PHOTOGRAPHS & FINGERPRINTS

BIOMETRICS PROCESS FOR APPLICANTS

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has implements of a new nationwide biometrics process for conditional permanent residents.

Applicants must have their Biometrics electronically captured. An ASC appointment notice will automatically be sent by mail to the applicant with the specific date, time and location for biometric processing.

Biometric processing includes the electronic capture of an applicant’s photograph, signature, index fingerprint and ten-print fingerprints. The photograph, signature and index fingerprint are used to generate the lawful permanent resident card..

The ten-print fingerprints are captured for the purpose of
conducting a criminal background check and are processed for applicants between the ages of 14 and 79.

USCIS requires photographs and fingerprints for certain applications. The information below tells you which applications require photographs and fingerprints and how they are provided to USCIS.

If you are E-Filing Form I-90, you do NOT need to submit paper photographs and you do NOT need to self-schedule an appointment at an Application Support Center for the electronic capture of your biometrics.

You will receive a notice in the mail from the USCIS that will provide you with your USCIS-scheduled appointment for capturing biometrics and photographs at an Application Support Center.

You MUST bring the following materials to your biometrics appointment, or processing of your Form I-90 will NOT be completed at your scheduled time:

Scheduling an Appointment for Fingerprinting and Photographs

If fingerprints and photographs are required, your Confirmation Receipt notice will notify you that you will be scheduled for an appointment.

What To Bring To Your Appointment at the Application Support Center

You must bring a copy of your E-Filed application, along with a copy of your Confirmation Receipt notice. If you E-File Form I-90, you must also bring your biometrics appointment notice, photo identification, all required initial evidence, and any supporting documentation.

USCIS cannot process your application until you have appeared for your appointment at an Application Support Center.

E-Filing Form I-131, Application for a Travel Document

If you are E-Filing Form I-131, you will need to submit two identical color paper photographs with your Supporting Documents. See Paper Photograph Requirements for more information.

You do not need to submit fingerprints for this form.

Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization

If you are E-Filing Form I-765, you do NOT need to submit paper photographs and you do NOT need to self-schedule an appointment at an Application Support Center for the electronic capture of your biometrics. You will receive a notice in the mail from the USCIS that will provide you with your USCIS-scheduled appointment for capturing biometrics and photographs at an Application Support Center.

You MUST bring the following materials to your biometrics appointment, or processing of your Form I-765 will NOT be completed at your scheduled time:

E-Filing Form I-821, Application for Temporary Protected Status

If you are E-Filing Form I-821 for the TPS country El Salvador, you do NOT need to submit paper photographs and you do NOT need to self-schedule an appointment with the USCIS' Application Support Centers for the electronic capture of your biometrics. However, you will receive a notice in the mail from the USCIS that will provide you with your USCIS-scheduled appointment for capturing biometrics and photographs with the USCIS' Application Support Center.

If you are requesting an Employment Authorization Document (EAD), you will be required to appear at an Application Support Center (ASC), regardless of your age. If you are not requesting an EAD, you will be required to appear at an ASC if you are age 14 and older.

Information Source: U.S. State Department