States while waiting for a Green Card after the Biometrics Appointment, because this could be interpreted by U.S. immigration officials as abandoning the Green Card application. This is particularly important if you have been living in the USA with a temporary non-immigrant visa and have applied for a Green Card through adjustment of status. In the event that you feel it necessary to travel outside of the United States while your Green Card application is pending, you must make sure that you have received “advanced parole” or another travel document approved by USCIS.
Can I work in the U.S. while waiting for my Green Card after biometrics?
Someone who is not an American citizen can only work in the USA with the proper employment authorization, such as a Green Card or temporary U.S. Work Visa. If you have valid H-1B status, for example, and are waiting for your Green Card through adjustment of status after biometrics have been given, you can continue to work in the USA. In the event that you do not already have authorization to work in the USA (such as possessing valid H-1B or L-1 status), then you cannot be employed in the United States unless you get an Employment Authorization Document (EAD). Please note that application for the EAD is normally submitted when a Green Card application is filed via Family Sponsorship. Everyone who works in the USA, including American citizens, Green Card holders and individuals with a temporary U.S. Work Visa (such as the H-1B) must have a Social Security Number (SSN) as well.
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