Everything that you need to know about the new H4 biometric requirement.
As many of those that are in the United States on visas would know, the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services added biometric process for H4 dependents beginning March this year.
By definition, biometrics is a detailed analysis of a person’s unique physical characteristics. The physiological identifiers that are often used to identify and authenticate include fingerprints, facial recognition, retina scanning and iris recognition.
Ever since the news of requirement for biometrics for H4 visas came about, there were doubts whether it would delay the process of H4 approvals, as in the recent past, there have been many cases of delayed approvals, and an increased Request for Evidence (RFE) notices.
According to immigration lawyers, with the biometric requirement in effect for I 539 applications, people are experiencing delays, even for those filed with a premium processing, which are in effect delaying H4 EAD process, too. However, it must be noted that the new biometric requirement is only for H4 visa holders applying for H4 visa extension. H4 EAD applicants are not required to undergo the biometric process.
ALSO READ: H4 visa: a primer
The background:
On February 11, this year, the USCIS announced that it would be revising its I-539 form to include biometrics requirement. An I-539 is an application form that is used by many on non-immigrant visas, including on H-4, l-2, O-3 and also F-1, B-1 and B-2 visas.
The fee:
With the addition of biometrics requirement, the USCIS has included an additional $85 fee for biometrics services processing. So now applicants pay $85 over and above the initial $370 fee. The applicants are also required to attend a biometrics appointment at an application support center, which may be closest to the address of the applicant.
The requirements:
In the new revised scenario, the applicants are required to appear in person at a USCIS Application Support Center to have their biometrics include which include fingerprints, digital signature and photo. The requirement applies for children as well. The applicants are also required to sign the application requesting extension or change of status. Parents are expected to sign on behalf of children below 14 years of age.
Processing time:
The new biometric requirement would mean not just biometric collection but also an additional round of background check, which would in all probability result in longer processing time for the USCIS to adjudicate matters. This would also concurrently mean that the employment authorization request filed alongside the extension would also eventually get delayed. And this would include EAD applications for not just H-4 spouses but also L-2 and E visa holders.
The new I-539 form:
A new I-539 form has been introduced and it has been reduced to 7 pages from the initial form, which had 9 pages. In total, it is being estimated that it takes about 15 to 17 days to complete the overall biometric process.
6 Comments
I’m going to appear for biometric in Feb 2023
My son is 9 years old and daughter is 4 years old .
Is it mandatory to take them along with me for the biometric. We have applied for under H4 visa category.
my visa is expiring in Aug 2020 and due to delay pandemic my biometric has not been done yet.
i have tried to reschedule it but i dont see getting it scheduled anytime soon. in this case would i asked to leave the country? M petition is under process?
My H4 will be expired in August 2020 but my I 94 is valid till February 2021 as my spouse H1B is valid till February 2021.. ( I have window of 7 months without valid H4)
The question is about Biometrics:
If I apply for H4 extension in June 2020 by doing my Biometrics and get H4 extended till February 2021. Will the same biometrics can be used for the extension of H4 again if I am applying by September 2020 before H4 expire in Feb 2021
USICS does not need to give foreign nationals any explanations, just remember you are foreign nationals you have no rights in this country.
Noncitizens undeniably have a wide range of rights under the Constitution. Indeed, within the borders of the United States, they have most of the same rights as citizens do, and longstanding Supreme Court precedent bans most state laws discriminating against noncitizen.
Why do they need Spouses biometrics, when the spouse is same as when h4 was applied for the first time. If a h4 applicant has give her biometrics for the first time at the time of visa stamping, why does USCIS need biometrics at the time of renewal ?? If the h4 applicant goes for stamping she will give her finger prints for sure. Can we raise our concern to the government asking USCIS to provide exact valid reason why and what they need biometrics for.