USCIS 'Notice Sent' Alert: What the October 2026 FBI Privacy Letter Means After Biometrics

Applicants who have recently completed biometrics appointments are reporting an unexpected case status update in their USCIS online history: 'Case Required USCIS To Send A Notice.' The mailing that follows has been identified as an FBI Privacy Requirements notice related to USCIS's biometrics collection process, according to cases reviewed by the Murthy Law Firm. The notice itself explains how USCIS collects and uses fingerprints and photographs for FBI criminal history checks, and describes the agency's transition since 2017 toward a system called Continuous Immigration Vetting. Critically, the letter explicitly states that recipients 'do not need to take any further action at this time' and that a separate notice will follow if additional information is required. For EB-3 and other employment-based applicants, the 'notice sent' update does not signal a problem, request for evidence, new biometrics appointment, approval, or denial. It also does not confirm that background checks have been completed or provide any indication of when USCIS will adjudicate the underlying petition. Applicants who receive this notice should open and retain it, compare its form and receipt number against their pending case, and forward a copy to immigration counsel if represented. No response is required solely because of the FBI privacy letter. Applicants should continue monitoring their case for separate requests, appointments, or decisions. If the mailed notice does not arrive within 14 days of the status update, USCIS advises contacting the agency to verify the address on file. Applicants should treat any notice other than this specific FBI privacy letter according to its own instructions and deadlines.