As part of your naturalization process, you have to go through a biometrics and data-capturing process at a designated United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) center near Glendale, AZ. If you have received a biometrics appointment notice, we will share what to expect, how long it will take, and the documents you will need at the location.
Please note that while biometrics process is pretty straightforward, you still need guidance so you can be better prepared. A citizenship and naturalization lawyer from New Frontier Immigration Law can provide you with the details of the process, thus ensuring your appointment goes right. Contact us to learn more about the biometrics and naturalization process.
When an immigrant begins the naturalization process, they will be required to submit their fingerprint, have their pictures taken, and provide their signature during a biometrics appointment. This is necessary for a background check into the petitioner and helps verify the candidate’s identity.
The entire process takes approximately 20 to 30 minutes and is by appointment only. Walk-ins are not allowed. To receive a notice of biometrics capturing, an applicant must first complete the Form N-400, attach all relevant documents and photos, and submit their application.
If the application is processed, the candidate will proceed to the next phase, which is receiving a notice of biometrics appointment – which typically takes five to eight weeks from the application date. This notice contains information about the date, time, and location for the appointment.
As with all USCIS appointments, petitioners must be adequately prepared. They should attend the appointment with the following documentation:
No food, phones, cameras, or electronic devices are allowed in the fingerprinting area, so it is best to either leave them in the vehicle or have a companion hold them. There is also a secure holding area for these devices at the USCIS location, where a candidate can place them and pick them up after their biometrics have been captured.
Please note that the officers who capture the biometrics have no information about candidates’ applications. They only take the biometrics and forward them to the appropriate department(s). Therefore, applicants need not ask them any questions about their applications.
After the appointment, the next step is usually an invitation to an interview. The waiting begins afterward and can last anywhere from a few weeks to over a year. How soon a candidate receives this notice depends on the local USCIS office’s workload, the circumstances of each immigration case, and the location.
To get an idea of how long the process might take, applicants are advised to check their designated USCIS service centers’ processing time on the USCIS website. If there is a change in personal situation, such as moving house, candidates should update their new address on their profile within 10 days.
Naturalization takes time, but to avoid or minimize delays with the biometrics appointment in Glendale, you need the help of an experienced lawyer from New Frontier Immigration Law.
We will guide you through the process, provide information on timelines to help you better manage your expectations, assist with accurately filing your papers, prepare the correct documentation, and ensure your application is error-free. Contact us to talk to an attorney today.
