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Is there a biometrics waiver for EB-1 if I’ve already done it before?

There is no guaranteed biometrics waiver for EB-1 just because you have done it before: it depends on the petition and USCIS rules. Learn why a new collection is often requested and where to confirm your situation.

Written by

Victoria Harper

Editor-in-Chief

Updated on July 20, 2026
1 min read
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There is no fixed rule that guarantees a biometrics waiver for EB-1 simply because you have already been through the process before. Whether a new collection is required depends on the type of petition, the stage it is at, and the USCIS policies in effect, so the safest approach is to confirm what applies to your specific case.

Biometrics (fingerprints, photo, and signature) are part of the identity and security verification conducted by the U.S. government. In many cases, a new collection is requested even from applicants who have already gone through the procedure, because the data is tied to a specific application and may need to be updated.

In other situations, previously captured data may be reused. Because this varies depending on the applicable policy and individual review, it is not possible to determine in advance whether a waiver will or will not apply.

To find out whether you will need to appear for biometrics, consult the official USCIS guidance or review the instructions for your specific petition, and be cautious of any promises of shortcuts.

Learn more about EB-1

Category
EB-1 Green Card (1st priority)
Requirement
Extraordinary ability
Self-petition
Allowed (no sponsor needed)
Processing
6-18 months
All about EB-1

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.

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Is there a biometrics waiver for EB-1 if I’ve already done it before?

There is no guaranteed biometrics waiver for EB-1 just because you have done it before: it depends on the petition and USCIS rules. Learn why a new collection is often requested and where to confirm your situation.

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