WHAT
ARE BIOMETRICS?
The word "Biometrics" means
a measurable biological characteristic that can be
used for automated recognition.
Early non-automated forerunners
of biometrics
have been used in travel control documents for a
long time.
Biometric processing includes the electronic capture
of an applicant’s
photograph, signature,
index fingerprint and ten-print fingerprints. The photograph,
signature and index fingerprint are used to generate the lawful entry documents.
The ten-print
fingerprints
are captured for the purpose of conducting a criminal
background check and are processed for applicants between
the ages of 14 and 79.
You MUST bring the following materials to your biometrics
appointment.
- Biometrics appointment notice.
- Photo Identification.
Acceptable kinds of photo identification are:
- Passport or national photo identification issued
by your country, or
- Driver’s license, or
- Military photo identification, or
- State-issued photo identification card.
All Required Initial Evidence,
including your prior card OR other evidence of
permanent residence
or commuter status. -
Any supporting documentation,
which may include but is not limited to:
-
Court
ordered name change,
-
Marriage certificate,
-
Birth
certificate, or
-
Police report for a stolen
or lost card.
§ 1208.10 Failure to follow requirements for
biometrics and other biographical information processing.
Failure to comply with processing requirements for biometrics
and other biographical information within the time allowed will result
in dismissal of the application, unless the applicant demonstrates that
such failure was the result of good cause.
DHS
is responsible for obtaining biometrics and other
biographical information with respect to any alien
in custody.
How Will a Person's Fingerprints and Photographs
Be Collected?
On arrival at air and sea ports of entry, inspectors will scan two fingerprints
of the foreign national with an inkless device and will take a digital photograph
of the person. This information, as well as other information that the person
provides, will then be used to assist the border inspector in determining
whether or not to admit the traveler.
Upon exit from the United States at
designated air and sea ports, the foreign national traveler will go to
a work station or kiosk to scan his travel documents,
have his photograph compared,
and to provide his fingerprints on the same type of inkless device that
is used at entry.
Information Source: U.S. State
Department
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