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The BCIS requires applicants and petitioners age 14 to 79 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, the BCIS processes fingerprint cards for immigration benefits only if an authorized fingerprint site prepares them. Authorized fingerprint sites include BCIS offices, Application Support
Centers (ASCs), designated law enforcement agencies, and U.S. consular offices and military installations abroad. In general, BCIS schedules people to be fingerprinted at an authorized fingerprint site after an
application or petition is filed. The BCIS charges $50 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.
To make fingerprinting more convenient for our customers, BCIS has opened a combination of fixed and mobile fingerprint sites. In total, BCIS has opened
76 freestanding fingerprint sites (ASCs) and 54 sites located in existing BCIS offices; established mobile routes serving 46 points of service; and designated 45 law enforcement agencies to take fingerprints for
immigration benefits. BCIS is now working toward a system where fingerprints will be taken and submitted electronically to the FBI. By using electronic fingerprint technology, BCIS expects to significantly reduce
processing times for criminal background checks.
For more information about those immigration benefits that require fingerprinting and fingerprint procedures, please click on the appropriate topic below.
Thank you for visiting the Fingerprint Home Page.
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