What does “Fingerprints Were Taken” mean?

Biometrics for your OPT application have been collected. After biometrics, most I-765 OPT cases receive a decision within 3–5 months total from receipt. If you haven't received your EAD within 90 days of your receipt date, you may be eligible to file a service request.

Biometrics for your STEM OPT extension are complete. This is a routine checkpoint; USCIS will run FBI background checks and continue reviewing your employer's E-Verify participation and your Training Plan (Form I-983).

H-1B petitions don't typically require biometrics for the petitioner, so this status is uncommon for I-129 filers. If you see it, it may relate to a related concurrent I-485 or a change-of-status component of the petition — check the receipt number to confirm which form is referenced.

Biometrics for your green card application are done. This is one of the first major milestones after receipt. USCIS uses these fingerprints for FBI background checks; most I-485 cases then move to interview scheduling over the next 6–18 months depending on your field office's backlog.

Biometrics for your family-based I-485 are complete. USCIS will use these fingerprints for FBI background checks. For family-based cases, the interview is typically conducted at your local field office; scheduling times after biometrics average 6–18 months and vary significantly by location.

I-130 family petitions do not typically require the petitioner's biometrics. If biometrics are being collected in connection with your family-based case, they most likely relate to a concurrently filed I-485 (if the beneficiary is already in the U.S.) — check which receipt number this status is associated with.

Biometrics for your naturalization application are complete. N-400 biometrics typically happen within 4–8 weeks of receipt, and your interview is usually scheduled within 3–12 months after biometrics depending on your field office. Use this waiting time to study all 100 civics questions.