9/20/2007

Dr. William: 

I sent my family's request to reschedule our biometrics appointments to the local USCIS office. Some weeks later, they sent back my new appointment letter (Notice of action), but so far nothing at all for my wife or son. 

Question: do they usually schedule the appointments together for a family. If so, where are the missing appointments? Any is this FBI fingerprint check? There's no USCIS phone number on the form so I cannot call anyone. Thanks!

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A: USCIS usually schedules the biometrics appointments (fingerprint) together for a family. If you especially indicated in your requesting letter that you want to be fingerprinted together as one appointment, the USCIS normally will make an appointment to fingerprint your family together. Otherwise USCIS may not have to reschedule these appointment as one. The FBI fingerprint check provides information relating to criminal background within the United States. 

FBI fingerprint checks are conducted for many applications. The FBI fingerprint check provides information relating to criminal background within the United States. Generally, the FBI forwards responses to USCIS within 24-48 hours. If there is a record match, the FBI forwards an electronic copy of the criminal history (RAP sheet) to USCIS. At that point, a USCIS adjudicator reviews the information to determine what effect it may have on eligibility for the benefit. 

Although the vast majority of inquiries yield no record or match, about 10 percent do uncover criminal history (including immigration violations). In cases involving arrests or charges without disposition, USCIS requires the applicant to provide court certified evidence of the disposition. Aliens with prior arrests should provide complete information and certified disposition records at the time of filing to avoid adjudication delays or denial resulting from misrepresentation about criminal history.