WASHINGTON—U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced that effective February 15, 2008 it will begin consolidating biometrics collection when employment-based adjustment of status applications and employment authorization requests are filed at the same time at one of the Service Centers.

Applicants who concurrently file Form I-485 (Application to Register Permanent Status or Adjust Status) based upon the approval of an employment based petition and Form I-765 (Application for Employment Authorization) will receive one biometrics appointment letter to appear at a designated Application Support Center (ASC). This process is already in place for applicants who file family based I-485 and concurrent I-765 applications at the Chicago Lockbox facility or through online e-filing.

Applicants who filed concurrently before this notice and have received two notices from the ASC are still required to attend both appointments. Further, this change will not affect applicants who do not file the I-765 concurrently with the I-485.

USCIS will collect biometrics for both forms in one visit to the ASC, ensuring that each application is processed in a timely manner. Also, customers will only need to submit one biometrics fee ($80) with the I-485.

The biometrics collection for the Form I-485 and a concurrent Form I-765 is being consolidated in order to improve customer service and make the most of agency resources. Previously, customers received a biometrics appointment from the ASC for the I-485, but were required to submit any necessary biometrics for an I-765 directly to the service center with jurisdiction over their case.

Collecting two sets of biometrics not only resulted in the loss of time and efficiency in sorting and processing the forms, but also triggered unnecessary delays in responding to the request.

For more information on this program, customers are encouraged to contact the USCIS National Customer Service Center at (800) 375-5283.