I received an email from USCIS requesting biometrics even without an I-485. Is that normal?

It can be normal, yes. USCIS routinely requests biometrics collection across many types of immigration cases, not only those involving the I-485 (adjustment of status).

In an EB-1 case, for example, the agency may need to collect fingerprints and other biometric data to verify your identity and conduct background checks, regardless of whether you are adjusting your status. It is a common step used to query government agency databases.

That said, it is worth confirming the authenticity of the communication. Scams do exist that exploit the names of official agencies and technical terms to deceive people. Check that the email comes from an official domain, such as uscis.gov, and be cautious of any requests that seem out of the ordinary.

When in doubt, do not click on suspicious links: go directly to your account on the official USCIS website or use the agency’s own support channels to confirm what was requested, and consult an immigration professional if you need guidance.

About the author

Victoria Harper

Editor-in-Chief

Meet the author

As a journalist and lead editor at Visto n’ Visa, Victoria helps ensure that immigration topics are covered in a clear, trustworthy, and easy-to-understand way. Her focus is on delivering useful, human, and relevant content for people exploring new paths abroad.