FBI Fingerprint Check
After submitting an immigration petition, the applicant will receive a fingerprint notice. The applicant is required to go to a nearby USCIS facility and have fingerprints, signature and photo taken. The information is then transmitted to the FBI to check for any criminal records. This is another quick process, and result is usually sent back to the USCIS within 24 - 48 hours.
However, if one’s fingerprint matches a record, the FBI will forward an electronic copy of the criminal history (RAP sheet) to USCIS. An immigration officer will then review the information to see what effects it may have on the particular case. In case of previous arrests or charges, it is important to consult an attorney to ensure the accuracy of information in I-485 Adjust of Status applications.
The USCIS finger print notices will contain a code number, which represents what information is to be collected:
Code 1: 10 fingerprints
Code 2: Thumb finger print, photo and signature
Code 3: 10 fingerprints, photo and signature (code 1 + code 2)
Do not miss the fingerprint appointment. If you can’t make it, call the phone number in the notice to reschedule. If you didn’t receive the notice and got a Notice of Intent to Deny (NOID), respond before the deadline to explain your situation. Sometimes you may want to do the fingerprints early, and most service centers will allow walk-in if they are not busy. But make sure you bring the notice, which will be stamped and given back to you as a receipt.
The USCIS may request a second or third fingerprint appointment during the I485 process. The reason is that fingerprint results do expire, and USCIS still lose or misplace files. It is not uncommon for an applicant to do a code 3 fingerprint check, then just a few months later asked to do another one. Sometimes the last fingerprint check is mainly for supplying a digital photo in order to produce the green card; unfortunately this is not always the case.
Fingerprint checks are performed by the FBI's Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) in West Virginia. Our "How to contact USCIS and FBI" page lists their main phone number, but it is only useful to check whether FP was completed (not the actual results). Also note that fingerprint check is totally different from the FBI name check discussed below.