Others can comment as well but by legally simply means you have crossed into the US through a legal entry point and been approved for entry for a specific period by US CBP. By all means get an ESTA which is generally required for air travel as means you will be in the system but as a visa exempt you could also get an i 94 at the land border which believe costs 6 dollars although may have changed as per FAQ below.Hi, I am in the same situation right now and would prefer to use the Seattle office to complete Biometrics. On my instruction letter is states:
If you are already legally in the United States, you may go to a United States Citizenship and immigration Services (USCIS), Application Support Center (ASC) or a Visa Application Center (VAC) located in the United States or its territories.
I’m wondering what it means when it says already legally in the United States? Did you travel to Seattle on implied status? Is it just as simple as getting an ESTA to travel to Seattle to be “legally in United States”?
See here for FAQ
https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/esta/application.html?execution=e1s1
Seems now can also apply for an i94 in advance although as per FAQ above an ESTA now also good, rules keep changing all the time.
https://i94.cbp.dhs.gov/I94/#/home
Note there is no such thing as implied status for the IEC program.
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