A 75-year-old green card holder is facing a stressful situation after the USCIS issued a second biometrics appointment just two days after they left the United States for urgent medical treatment in India.
Biometrics Issue Causes Panic
The applicant had filed for an I-131 Re-entry Permit and completed their initial biometrics. Believing the process was complete, they travelled to India for life-saving care. However, USCIS later notified them that their earlier fingerprints were “unusable.”
Health Emergency Adds Pressure
The elderly lawful permanent resident is undergoing treatment expected to last a full year. The new appointment notice has left them anxious, as returning to the US during recovery is nearly impossible.
Warning from Immigration Experts
Immigration experts caution that leaving the country before completing biometrics can lead to a Re-entry Permit denial. They emphasise that applicants must wait for confirmation before travelling internationally.
Rare and Complicated Case
This case is unique since the applicant already completed biometrics once. Experts say the situation falls into a grey area, as USCIS rarely encounters such cases involving elderly or medically dependent applicants.
Possible Options for the Applicant
Advisors have suggested contacting USCIS to request a fingerprint waiver based on the applicant’s medical condition. Another option could be applying for mobile biometrics collection, a service typically reserved for applicants with disabilities in the US.
Uncertain Future for the Applicant
With no clear protocol for such situations, the applicant remains uncertain about the outcome of their Re-entry Permit. Their current health and distance from the US make compliance with USCIS requirements nearly impossible.
