January 7, 2009

Nebraska Service Center Practice Tips on Scheduling Biometrics Appointments for Reentry Permit Applications

The AILA Liaison Committee for the Nebraska Service Center (NSC) has advised attorneys of procedures to request expedited biometrics appointments and reschedule biometrics appointments for reentry permit applicants.

Biometrics appointments for reentry permits are usually scheduled within 30 days of filing. The NSC has confirmed, however, that expedited appointments may be requested where applicants are scheduled to depart the U.S. in less than 30 days from the date of filing or where applicants normally reside abroad. When filing reentry permits for such applicants, attorneys are instructed to highlight the request for expedited biometrics scheduling and include with the reentry permit application: (1) documentation supporting the expedite request and (2) an email address, facsimile number or overnight envelop in which the biometrics appointment notice can be sent. Even with expedited requests, applicants are instructed to allow up to two weeks for the completion of the biometrics scheduling.

If the applicant is unable to appear at the Application Support Center (ASC) on the original biometrics appointment date because he or she is scheduled to depart the U.S., the applicant may attempt to go to the ASC on an earlier date. The ASC has the discretion to accept the applicant on an earlier date and the applicant will need to provide proof in support of his or her inability to appear on the original biometrics appointment date.

If the ASC does not honor the walk in request or the applicant cannot attend the appointment, the applicant must reschedule the appointment by notifying the ASC, which will notify the NSC. The request to reschedule must be made prior to the originally scheduled biometrics appointment date. The request to reschedule should indicate the dates that the applicant is available, keeping in mind that the NSC scheduling system does not allow the appointment to be made more than 30 days prior to the requested appointment date. In addition, please note that the address provided in Part 1 on the Form I-131 will determine the location of the ASC where the applicant will be scheduled to appear for the biometrics. If the attorney lists the address of his/her firm, the applicant will be scheduled to appear for the biometrics at the ASC near the attorney’s office.

If the NSC does not receive any communication and has no record of the applicant’s completion of the biometrics or attempt to reschedule, the reentry permit application will be denied on grounds of abandonment. The application can be reopened with a Service Motion to Reopen where the applicant can provide evidence of an attempt to reschedule.