BIometrics Appointments needed for IR-1 MEP Cases

[Chaly 0]

We have our interview appointment on July 14th, does anyone knows if IR-1 visa needs to schedule a biometric appointments before going to our interview appointment in CD Juarez?, the appointment letter does not states so, I have done a lot of research with different answers, so I'm wondering if anyone with a MEP case number and a IR-1 visa has gone to this process lately.

Thanks.

Edited June 20, 2011 by Chaly

[Deputy Purple 1,294]

Bio-metrics (fingerprints) should be gathered at the Embassy on the interview day.

[Chaly 0]

That's what I thought, how ever if you see the below link at My linkunder they have a letter saying the following:

REQUIRED ACTION PRIOR TO YOUR INTERVIEW:

Starting April 1st. 2011, immigrant visa applicants are required to complete the following steps prior to attending your consular interview appointment:

1. Complete the DS-260 form online. If you provided a DS-260 to NVC already, go to step 3.

2. To complete the DS-260 you will need to retrieve the Invoice ID Number and each traveling applicant’s Beneficiary ID Number from the Notice to Applicant page of your appointment letter. Should your appointment letter not be available your Invoice ID and Beneficiary ID Numbers are also available on the Immigrant Visa Application Processing Fee Bill Invoice you or your petitioner received prior to paying your IV fees through the National Visa Center. If your petitioner no longer has the Fee Bill Invoice, they may contact the NVC to obtain the invoice ID number.

3. Print the DS-260 form confirmation page

4. Next, go to http://mexico.usvisa-info.com and follow the instructions to log in and to schedule an appointment at any

5. At the same website, of the Applicant Service Centers (ASCs) in Mexico. Each applicant is required to appear in person at the ASC prior to the consular appointment date. At the ASC your fingerprints and photographs will be collected.

http://mexico.usvisa-info.com, select a DHL courier office location where you would like to receive your visa.

6. If you have other questions regarding the immigrant visa process, please review the information on http://mexico.usvisa-info.com.

If your visa is issued, you must travel to the United States and apply for admission as a permanent resident within the visa’s validity period. Do not make any travel arrangements to move to the United States, dispose of property or give up your job until a visa has been issued to you. A consular officer can make a decision regarding your visa application only after your formal application and all documents have been reviewed and you have been personally interviewed by a consular officer.

APPOINTMENT RESCHEDULE INFORMATION

For any questions regarding rescheduling missed appointments at the ASC or the Consulate, please go to http://mexico.usvisa-info.com

SECURITY NOTICE TO ALL VISITORS

The U.S. Consulate General is located in Paseo de la Victoria # 3650, Col. Partido Senecu. Please note that all visitors to the U.S. Consulate General in Ciudad Juárez are screened by U.S. Consulate security prior to entry. Screening includes inspections via a walk-through metal detector, a hand-held metal detector and an x-ray machine for personal items. Any visitor who declines to be screened by U.S. Consulate security personnel will be prohibited from entering the Consulate.

[Deputy Purple 1,294]

Based on that info, the answer is yes. IR-1 is an immigrant visa.

I wonder if this is part of the pilot program for waivers in Mexico or if they're thinking of making this change world-wide?