On June 28, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) introduced a user-friendly self-service tool that allows benefit requestors, their attorneys, and accredited representatives to easily reschedule most biometric services appointments before the scheduled date.

Previously, those seeking benefits and their representatives could only request rescheduling of biometric services appointments through the USCIS Contact Center. The newly introduced tool enables individuals with a USCIS online account to reschedule biometric services appointments without needing to contact the Contact Center. However, it's important to note that the tool cannot be used to reschedule appointments that have already been rescheduled multiple times, are within 12 hours of the appointment, or have already passed.

Additionally, USCIS is releasing guidance in the USCIS Policy Manual regarding untimely requests for rescheduling biometric services appointments, the implications of missing an appointment, and the criteria for rescheduling due to "good cause." Good cause entails providing valid reasons for being unable to appear on the scheduled date, which may include factors like illness, travel plans, significant life events, transportation challenges, employment or caregiving responsibilities, and issues with appointment notices.

The biometric services appointment rescheduling tool can be accessed via a USCIS online account regardless of whether the pending case was submitted online or by mail.