If you are involved in any process with U.S. immigration authorities, you will need to attend different types of appointments depending on the stage and nature of your case.
You may have questions about what happens if you miss your appointment or need to reschedule it. Today, we will address these scenarios.
What Happens if You Miss Your Appointment and Didn’t Reschedule?
If the day of your appointment arrives and you miss it for any reason, it may be possible to request a reschedule depending on the reason for missing it (for example, an accident that prevented you from attending).
However, this is not easy to achieve. In many cases, missing your appointment may be interpreted as abandoning your petition or process.
In more serious cases, such as missing an appointment with an ICE officer or an immigration judge, failure to attend may result in an immediate deportation order.
Therefore, it is crucial to be fully aware of your appointment date and do everything possible to attend to avoid delays or complications in your case.
What if You Need to Reschedule the Appointment?
The process for rescheduling depends on the type of appointment. This will determine how complex it may be to request a new date.
- Biometrics Appointment: If it is a fingerprinting or biometrics appointment, you can request a new date, provided you do so in a timely manner. However, it is not guaranteed to be granted easily.
- USCIS Interview: If you need to reschedule an interview with a USCIS officer, you must provide a valid reason or evidence of an emergency preventing you from attending.
In any case, consulting with an immigration attorney is highly recommended to ensure your case is not negatively affected.
Other Types of Appointments
- ICE Officer Appointment: These appointments are very serious, and rescheduling is extremely difficult. Maintaining communication with ICE officers is crucial.
- Consular Appointment: Rescheduling a consular appointment can be particularly challenging due to the high volume of applicants. You must provide solid evidence explaining why you cannot attend. Even then, there is no guarantee of a prompt reschedule.
- Immigration Court Hearing: Rescheduling a hearing with an immigration judge is one of the most difficult scenarios. You will need to file a motion to reschedule, which requires legal guidance.
The information provided here is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. It is essential to seek professional legal counsel for your specific case.
