Consular Section
Ten Fingerprints from Visa Applicants
Santo Domingo – On Tuesday, October 9, 2007 the U.S.
Embassy in Santo Domingo will begin collecting ten fingerprints from all
immigrant (IV) and non-immigrant (NIV) visa applicants.
The United States is committed to the concept of “secure
borders, open doors” by facilitating the legitimate travel to the U.S. of
international visitors while maintaining the integrity and security of our
borders and our nation. The U.S. Congress mandated the use of biometrics in
U.S. visa applications in the Enhanced Border Security and Visa Entry Reform Act
of 2002. In the process of screening visa applicants in the U.S. and abroad,
biometrics is a useful tool in identifying individuals who may be terrorists,
criminals, or other aliens who might represent a security risk to the U.S.
There is no change in the requirements for whom must
provide fingerprints at the interview. As before, applicants ages 14 and older
must provide fingerprints.
In general, there no extra charge for this service.
Applicants will be advised by the interviewing official if a fee does apply in
their case.
1) Question: Is the Consulate going to put ink on my
fingers?
Answer: No. The fingerprinting is done
electronically.
2) Question: I have a growth on my finger. Is this
a problem?
Answer: If you have a permanent, abnormal condition that
will hinder us from taking a high-quality print, such as a growth on the finger,
you need to bring a statement from a doctor attesting to the permanency of the
condition. For IV applicants, the condition must be addressed in the medical
exam performed by the Consulate’s panel physician (Consultorio de Visas, Clinica
Abreu, Santo Domingo).
3) Question: This morning when I was preparing
breakfast I accidentally cut one of my fingers with a knife. My visa
appointment is tomorrow. What do I do?
Answer: You may still appear for your visa
interview. If you have a cut or a boil or any other temporary condition on a
finger, your case will be pended by the interviewing Officer and you will be
told to return when the condition is healed and the finger can be printed.
4) Question: I have long acrylic nails. Is that ok?
Answer: If our equipment is not able to capture a
high-quality print you will be asked to pass to the restroom and remove your
acrylic nails. Or, your case will be pended and you may come back another day
so acceptable prints can be taken. |
