Are USCIS Biometrics Appointments Cancelled or Rescheduled?

(UNITED STATES) USCIS says most services continue even if Congress fails to pass funding, and that includes fingerprinting and photos for background checks. During a federal government shutdown, USCIS Biometrics appointments at Application Support Centers (ASC appointments) generally still happen.

If an ASC is closed because of the shutdown or another reason, USCIS uses an automatic reschedule process and mails a new notice. That means most applicants should either show up as planned or wait for a fresh date without taking extra steps.

USCIS is largely funded by filing fees, so it can keep core operations running when other agencies pause. The agency’s policy has been consistent in recent closures. On January 9, 2025, a federal government closure for a National Day of Mourning resulted in all biometrics appointments on that day being automatically reset for later dates, with new notices issued. According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, this approach aims to reduce missed steps in background checks and protect applicants from penalties tied to closures outside their control.

Policy details and what happens next

Here is the core rule: biometrics appointments proceed unless the ASC is closed. If your center is open, you should attend. If it’s closed, USCIS will automatically reschedule and send a new notice, typically within a few weeks. The notice will arrive by mail.

If you don’t receive a new appointment within 90 days after the ASC reopens, USCIS advises calling the Contact Center at 800-375-5283.

Applicants can also take action before the scheduled time. USCIS allows you to request a new date for good cause. Examples of good cause include:

• Illness
• Confirmed travel
• Lack of transportation
• Dangerous weather
• Other major life events

You can request a new time through your USCIS online account or by calling the Contact Center. To avoid problems, make the request at least 12 hours before your appointment.

If you simply don’t show up and don’t ask to move the appointment on time, USCIS may treat your case as abandoned, which can lead to denial of the underlying application or petition.

The most important step for applicants during a shutdown is to watch for official mail. If your ASC is closed, you don’t need to file a new form or pay a fee to get a new appointment; the automatic reschedule system will handle it. Keep your address updated with USCIS so your notice does not go to the wrong place.

Impact on applicants and practical tips

Biometrics are required for many cases, including:

• Green cards
• Work permits (I-765)
• Travel documents
• Naturalization
• Several humanitarian processes

These fingerprints and photos allow USCIS and the FBI to run background checks; without them, cases can’t move forward. Understanding how USCIS Biometrics scheduling works during a shutdown matters for families, employees, and employers counting on timely decisions.

Practical steps to keep your case on track:

1. Check your appointment notice the night before. If your ASC is listed as open, plan to attend.
2. If you suspect closure due to local news or federal guidance, don’t guess — monitor USCIS alerts and watch your mailbox.
3. If you need to move your slot, request a new date online or by phone and clearly explain your reason. Do it 12+ hours before your time to avoid problems.
4. If the ASC closes and you don’t receive a new notice within 90 days after reopening, call 800-375-5283 and ask for status.
5. Keep proof of travel, doctor’s notes, or other documents if you claim good cause. Clear records help if questions arise.

USCIS says it mails new appointment letters “as soon as possible” after closures. In practice, that can be weeks, and timelines vary by location and volume. For workers on tight employment timelines or spouses waiting to renew work authorization, those weeks matter. A missed biometrics slot can delay an I-765 work permit decision or slow a green card case. That’s why the automatic reschedule safety net is important during a shutdown — and why timely mail delivery matters.

Additional practical considerations

• Public transport disruptions (bus strikes, severe storms): make a good cause request before the appointment to keep your case active.
• Illness: do not risk attending and being turned away; reschedule with a clear explanation.
• Walk-ins: policies vary by location and staff capacity. During heavy rescheduling, many ASCs limit walk-ins and stick strictly to printed times. If considering a walk-in, call the Contact Center first.
• Late notices: USCIS has discretion and can consider mail delays, especially after closures. If your notice arrived late, contact the agency quickly, explain the situation, and keep the envelope showing the postmark.

From an employer’s view, this policy provides predictability. For example, a software firm with H-4 spouses awaiting work permits can plan around a short biometrics delay, knowing a closed ASC means automatic reschedule rather than a dead end. For families, it reduces the fear that a single missed morning will ruin months of progress.

USCIS also directs applicants to its Application Support Centers page for location and status information. The agency updates closure notices when needed, particularly during weather events or national observances. For official information about ASCs, visit the USCIS page on Application Support Centers at https://www.uscis.gov/about-us/find-a-uscis-office/application-support-centers.

Final takeaways

• Most USCIS Biometrics appointments continue through shutdowns; when they don’t, automatic reschedule protects applicants.
• If needed, ask to move your slot for good cause and do so before the time on your notice.
• For delays beyond 90 days after an ASC reopens, call 800-375-5283 and push for a new date.
• VisaVerge.com reports this framework has held through recent closures and special federal observances, limiting case fallout for thousands of applicants.

Keep your address current, save your original notice with the barcode, and retain any supporting documents (travel confirmations, medical notes, etc.) — these steps help ensure a smooth reschedule and protect your case during disruptions.