Thursday, September 16, 2010

Q & A: Biometrics (Fingerprint) Notification Received After Green Card

Question: I am currently in the US. My wife is visiting with family back home. She received her green card in the mail, and one week later, received a notice to provide biometrics (fingerprints) at a USCIS Application Support Center. I assume this was a mistake and would like to know if I can safely ignore the notice?

Answer: I would not simply ignore the notice. If she cannot appear, I would send a letter to USCIS confirming that a green card has already been issued in the case and that you believe biometrics should not be required. The letter should also confirm that in the alternative, if USCIS feels biometrics are in fact required, then you would like to re-schedule the appointment as your spouse is unavailable on the proposed date. Notably, people re-schedule appointments fairly often, for a variety of reasons and specific instructions should be included in the actual notice. If USCIS chooses to re-schedule - then I would appear at the next appointment with the green card. It's never a good idea to ignore notices, even ones that may be issued in error, as it might lead to additional action taken by USCIS, which might lead to problems. Finally, make sure to keep a copy of any correspondence you send to USCIS, just in case something comes up at the naturalization (citizenship) stage.

No comments:

Post a Comment