Immigration Update: Rescheduling Biometrics + International Entrepreneur Parole Program

We have two separate immigration updates to share with you in this article.  The first update has to do with biometrics appointments, and a new way for you to reschedule your biometrics appointment with the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).  The second update has to do with an announcement made by the Department of Homeland Security that they will be continuing the international entrepreneur parole program. These updates are good news all around, so read on to learn more.  

We are Ashoori Law, led by Michael Ashoori, a U.S. immigration lawyer based in Los Angeles, California.  At our law firm we work with clients from all over the world, and we regularly post articles and videos to make sure that you are up to date with the latest immigration news.  If, after reading this article, you have more questions, then we invite you to contact us at Ashoori Law.  Feel free to call us at +1-818-741-1117 or you may schedule a free consultation by clicking this link.

1. Rescheduling Biometrics Appointments – You Now Can Do It By Phone

USCIS has officially announced that they will be allowing people to reschedule their biometrics appointment over the phone.  This is wonderful news for anyone working with USCIS.  Specifically, on May 11, 2021, USCIS announced that applicants, petitioners, requesters, and beneficiaries may now call the USCIS contact center at 800-375-5283 to reschedule their biometrics services appointments scheduled at a USCIS application support center.  Previously, applicants had to submit requests in writing to reschedule biometrics appointments.  This change, however, helps eliminate paperwork and allows USCIS to track every request through a more efficient process.   

It is important to note that applicants must establish good cause for rescheduling and must call before the date and time of their original appointment to reschedule.  If an applicant fails to call before the scheduled appointment or fails to establish good cause, then USCIS may consider the application, petition, or request abandoned.  As a result, it may be denied. 

Biometrics Basics

For those of you who are asking what “biometrics” are, it is when you have to go into a USCIS office to get your fingerprints taken.  (USCIS uses these fingerprints to run a background check on you to make sure that you don't have anything that makes you ineligible for immigration status). 

Traditionally, when somebody had a biometrics appointment they couldn’t attend, they would have to reschedule the appointment by mail.  The problem with this process, however, was that in many cases, the biometrics appointment notice came in the mail very close to the date of the actual appointment.  That often posed the problem where people would not have enough time to request a reschedule of their appointment.  Now that USCIS is allowing people to call in to reschedule their appointment, it will hopefully make the process much smoother and easier. 

Good Cause to Reschedule

With regard to what constitutes “good cause” to reschedule by phone, you cannot just call in and say “oh I don't feel like going today.”  USCIS makes clear that “good cause” means a good, valid reason why you cannot make your initial scheduled appointment.  Immigration status should be a priority for you, so USCIS expects that you will do whatever you can to make your appointment.  Only real, unavoidable conflicts should be the reason to seek another appointment. 

2. The International Entrepreneur Parole Program Continues

The next update is that the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has announced that they will be continuing with the international entrepreneur parole program. The international entrepreneur parole program is a tremendous option for foreign entrepreneurs to live and work in the United States.

On May 10, 2021, DHS announced the continuation of the international entrepreneur parole program, noting that the program provides opportunities for foreign entrepreneurs.  The reason that this is newsworthy is because back in 2018, DHS was considering removing the program, which had only been introduced a year earlier.  Now, however, the international entrepreneur parole program will remain a viable program for foreign entrepreneurs to create and develop startup entities with high growth potential in the United States.  The program will help to strengthen and grow our nation's economy through increased capital spending, innovation, and job creation. 

Some of the requirements of the international entrepreneur parole program are:

(i) The foreign entrepreneur must have a substantial ownership interest in the U.S. startup company,

(ii) The U.S. company must have been formed within the last five years, and

(iii) The U.S. company must have substantial potential for rapid growth and job creation

There are various other requirements, and we will go through those specific requirements in a more detailed article specifically about the international entrepreneur parole program.  For now, the important thing to know is that, through the international entrepreneur parole program, there is another option for foreign entrepreneurs.  Indeed, we are seeing a clear instance where somebody can get immigration benefits to come to the United States while benefiting the economy and creating jobs for workers.

Conclusion

In sum, we have discussed two wonderful announcements.  First, USCIS is now going to allow people to reschedule their biometrics appointment by making a phone call to avoid having to send paperwork and wait for a response from USCIS.  Second, DHS announced that they will be continuing with the international entrepreneur parole program, which greatly benefits those who seek to grow their business opportunities in the U.S.

My name is Michael Ashoori and I'm a U.S. immigration lawyer and the founder of Ashoori Law. As an immigration lawyer, I help families, professionals, investors, and entrepreneurs get visas, green cards, and citizenship to the United States.  If you have any questions, feel free to schedule a free consultation by clicking this link.