USCIS Biometrics Rule 2026: What It Means for Your Green Card

What Is This New Rule?

The U.S. government is proposing a major change to how it collects biometrics — things like fingerprints, photos, and DNA — from immigrants. Under the proposed rule, USCIS (U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services) could require biometrics from almost anyone connected to an immigration application. That includes petitioners, sponsors, beneficiaries, and co-applicants. It also includes children under 14, who were previously exempt from most biometric requirements.

Right now, USCIS mostly collects fingerprints and photos from applicants between the ages of 14 and 79. The new rule would remove those age limits. It would also expand the types of biometrics collected. In addition to fingerprints and photos, USCIS could collect iris scans, voice prints, and — in some cases — DNA. DNA testing would be used mainly to prove or disprove biological family relationships in family-based petitions, such as Form I-130 (the petition to sponsor a family member for a green card) or Form I-730 (a refugee or asylee relative petition). DNA testing to prove biological sex is also mentioned in the proposal.

Who Is Affected?

This rule could affect a wide range of people. If you are applying for a green card, a work permit (called an Employment Authorization Document, or EAD), temporary protected status (TPS), or naturalization, you may be required to submit biometrics under the new rules. People filing Form I-765 (the application for a work permit/EAD) and Form I-485 (the application for a green card from inside the US) are among those affected. The rule also impacts people who file Form I-539 (the application to extend or change nonimmigrant status). Even U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents who sponsor family members could be required to submit biometrics. ICE and CBP would also gain expanded authority to collect biometrics from children under 14 within their enforcement missions.

DNA Testing: Voluntary Now, Possibly Mandatory Later

Currently, DNA testing is voluntary. USCIS only suggests it in limited situations — for example, in some Form I-130 and Form I-730 cases, and in certain parole programs. Under the proposed rule, USCIS could require DNA testing to confirm biological relationships when other documents are not enough. DNA tests must be done at an AABB-accredited laboratory (a lab that meets strict standards for relationship testing). The government estimates the cost of submitting DNA, including travel and time, at roughly $206.90 per person. DHS has also clarified it is not proposing mandatory DNA collection at U.S. ports of entry.

What to Do

• If you have a biometrics appointment scheduled, attend it. Missing it without a valid reason — called "extraordinary circumstances" — can delay or hurt your case.
• If you are sponsoring a family member and your relationship could be questioned, start gathering strong documentary evidence now. DNA testing may become required if documents are not enough.
• If you have children under 14 included in your immigration case, be aware they may soon need to appear for biometrics collection too.
• Lawyers recommend consulting an immigration attorney before this rule takes effect, especially if your case involves family reunification, TPS, or a work permit renewal.