OVERVIEW

As of December 31, 2007 all visa applicants worldwide must submit ten fingerprints before the interview. The transition to ten prints enables the Departments of State and Homeland Security to more effectively process and clear visa applicant’s fingerprints. The electronic scanning procedure takes only a few seconds and does not use ink.

REQUIREMENTS FOR FINGER SCANNING

1. All applicants (except for diplomatic or official visa applicants) 14-79 years of age must provide fingerprints at the interview.
2. If index fingers are bandaged or are otherwise unprintable because of temporary conditions (e.g., cuts, blisters, wounds of any character, etc.) the visa applicant will not be granted an interview that day and must reschedule the interview and return to the Consular Section when the temporary conditions have healed.
3. Travelers entering the U.S. will have their fingerprints matched to those collected at the time of visa application to prevent the use of the visa by anyone other than the individual to whom it was issued.
4. Visa applicants who decline to have their fingerprints scanned will not be able to complete the visa application.

EXAMPLE OF 10-PRINT FINGER SCANNING

1. Place left hand on green square as shown            2. Place right hand on green square as shown

3. Place thumbs on green square as shown