Getting your Green Card in the United States is a complex process, typically involving many crucial steps. One of those is the biometrics meeting.
The biometric data are significant for conducting intensive foundational checks and confirming the applicant’s character. From these checks and case surveys to potential interviews, each step carries its duration, which makes up the overall timeline of the Green Card process. The processing times may vary significantly based on case complexity, regional workload, and additional documentation requirements.
With rising complexities and any rise in the workload at the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) field office, It is important to remain patient and, most importantly, be open to working with an Immigration lawyer. Your immigration lawyer is more knowledgeable about these policies and can help you navigate the process easily.
This article will show the various steps to take after biometrics and will offer a better understanding of what to expect during the application process.
What is a Green Card?
A Green Card, formerly known as a Permanent Resident Card, gives non-U.S. citizens the right to live and work permanently in the United States.
This card verifies an individual’s status while giving them access to certain rights, benefits, and responsibilities.
Why is a Green Card Important?
1. Stability and Security
Holding a Green Card provides you and your family with the stability of living and working within the U.S. This means security and living without the fear of your visa expiring.
2. Economic Opportunities
With unhindered work authorization, a Green Card will give you access to work openings and opportunities previously inaccessible as a non-immigrant visa holder. This access will ultimately mean a more extensive network and more career opportunities, thus facilitating your winning potential and development.
3. Access to Benefits
With a green card, you become eligible for federal benefits, which include financial aid for education and Social Security.
4. Community Integration
The capacity to live forever within the U.S. permits you as a Green Card holder to contribute more to your community, build long-term connections, and contribute to the social texture of American society.
Knowing that you are settled, you also feel more at home and more settled and can volunteer with ease within your community.
5. Travel Flexibility
A green card holder can travel to other countries without traveling limitations. For example, as a green card holder, the chances of you being denied a visa are less than someone who doesn’t have it. The requirements given to you may also be less daunting that those without.
Intricacies of the Green Card Processing
At your biometrics appointment, the USCIS will collect your fingerprints, take your photo, and have you sign your name for electronic capture. Ordinarily, the biometrics arrangement happens almost 5-8 weeks after submitting your first application (Form I-485).
1. Scheduling the Appointment
- Appointment Notification (Form I-797C): After submitting your Green Card application (Form I-485), you may get a ‘take note’ from USCIS (Form I-797C) advising you of the date, time, and area of your biometrics arrangement. They usually send this ‘take note’ between 5-8 weeks after receiving your application.
2. Preparing for the Appointment
When preparing for the appointment, ensure to come with all relevant documents, including the following:
- Appointment Notice (Form I-797C): This is an official document confirming your scheduled appointment with the USCIS
- Valid Photo Identification: Provide a valid means of identification, such as an International passport, driver’s permit, or state-issued ID card.
3. Arrival at the Application Support Center (ASC)
- Check-in Process: Upon arrival at the ASC, you will check in with a USCIS officer by showing your appointment, taking notes, and providing your photo ID. The officer will confirm your character and meeting details.
4. Biometric Data Collection
- Fingerprints: Be prepared to place your fingers on a scanner that captures your prints. All ten fingerprints are typically taken.
- Photograph: A digital photograph of your face will be taken. Ensure you follow instructions regarding what clothing you should put on to avoid capturing a blurry image.
- Signature: You will need to provide an electronic signature, which USCIS will store in your records.
5. Review and Confirmation
- Verification: The USCIS officer will verify that all biometric data has been captured correctly. You may be asked to review and confirm your information.
- Completion: Once all the information is collected, your meeting comes to an end. The whole procedure takes almost 15-30 minutes.
6. Post-Appointment Process
- Background Checks: The collected biometric information is utilized to conduct foundation checks through different databases, such as the FBI, DHS, and other government organizations. These checks guarantee that you do not have a criminal record or any other precluding components.
7. Possible Follow-Up
- Additional Requests: In a few cases, USCIS may require extra biometric data or clarifications. When that is required, you will be notified. Please ensure to comply with rules, regulations and recommendations.
8. Next Steps in the Green Card Process
- Case Review: After the biometrics arrangement, your case will move forward to the survey unit, where a USCIS officer will look at all submitted records and proofs.
- Interview Scheduling: USCIS will book you for an in-person meeting at a nearby office. The timeline for the meeting can shift based on the workload of the particular office.
- Final Decision: Post-interview, the USCIS will make a final choice on your Green Card application. If successful, you will be notified via email.
Post-Biometrics Timeline
1. Background Checks and Data Processing (1-3 Months)
After the biometrics are collected, the USCIS collates the information and performs foundation checks through several databases, such as the FBI, DHS, and other offices. This can take anywhere from a couple of weeks to months, depending on the accumulation and any potential emerging issues.
2. Case Review and Additional Documentation Requests (3-6 Months)
After completing the background check, the USCIS officer assigned to the case will survey the whole application bundle. If they need additional data or records, USCIS will issue a Request for Evidence (RFE).
3. Interview Scheduling (6-12 Months)
You will need to attend a meeting at a nearby USCIS office. The planning of this meeting can shift based on the USCIS office’s caseload. In 2024, the waiting time for a meeting can run from some months to over a year, depending on the locality.
4. Decision-Making (2-6 Weeks After Interview)
After the meeting, the USCIS officer will draw a final conclusion on the Green Card application. If successful, you will get an endorsement take note via mail, after which a physical Green Card follows within some weeks.
If otherwise, you will receive a mail clarifying the reasons for the denial and potential steps for re-evaluation.
Factors Influencing Processing Times
- Application Volume and Backlogs: The high number of applications received by USCIS at any given time can cause backlogs, extending waiting times.
- Complexity of the Case: Complicated cases, such as those involving criminal records, irregularities in documentation, or broad foundation checks, can take longer to prepare.
- Local Office Workload: Processing times can vary significantly between different USCIS field offices. Some offices handle higher volumes of cases and may have longer wait times for interviews and final decisions.
Tips for a Smooth Biometrics Appointment
- Keep Records Updated: Ensure that the USCIS has your current address and contact information to avoid missing important notifications.
- Respond Promptly to RFEs: Provide the requested evidence quickly to avoid wasting time.
- Prepare for the Interview: Bring together all vital records and be ready to reply questions around your application. You may decide to have mock interviews with your immigration lawyer to help you feel more at ease during the interview. This lets you know what questions to expect and the best ways to answer them.
- Check Case Status Regularly: Utilize the USCIS online portals to check the progress of your case and remain up to date. This helps you keep to relevant meeting times, requirements, and deadlines.
Getting Your Green Card with the Help of an Immigration Attorney in Queens
Exploring the Green Card application requires patience and meticulousness throughout the entire process. With the potential for situations to become complex and timelines to become delayed or expedited, understanding the critical steps and potential delays that can impact your case decision, especially in 2024.
Staying enlightened and proactive throughout this process will improve your chances of achieving smooth and fruitful results.
Another thing that can help facilitate your Green card application process is working with an immigration attorney.
In the thriving city of Queens, choosing the right immigration attorney means doing good research and having consultations to see if attorneys are a good fit.
Queens Immigration Attorney boasts of more than eighty employees consisting of immigration attorneys, and asylum attorneys. They can help you gather all relevant documents and prepare you for interviews. They’ll be your trusted guidance every step of the way.
So, if you’d like to get your green card soon, then begin by scheduling a consultation with us today.
