What to Do If You Miss a USCIS Appointment (and Why You Can’t Ignore It)

A missed USCIS appointment is not just a scheduling error; it is a serious legal problem.

Whether it was your biometrics, green card interview, or asylum hearing, missing a scheduled appointment places your entire immigration case at risk.

In many cases, failure to act swiftly after a missed appointment results in denial of your application, permanent record damage, and potential initiation of removal (deportation) proceedings.

Here is exactly what to do, and what happens if you do nothing.

Step 1: Identify Which Appointment You Missed

Not all USCIS appointments are treated the same, but all carry consequences if missed:

• Biometrics appointment (fingerprinting and photo)
• Interview (green card, asylum, naturalization, etc.)
• Medical exam or follow-up documentation drop-off

Each of these is a mandatory step. A missed biometrics session can pause or close your case. A missed interview—especially for green cards or asylum—can result in automatic denial and referral to immigration court.

See how we help clients with every step of the immigration process

Step 2: Understand What Happens If You Do Nothing

USCIS does not assume your absence was accidental.

If you fail to attend and do not properly reschedule within the allowed timeframe:

• Your application may be denied for abandonment.
• You may lose all filing fees.
• USCIS may issue a Notice to Appear in immigration court, which means that you have been placed in removal (deportation) proceedings.

Even if the absence was unintentional—an illness, a calendar error, an emergency—USCIS will move forward unless you formally respond and provide proof.
Read USCIS information on missing or rescheduling biometrics.
Review USCIS missed interview policies in Subsection B of the AFM Manual.
See USCIS policy for missing an asylum interview.

This is not a delay. It is a legal crisis.

Step 3: Submit a Rescheduling Request Immediately

USCIS typically allows 30 days or less to request a new appointment. The clock starts ticking from the date on your original notice, not when you realize you missed the appointment.

For Biometrics:

• Mail a written rescheduling request to the address listed on your notice.
• Include:
  
  • Full name
  • A-Number
  • Case number
  • Original appointment notice
  • Valid reason with supporting documents (e.g. ER visit, natural disaster, transportation failure)

For Interviews:

• Use your USCIS online account or call the USCIS Contact Center.
• You must provide a credible explanation and be prepared to back it up with evidence.

Important- If you did not receive confirmation that your interview was rescheduled, you should attend your interview as scheduled. 

If your case is at risk due to a missed appointment, consult with an immigration attorney.  You will need to act fast to attempt to reschedule or prepare to file a motion to reopen.

What Happens After You Submit

If USCIS accepts your explanation, you will receive a new appointment notice in the mail. This can take several weeks.

If they reject your rescheduling request or take no action, your case may:

• Be denied
• Trigger an RFE (Request for Evidence)
• Move into enforcement or court action

Do not assume silence means your case is safe. At this stage, professional legal help is often your only option to avoid further consequences.

What To Do If You Know You’ll Miss an Upcoming Appointment

If you have advance notice that you cannot attend your scheduled biometrics or interview date, take action now.

• Call USCIS or log in to your account
• Submit a rescheduling request before the appointment date
• Prepare supporting documentation now, not later

Even if your reason is valid, a failure to reschedule ahead of time may still result in denial.

Common Questions Clients Ask

Can I just call and explain that I forgot or was sick?

Not enough. You must document your reason and follow official procedures.

Will USCIS forgive a one-time mistake?

They might. You should act quickly, show valid cause, and provide proof. Otherwise, they will assume abandonment.

What if I was denied because I missed the appointment?

You may be able to file a motion to reopen or an appeal, but time is limited and your record is now at risk. You may still have options, especially with help from an experienced immigration lawyer in Orange County.

Conclusion: Missed the Date? Don’t Miss the Chance to Fix It

USCIS treats missed appointments as a red flag. In many cases, it’s the first step toward denial or even placement in removal (deportation) proceedings. The system does not wait for you to catch up. If you miss a notice, an appointment, or a deadline, the burden is on you to respond properly and fast.

At Brudner Law, we work with clients who have already missed critical appointments or are at risk of losing their immigration status. We understand how USCIS views these issues and how to respond with urgency and precision.

Need help now? Contact Brudner Law for prompt, professional support that keeps your case moving forward.