I went here for my biometrics appointment required to renew my green card after 10 years, and I…read morehave to say it was about as painless as it possibly could be. It took far longer to renew my WA state driver's license! The staff are all very helpful, polite and understanding, and seem to at least try to make it as stress free an experience as possible. Anytime you have to deal with the DHS its going to be stressful no matter what, but once through security, the three or four employees I spoke to seemed to be aware of that, and so do what they can to make things as comfortable as possible. So kudos to the staff there, who don't have easy jobs to begin with.
I'll jot down my experience for others that have to go through this. I had my appointment for 2pm, but got there about 45 minutes early. Tons of parking is available within about 100 yards of the front door at a flat rate of $7 (CASH ONLY), which I think is the same price I paid 10 years ago so that's cool.
I was in and out in about 20 minutes, maybe even a little less. You first go in through the front door and immediately stand and wait in a short line to be put through security which is no different than airport security with the shoes off, etc. I didn't time it, but there was only 1 or 2 people ahead of me, so I got through in a minute or so. I don't believe there were any chairs if standing is difficult, but I only stood in line for a minute, maybe two at most. Security were fine, not intimidating at all and helpful with any questions I had.
Then I wasn't sure where to go, but signage directed me off to the right down a lane into a room where the biometrics is done. Once in the room I filled out a short form with my name, weight, height, country of citizenship, etc and an employee who just happened to be walking around offered help and pointed me to the window #11 where a nice gal took my documents. I even gave her the wrong document by accident since they sent me two that looked identical, but it didn't appear to be an issue, and I eventually figured that out and give her the correct one. I asked her if there was a restroom available, and she said down the hall to the right. Can't review the restroom as I didn't use it. I then walked through the door into a large room with chairs lined against the wall, but there was only one person there waiting, and so I was immediately waved to the biometrics area and was greeted by a nice woman who was in a good mood, and that immediately put me at ease. Normally I don't say a word or ask questions of DHS staff just to make sure things go smoothly but she was friendly and laughing so that made things feel much less intimidating.
My picture was taken (she said I can smile or not), and fingerprints recorded in about a minute or two, then I was ushered down to a desk 30 yards away for which there was no line, and immediately sat down and filled out a customer review card they wanted me to fill out, which is just three questions. I gave them 5/5 for all three. The fellow there was also friendly and explained to me he was going to put an extension sticker on the back of my old green card, which is good for a year, and then said I'll get a new green card in the mail which is good for 10 years again. I think many of the staff there may have been immigrants themselves at one point, so they have some understanding having gone through the process, and so seem to have empathy for those going through it the first time. The staff likely have to say the same thing to each person which has to get tedious, but there was no sign of boredom or apathy, and everyone happily answered all questions I had. Once I had the extension sticker I was free to leave. Like I mentioned it took a total of around 20 minutes and since it was at 2pm, traffic there and back from north Seattle was minimal. It was about a 30 minute drive on I5 from Northgate.
The neighborhood the building is in doesn't have a lot of shops, restaurants, etc, so don't expect a Starbucks next door or anything nearby to wait if you get there early, its a bit of a no man's land, but the appointment time just seems to be a suggestion, not written in stone, so I was received immediately even 45 minutes early, and if I had been late, I don't think there would have been an issue, which was one thing I was worried about since it says if you "miss your appointment", your green card will be assumed to be abandoned. Scary for anyone who has had to go through the time and expense of getting one, but being a few minutes late didn't seem to be a concern. Don't quote me on that, and I suggest being on time or early, but the appointment time seemed more so that they can meter people in without very busy times, then dead times etc. All in all it was a very easy experience, and kudos to the staff there for making it so.
