Can I reschedule my biometrics appointment?

Yes. USCIS says you may request to reschedule biometrics for good cause through your USCIS online account before the appointment. Online requests must be made at least 12 hours before the scheduled time.

What happens if I miss my USCIS appointment?

If you miss a required biometrics appointment or interview without properly requesting rescheduling, USCIS may consider the application abandoned, administratively close it, or deny it depending on the appointment and circumstances.

Can I Reschedule My Citizenship Interview or Biometrics Appointment?

Q: Can I reschedule my citizenship interview?

USCIS says you should call the USCIS Contact Center before the interview date and as far in advance as possible if you absolutely cannot attend. The field office decides whether to grant the request, and rescheduling can delay your case.

People preparing for Can I Reschedule My Citizenship Interview or Biometrics Appointment? with organized study materials

This article is for general educational purposes only and is not legal advice. For official appointment rules, check USCIS guidance for pending cases and USCIS biometrics guidance, and consult an immigration attorney or accredited representative if missing an appointment could affect your case.

You can request to reschedule a citizenship interview or biometrics appointment, but USCIS expects a valid reason and advance notice. According to USCIS, interview rescheduling can delay processing and is granted only when emergency reasons outside your control prevent attendance.

Rescheduling Biometrics Is Different From Rescheduling an Interview

Biometrics appointments and naturalization interviews use different rescheduling processes. For biometrics, USCIS offers an online rescheduling tool in many cases. For a citizenship interview, USCIS says to call the USCIS Contact Center before the interview date, as far in advance as possible.

Do not assume that sending a letter or skipping the appointment is enough.

How to Reschedule a Biometrics Appointment

USCIS says you may request to reschedule biometrics through your USCIS online account if you have good cause. The request must be made before the original appointment date and time.

Online biometrics rescheduling generally must be made at least 12 hours before the scheduled appointment. If the appointment is within 12 hours, or you already missed it, USCIS says to call the USCIS Contact Center or use Emma, the USCIS virtual assistant.

What Counts as Good Cause for Biometrics?

USCIS policy lists examples of good cause, including:

Illness, medical appointment, or hospitalization
Previously planned travel
A significant life event, such as a wedding, funeral, or graduation
Inability to get transportation
Inability to obtain leave from employment or caregiver duties
Late or undelivered appointment notice

Explain your reason clearly and keep any records that support it.

How to Reschedule a Citizenship Interview

If you absolutely cannot attend your naturalization interview, USCIS says to call before the interview date and as far in advance as possible. You will need to explain why it is impossible for you to attend. The USCIS office where your interview was scheduled decides whether to approve the request.

USCIS warns that rescheduling may delay your case. Some interview types cannot be rescheduled.

What Happens If You Miss an Appointment?

Missing a required appointment can seriously affect your application. For biometrics, USCIS may consider your N-400 abandoned and deny it if you fail to appear or fail to properly reschedule.

For a naturalization examination, USCIS policy says an application may be administratively closed if an applicant fails to appear without good cause and does not notify USCIS within 30 days of the scheduled appointment.

Prepare So You Do Not Need to Reschedule

As soon as you receive a USCIS notice, add the date to your calendar, arrange transportation, and gather documents. Before rescheduling or missing any appointment, confirm the current instructions on the official USCIS website or speak with an immigration attorney or accredited representative.

If the appointment is for your interview, start practicing early with Citizenry so you feel ready for the civics questions, English test, and N-400 review.

About the Author

Dr. Jennifer Brisbane is a researcher and engineer focused on helping applicants navigate the U.S. citizenship and naturalization process. She previously served as an adjunct assistant professor at the City University of New York, where she taught courses and conducted research related to immigration and public policy.

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