Fingerprints Required for Nearly all Nonimmigrant Visa Applicants

Department of State regulations relating to the application for a nonimmigrant visas will now generally require all applicants to provide a set of ten scanned fingerprints as part of the application process. Ten fingerprints will be scanned. The rule has already been implemented. The prints are for purposes of verifying and confirming identity, conducting background checks, and to ensure that an applicant has not received a visa or entered into the United States under a different name. The Department of State may use the fingerprints in order to ascertain from the appropriate authorities whether they have information pertinent to the applicant's eligibility to receive a visa and for other purposes consistent with applicable law, regulations, and Department policy. Those excepted from the policy include most applicants under the age of 14 years or over the age of 79.