USCIS requires applicants and petitioners for certain immigration benefits to be fingerprinted for the purpose of conducting FBI criminal background checks. To better ensure both the quality and integrity of the process, USCIS processes fingerprint cards for immigration benefits only if an authorized fingerprint site prepares them. Authorized fingerprint sites include USCIS offices, Application Support Centers (ASCs), and U.S. consular offices and military installations abroad. In general, USCIS schedules people to be fingerprinted at an authorized fingerprint site after an application or petition is filed. USCIS charges a set fee per person (for most applicants) at the time of filing for this fingerprinting service. Please check the instructions on your Immigration application or petition form to find out if you must be fingerprinted.
The following three points apply for all immigration benefits applications (see exceptionsbelow) requiring an FD-258 fingerprint check filed with USCIS after March 29, 1998:
Applicants and petitioners residing abroad who are fingerprinted at a United States consular or military installation abroad do not need to be fingerprinted by USCIS and are exempt from the fingerprint fee. These applicants and petitioners must file their completed card at the time their application or petition is filed.
The following forms are subject to exceptions to the above requirements.
To find the Application Support Centers (ASCs) closest to you, see the "USCIS Service and Office Locator" page. You can also call our toll free number at 1-800-375-5283.
Related links
Safety & Security of U.S. Borders: Biometrics
Fingerprints & Other Biometrics
Identification Record Request/Criminal Background Check
Upgrade to 10-Fingerprint Collection
Biometrics -DHS
I contacted Mr. Khanna in January this year regarding the filing of my Green-Card. I found him very polite, sincere and prompt person. Ms. Diane Lombardo is handling my case. She is very prompt; beyond my imagination. She hardly takes time for her response. Although, it took me some time to collect my all papers, my application was received in May by INS and within eight months I got my I140 approval. I found the other members of Mr. Khanna’s group are also very sincere and polite. I strongly suggest to those looking for an immigration lawyer to contact Mr. Khanna before deciding for the service of an attorney.I contacted Mr. Khanna in January this year regarding the filing of my Green-Card. I found him very polite, sincere and prompt person. Ms. Diane Lombardo is handling my case. She is very prompt; beyond my imagination. She hardly takes time for her response. Although, it took me some time to collect my all papers, my application was received in May by INS and within eight months I got my I140 approval. I found the other members of Mr. Khanna’s group are also very sincere and polite. I strongly suggest to those looking for an immigration lawyer to contact Mr. Khanna before deciding for the service of an attorney.