Home » US Immigration - Visas » H4 Visa » H4 Biometrics with COVID : USCIS reused previous – Sample
Notice Since the introduction of Biometrics Process for I-539 form, it has become mandatory for many visa holders such as H4 Visa holders to give biometrics for their extensions and Change of Status (COS) applications with USCIS. With
COVID-19, USCIS offices and ASCs were closed and none of the H4 or H4+ EAD applicants could give biometrics. USCIS indicated that they would be able to reuse old biometrics, if someone had given the same in past…There was no full press alert by USICS on the same. So, we had no confirmation on the same from community. Thankfully, one our readers, Sudha shared today that they received
USCIS I-797 Notice of Action indicating that USCIS will re-use the previous fingerprints and other biometrics info that was given as part of their previous biometrics appointment at ASC. Thanks much to Sudha for being kind enough to share a copy of the same for our blog readers and community to see it. We really appreciate it ! Also, they have shared how the status looks online on USCIS website after this notice was sent. This notice very likely is some positive hope for many
waiting. Below is the USCIS Online status that you would see, if they are going to re-use the biometrics that were given by you. It will say “Case Was Updated To Show Fingerprints Were Taken I-539”. Below is the exact screenshot and the text. “As of XXXXX, 2020,
fingerprints relating to your Form I-539, Application To Extend/ Change Nonimmigrant Status, Receipt Number XXXXXX have been applied to your case. If you move, go to www.uscis.gov/addresschange to give us your new mailing address.” The I-797A Notice of Action from USCIS would clearly tell that they
will reuse the biometrics given in the past. Below is the exact text that it will say “… USCIS is able to reuse your previously captured fingerprints and other biometrics. USCIS will run the same security checks and use your biometric data as in past, however, it is not necessary for you to appear as ta USCIS Application Support Center (ASC) for a biometrics appointment. The Biometrics fee will not be refunded…” It will indicate that USCIS will continue to process your
application, petition. Below is the exact notice mailed by USCIS. Did
you give Biometrics in past and see the same status like above for your H4 ? Share your thoughts, experiences in comments. As of April 2021, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) permits F-1 students seeking pre- or post-completion Optional Practical Training (OPT) or the STEM OPT extension to file Form I-765 electronically via the USCIS online portal. On this page, we provide some pointers for filing your I-765 online, including a comparison to the paper process. Please note that because this is a new option, we are currently unable to anticipate some of the potential drawbacks of filing online and are not responsible for USCIS' decision on your application. Additionally, we are unable to help students troubleshoot technical issues with the online filing process. Please note: You are still welcome to file your I-765 using the paper process. Please see our USCIS Application page for information. See Also: "F-1 Students Seeking Optional Practical Training Can Now File Form I-765 Online" (press release from USCIS) Filing Form I-765 Online Important Reminders If you are interested in using the new online process to file Form I-765, please take the following points into consideration:
Guide for Filing OnlineSee below for a step-by-step guide to filing Form I-765 online. Please note that the same information is required whether you are filing Form I-765 online or submitting a completed paper form. Therefore, some of your questions may be answered by reviewing our OPT I-765 Visual Guide or the STEM OPT I-765 Visual Guide. You may also refer to the USCIS I-765 instructions. login Begin Your ApplicationGather the Required DocumentsThe first step in the process for filing Form I-765, whether electronically or via regular mail, is to gather the required documents. The documents required to file Form I-765 online are the same whether you are applying online or by mail (with the exception of Form G-1145 and a check/money order). See our OPT checklist or STEM OPT checklist for a list of required documents. Please note that you will be required to scan all documents so that they can be uploaded into the online system. Create an Online AccountAfter you have gathered the required documents, create an online account at https://myaccount.uscis.gov. You will be required to provide a valid phone number where you can receive a verification code for two-factor authentication, which will be required every time you log in. Begin Your ApplicationAfter you have logged in, select "File a Form Online" under "Select What You Want To Do." Then, under "File a Form," select "Application for Employment Authorization (I-765). You will be brought to a page with an overview of the online filing process, including eligibility requirements, required documents, payment details, and action items you may need to take after submitting Form I-765. Please read this page carefully and contact your assigned ISSS advisor if you have any questions. Review the "Completing Your Form Online" section carefully. Note that your responses will be automatically saved. If you log out, you may log back in and resume where you left off last time. drive_file_rename_outline Complete the FormGetting StartedFill out all required questions in this section.
About YouCarefully fill out all required information in this section. The questions are mostly self-explanatory, but please take note of the following items:
EvidenceCarefully scan and upload copies of all of the required documents and photos in this section. See Acceptable Formats for upload requirements.
Additional InformationUse this section to provide any additional information that you could not fit into the previous sections. This is equivalent to Part 6 of the paper application. Example #1: If you have a previous SEVIS number:
Example #2: If you have previous CPT authorization:
Review and SubmitAt this stage, the system will alert you of any errors or incomplete fields and will give you the opportunity to make corrections. However, please also manually review each section of the form to ensure that you are submitting accurate information under "Your application summary." You will also have the opportunity to download a .pdf copy of your responses, which you may save for your records by clicking "View draft snapshot." After you review your application, you must indicate that you can read and understand English. You will then be required to provide a digital signature by typing your full legal name to confirm that all information you submitted is accurate as of the time of filing. Use the "Additional information" section to provide evidence of previous CPT or OPT authorization. paid Pay the Filing Fee and Final StepsPaying the FeeAfter you sign your application in the previous step, you will pay your filing fee ($410). Filing online allows you to pay using a credit card, debit card, or withdrawal from a checking or savings account. After you click "Pay and submit," you will be taken to pay.gov to complete your payment. Please note that the USCIS filing fee is not refundable. Avoid clicking Back or Refresh on your browser. If you are not ready to complete the payment, click Cancel to be taken back to the USCIS online portal. Final StepsAfter you finish your payment, you will be redirected to a confirmation screen. Click "Go to my cases" to view your case card and receipt notice. Please save a copy of your receipt number for your records. Once your application is submitted and payment received, you will use your online account to:
All notices will also be mailed to the mailing address you indicated on your form. emoji_symbols Acceptable FormatsAcceptable CharactersAs you are uploading documents, please note that the only characters allowed in document file names are:
Please do not use special characters or non-English letters. Acceptable File Formats
Please also note that foreign language documents must have an English translation. login Begin Your ApplicationGather the Required DocumentsThe first step in the process for filing Form I-765, whether electronically or via regular mail, is to gather the required documents. The documents required to file Form I-765 online are the same whether you are applying online or by mail (with the exception of Form G-1145 and a check/money order). See our OPT checklist or STEM OPT checklist for a list of required documents. Please note that you will be required to scan all documents so that they can be uploaded into the online system. Create an Online AccountAfter you have gathered the required documents, create an online account at https://myaccount.uscis.gov. You will be required to provide a valid phone number where you can receive a verification code for two-factor authentication, which will be required every time you log in. Begin Your ApplicationAfter you have logged in, select "File a Form Online" under "Select What You Want To Do." Then, under "File a Form," select "Application for Employment Authorization (I-765). You will be brought to a page with an overview of the online filing process, including eligibility requirements, required documents, payment details, and action items you may need to take after submitting Form I-765. Please read this page carefully and contact your assigned ISSS advisor if you have any questions. Review the "Completing Your Form Online" section carefully. Note that your responses will be automatically saved. If you log out, you may log back in and resume where you left off last time. drive_file_rename_outline Complete the FormGetting StartedFill out all required questions in this section.
About YouCarefully fill out all required information in this section. The questions are mostly self-explanatory, but please take note of the following items:
EvidenceCarefully scan and upload copies of all of the required documents and photos in this section. See Acceptable Formats for upload requirements.
Additional InformationUse this section to provide any additional information that you could not fit into the previous sections. This is equivalent to Part 6 of the paper application. Example #1: If you have a previous SEVIS number:
Example #2: If you have previous CPT authorization:
Review and SubmitAt this stage, the system will alert you of any errors or incomplete fields and will give you the opportunity to make corrections. However, please also manually review each section of the form to ensure that you are submitting accurate information under "Your application summary." You will also have the opportunity to download a .pdf copy of your responses, which you may save for your records by clicking "View draft snapshot." After you review your application, you must indicate that you can read and understand English. You will then be required to provide a digital signature by typing your full legal name to confirm that all information you submitted is accurate as of the time of filing. Use the "Additional information" section to provide evidence of previous CPT or OPT authorization. paid Pay the Filing Fee and Final StepsPaying the FeeAfter you sign your application in the previous step, you will pay your filing fee ($410). Filing online allows you to pay using a credit card, debit card, or withdrawal from a checking or savings account. After you click "Pay and submit," you will be taken to pay.gov to complete your payment. Please note that the USCIS filing fee is not refundable. Avoid clicking Back or Refresh on your browser. If you are not ready to complete the payment, click Cancel to be taken back to the USCIS online portal. Final StepsAfter you finish your payment, you will be redirected to a confirmation screen. Click "Go to my cases" to view your case card and receipt notice. Please save a copy of your receipt number for your records. Once your application is submitted and payment received, you will use your online account to:
All notices will also be mailed to the mailing address you indicated on your form. emoji_symbols Acceptable FormatsAcceptable CharactersAs you are uploading documents, please note that the only characters allowed in document file names are:
Please do not use special characters or non-English letters. Acceptable File Formats
Please also note that foreign language documents must have an English translation. What is the next status after case was updated to show fingerprints were taken?According to Lawfully's data analysis of USCIS case status message updates, among the people who received the status message "Case Was Updated To Show Fingerprints Were Taken," the most probable next update message is "New Card Is Being Produced," (at 62%) after an average of 110 days.
How long after case was updated to show fingerprints were taken I 765?I-765 Processing Time After Biometrics
Biometrics appointments occur 5-6 weeks filing an application, leaving approximately 16-22 weeks until the process should be completed.
How long does it take after case was updated to show fingerprints were taken i485?Your biometrics will allow USCIS to conduct the required background check so your case adjudication can continue. The appointment typically lasts around 15 minutes. Once your fingerprints are taken, it generally takes 30-45 days for the FBI clearances to appear in USCIS's system.
How long after biometrics is case updated?How Long Does It Take to Renew a Green Card After Biometrics? Green card renewal processing time can take anywhere from 6 to 10 months after your biometrics appointment. However, if you wish to check the status of your case for an update, you can either contact USCIS directly or check your case status online.
|