Non-Immigrant Visas

Fingerprint Scan

Fingerprint scanning  full size image

During the consular officer’s interview with applicants between the ages of 14 and 79, all fingers of the visa applicant are electronically scanned in an inkless process. The electronic data from the fingerprint scans is stored in a database, where it is associated with an issued visa for verification, and the privacy of the data is protected by storage in the database. The data is also made available at U.S. ports of entry to Department of Homeland Security immigration inspectors. At the port of entry, the immigration officer will use an inkless fingerprint scanner to automatically read the fingerprints of all arriving visitors holding visas. This information is then compared to the data stored in the database. The officer will also take a digital photograph of the visitor.

The addition of biometric identifiers, such as digital "fingerscans", makes our security systems more effective than the earlier process. Previously, only biographic data such as a visitor’s name was compared against watch lists of suspected terrorists, criminals and other violators. The use of biometric identifiers in addition to biographic data makes it more difficult for suspects to hide their true identities in an attempt to escape detection and enter the United States illegally. Biometric identifiers protect our visitors by making it virtually impossible for anyone else to claim someone's identity should their travel documents be stolen or duplicated. Biometric identifiers also reduce fraud and abuse of the immigration system.

To learn more about border security, please see the US-VISIT page of the Department of Homeland Security.

Last updated: 03/13/2008