Jan 1, 2021
USCIS: USCIS Application Support Centers Updates, Dec
29, 2020
https://content.govdelivery.com/attachments/USDHSCISINVITE/2020/12/29/file_attachments/1635668/ASC%20Updates.pdf
Due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, USCIS has experienced delays in scheduling or rescheduling application support center (ASC) appointments to collect biometrics. Current processing times are affected by several variables including demand and capacity at individual ASCs.
The information below may help you understand what to expect with your biometrics appointment.
Safely Reopening ASCs
USCIS temporarily suspended in-person services between March and
June to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 and ensure employee and
applicant safety. As a result, we cancelled approximately 280,000
appointments. USCIS began a phased reopening of our ASCs in July,
after we installed protective screens and incorporated proper
social distancing measures across 132 sites. Since reopening, there
have been sporadic and temporary ASC closures for reasons such as
local stay-at-home orders, COVID-19-related cleaning and extreme
weather. From July to September, ASCs were operating at below 50
percent of pre-COVID levels. By late October, we increased ASC
operations to approximately 65 percent of pre-COVID levels.
Current State
We are working to safely maximize appointment capacity at ASCs and
are also reusing previously collected biometrics to conduct
background and security checks when authorized by law. Based on
capacity limitations unique to each ASC, we have not yet
rescheduled all cancelled appointments. USCIS is scheduling
approximately 10,400 appointments per day. Approximately 1.3
million applications are awaiting biometrics appointments as of
mid-December. Applicants should continue to wait for an ASC
appointment notice or a Form I-797, Notice of Action, from USCIS
indicating that their previously collected biometrics may be
reused.
Priority of ASC Appointments
Biometrics appointments are scheduled based on the prioritization
of benefit types, considering adjudication capacity and processing
times. Within a benefit type, USCIS generally schedules
appointments on a first-in, first-out basis. The wait time for
appointments will vary geographically, based on capacity and
varying demand at individual ASC locations.
Biometrics Reuse
USCIS is authorized to reuse biometrics under limited
circumstances, and usually where we must verify an individual’s
identity and the case is otherwise ready to adjudicate. If USCIS
will reuse biometrics for a pending application, we will mail a
Form I-797 notice to the applicant stating that we will be reusing
the applicant’s biometrics and that the applicant is not required
to appear at an ASC. Not all applications meet the requirements for
biometrics reuse.
Walk-ins
Because of our COVID facility constraints, we cannot process
walk-ins for biometrics collection except for military applicants
and their family members when the principal applicant is scheduled
for an appointment.
Before visiting any USCIS facility, check the USCIS Office Closings webpage for the current operating status. For more information about USCIS ASCs, visit our ASC information webpage. Please use our online tools for help in managing your application and to track the status of your case. If you have questions that are not addressed in your appointment notice, you may connect with the USCIS Contact Center.
USCIS Application Support Centers Updates
https://content.govdelivery.com/attachments/USDHSCISINVITE/2020/12/29/file_attachments/1635668/ASC%20Updates.pdf
Dec 31, 2020
USCIS Application Support Centers Updates
https://youtu.be/50HbACj-j74
Dec 13, 2020 What's happening with USCIS
Biometrics Appointments?
https://youtu.be/sqgdBXfkV_w
Dec 21, 2020
BIOMETRICS Plus USCIS TOOLS: Case Status, Case Inquiry, &
Processing Times
https://youtu.be/BN1sGQjx1tw
More links:
USCIS Office Closings
https://www.uscis.gov/about-us/uscis-office-closings
USCIS Application Support Centers
https://www.uscis.gov/forms/filing-guidance/preparing-for-your-biometric-services-appointment
USCIS Tools
https://www.uscis.gov/tools
Check Your Case Status
https://egov.uscis.gov/casestatus/landing.do
USCIS Contact Center.
https://www.uscis.gov/contactcenter