Fingerprints at the consulate

[~Nini~ 2]

This is more of a discussion than a real question and maybe I'm missing the obvious point. I find it rather odd that I had my electronic fingerprints taken for my K1 interview in Vancouver, and now have to anticipate getting my biometrics done for AOS. Obviously not every single K1 or K3 gets their fingerprints taken at every consulate, so what's the point? I'm just curious as to why the consulate would do that if it's not going into official USCIS systems... and if it is, then should I anticipate doing biometrics for a re-scan and quasi-grumpy photo opportunity?

Sometimes I know I think myself into circles sometimes.

[Marilyn. 340]

then you get your fingerprints taken again when you get the conditions removed off your green card

[misa 2]

Well, there's a couple reasons for the biometrics appointment:

1. They will take your picture -- this is the picture that will go on your EAD and GC.

2. The prints done at the biometrics appointment are more detailed and are sent to the FBI for security checks. They will do each individual finger and thumb as well as groups of fingers.

When I was in Vancouver, they only took my index finger which isn't sufficient enough for a security check. Also, the consulates are part of the Department of State. USCIS is part of DHS so they are different agencies.

I'm assuming that when the consulate takes a print, they keep it on file for themselves and the Department of State archives.

Edited November 2, 2007 by misa

[~Nini~ 2]

You always come through with an answer, misa!

At the consulate they took a full set of fingerprints, but I didn't realise they were that thorough at biometrics.

Edited November 2, 2007 by Nini & Bee

[misa 2]

Don't forget to brush your hair and make yourself all pretty before the biometrics appointment. I almost didn't even bother until I found out that the photo was going on my EAD and GC!

Having said that, the pic will turn out like ####### anyway. They use crappy webcams and the lighting is horrible. I look both anemic and jaundiced at the same time in mine!

Edited November 2, 2007 by misa

[vnoe 0]

gee, I hadn't really thought of why I was getting my pic taken....DUH on me. It was done in Fargo, ND so I'm sure there were wind gusts of about 50 mph prior to me entering the building and I couldn't have been bothered to check it prior to my pic....so well I guess it would be a typical photo of someone from ND. Geesh!!!

Thanks for that Misa...

[Dakine 26]

I imagine they like to check fingerprints also at the different levels to be sure someone didn't"change horses in the middle of the stream"!

There are all kinds of scams out there!

[wally 0]

gee, I hadn't really thought of why I was getting my pic taken....DUH on me. It was done in Fargo, ND so I'm sure there were wind gusts of about 50 mph prior to me entering the building and I couldn't have been bothered to check it prior to my pic....so well I guess it would be a typical photo of someone from ND. Geesh!!!

Thanks for that Misa...

hey, you have your biometrics in Fargo? I'm in Jamestown and thought we had to go to Minnesota.