How to Get Fingerprinted for a Visa Application
Whether it's to study, conduct business or to be with a family member, any person not born in the country or anyone who does not have at-least one American citizen parent must apply for a visa to enter the United States. The process of completing an American visa application is complex and certain requirements--such as a petition to enter the United States, an FBI background check, an interview to determine the applicant's reason for entering, fingerprinting and the issuance of a visa number and alien number--must be completed before a visa can be issued.
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Instructions
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Call the Immigration office that is processing your visa application to request a date to get your fingerprint process completed. Most times, the immigration office will mail out a letter requesting that you visit the local consulate or office that will issue the visa.
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Gather all paperwork relating to your application. This can include birth certificates, police affidavits stating whether you have a criminal record, a copy of the immigrant application that was filed and any waivers that were filed in the case. During the fingerprinting process, you may also be interviewed and issued the visa, therefore it is best to be prepared.
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Enter the office and notify the receptionist or other security official. Explain that you have arrived to get your fingerprints taken. The officer may request to see a copy of any letter that states you have an appointment.
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Wait for your name to be called. The official may ask that your hands be clean before starting.
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Sign any papers documenting that you have completed the fingerprinting. You may need to ask when you will receive an appointment to interview if you have not already received this by mail.
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Tips & Warnings
Fingerprinting is usually completed during the final stages before being issued a visa.
Avoid interrupting the officer or moving while being fingerprinted. This is a serious process and may cause smudged prints if you are moving around unnecessarily.
