The process for biometrics (fingerprints) for asylum seekers in immigration court just became easier!

ASAP members recently won a victory to simplify the biometrics process for asylum seekers in immigration court!

At a biometrics appointment, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) collects asylum seekers’ fingerprints, photo, and signature. Previously, asylum seekers with cases in immigration court had to mail a copy of their asylum application to USCIS to get scheduled for their required biometrics appointment. But now, that extra step is no longer necessary!

What is the biometrics process for asylum seekers now?

• If you are applying for asylum in immigration court, you will submit an asylum application (Form I-589) to immigration court. The government may not require you to go to a biometrics appointment at all. In many cases, the government already has your fingerprints and does not need to collect them again. If the government does need to collect your fingerprints, USCIS should automatically schedule a biometrics appointment for you and send you a biometrics appointment notice.

• If you are applying for asylum with USCIS, you will submit an asylum application (Form I-589) to USCIS. USCIS should then automatically schedule a biometrics appointment for you and send you a biometrics appointment notice. This process has not changed.

• What about my spouse and children? If your spouse or children are included in your asylum case, they should also get appointment notices if you do. Sometimes, children under 14 years of age are not scheduled for biometrics appointments.

For more information about biometrics appointments, such as what to bring to the appointment and what to do if you need to reschedule or you missed your appointment, please read this ASAP page.

Thank you to ASAP members for asking for this change! Simplifying the process to apply for asylum is one of ASAP members’ top priorities. This change will help make things easier for many people.