USCIS Message: Affirmative and Defensive Asylum Biometrics Appointment Scheduling

From USCIS:

Dear Stakeholder,

The USCIS Asylum Division is currently transitioning to a new biometrics scheduling process that will be consistent with the scheduling process used throughout USCIS and improve the overall customer experience at Application Support Centers (ASCs). As part of this transition, we will revise the ASC notices issued to the following individuals:

• Those who have filed Form I-589, Application for Asylum and for Withholding of Removal
• Those who are in Immigration Court proceedings who have submitted a copy of the first three pages of Form I-589, Application for Asylum or Withholding of Removal, to the Nebraska Service Center
• Those who have filed Form I-881, Application For Suspension Of Deportation Or Special Rule Cancellation Of Removal (Pursuant to Section 203 of Public Law 105-100 (NACARA))
• Those who are in Immigration Court Proceedings who have submitted a copy of Form I-881, Application for Suspension of Deportation or Special Rule Cancellation of Removal (Pursuant to Section 203 of Public Law 105-100 (NACARA)), to the Texas Service Center

These new ASC notices will include a specific appointment date and time to appear at an ASC to submit biometrics.  Applicants may have begun to receive these new appointment notices during the month of December 2016, but the full transition for all Form I-589 and Form I-881 filings will occur over the next few months.  During the transition, customers may experience a minor delay in receiving ASC appointments.

NOTE: ICE will arrange for the collection of fingerprints and the completion of background and security checks for applicants in proceedings before the Immigration Court who are detained, and therefore, such detained applicants are not required to appear at an ASC for a biometrics services appointment.  However, these detained applicants are still required to comply with the instructions they will receive during Immigration Court proceedings regarding the submission of Form I-589 and Form I-881 to USCIS. 

If you have questions regarding an ASC appointment notice issued by USCIS, please call 1-800-375-5283 (1-800-767-1833, TDD for the hearing impaired). 

We also want to remind the public about the risk of immigration scams. Visit the Avoid Scams Initiative at uscis.gov/avoidscams for more information on common scams and other important tips.