Biometrics collection appointments are required for Adjustment of Status, Re-entry Permits, U.S. Naturalization, and other specific applications for U.S. immigration benefits. At biometrics collection appointments, the foreign national applicant typically submits fingerprints, takes a photograph, and signs forms. Such appointments are virtually always processed in the United States at local Application Support Centers (ASCs).

However, USCIS has now confirmed that biometrics collection appointments may be held at a USCIS office abroad in certain limited circumstances, including:

• The applicant must be a resident of a country where USCIS has an international office (a list of which can be found here).

• The applicant must demonstrate that he or she tried to expedite or reschedule the originally scheduled ASC biometrics appointment in the United States (or explain the failure to do so) and prove that extenuating circumstances required him or her to depart the United States before that appointment.

Biometrics collection appointments will be permissible abroad only in rare and compelling circumstances, such as urgent work or family matters. Because the international offices have limited capacity for such appointments, it is best to have biometrics collection appointments completed in the United States. However, if extenuating circumstances arise, immigration counsel can assist in contacting the appropriate office to request the appointment be done abroad.