INS Tips to Avoid Rejected Fingerprint Cards
Prior to May 1998

Many applicants who have filed the I-485 for themselves and their family members are acutely aware of the problems and inordinate delays caused by the FBI and the INS on the Fingerprint cards (FD-258s). There are many cases where the entire adjustment application has been finalized by the INS but could not be approved solely because of the delays in obtaining satisfactory fingerprint cards. Delays of 3-6 months are becoming more common place and even delays of between 1 and 2 years are not unheard of! The fallout is that those whose numbers, especially in the EB2 and EB3 category for nationals of India who were current a few months ago now may have to wait several more months, if not years for the approval of the I-551/Permanent Resident status.

Some of the tips provided by the INS are the following:

Be sure to roll the fingers from one side of the fingernail to the other when taking the fingerprints. This is the primary reason for rejected fingerprint cards.

The person taking the fingerprints must sign in the appropriate block. A stamp should not be used in this block. The same person's signature should also appear across the seal of the flap of the envelope.

The name and address of the agency taking the fingerprints must be placed in the employer and address block on the front of the card.

Make sure the applicant has completely spelled out any middle name. Also, use the AKA (also known as) block to list other names used by the applicant that are different from the name entered in the name block. Especially for women, enter any maiden or previous married names should be entered in the AKA block.

Incorrect codes are used in the Hair or Eyes blocks, or they are left blank which causes rejections and/or delays. Complete the blocks using the codes provided in the form.

Complete the birth date in the required format: Month/Day/Year (example 01-21-66).

A fingerprint block should never be left blank. If the applicant's finger has been amputated, or the finger has been missing since birth, write that explanation in the space. If there is a partial amputation, take an impression of the remaining joint and write tip amputated. Otherwise, you must attempt to take the applicant's fingerprints. Do NOT write best print possible in a fingerprint block, or attach a note to the fingerprint card-- the FBI will make every attempt to classify the fingerprints.

The person who took the fingerprints should sign across the seal of the flap of the envelope. If an official stamp is used across the seal of the flap, the signature should nevertheless still be provided on the flap.

Write in the application form number for which fingerprints are being submitted. (For example, I-485, N-400, I-90, I-600, I-600A, I-589).

Write in the ORI code for the INS office where the application will be filed. ORI codes are different for each INS office and with Orphan Petitions (I-600 and I-600A) and Asylum Applications.