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    Fingerprint Instructions for All Immigration Benefits Applicants

    For all Immigration benefits applications requiring an FD-258 fingerprint check filed with USCIS after March 29, 1998:

    1. Do not submit a completed fingerprint card (FD-258) with your application. Your application will be accepted without the fingerprint card attached. If you submit a completed fingerprint card with your application on or after March 29, 1998, the card will be rejected and you will be scheduled to be fingerprinted by USCIS.
    2. Do submit fee, in addition to the application fee, payable to USCIS, with your application. The fee is noted at the top of our Forms and Fees page. This charge will cover the cost for you to be fingerprinted by USCIS.
    3. After USCIS receives your application, USCIS will provide you with an appointment letter with the location of the nearest USCIS authorized fingerprint site. Please read the instructions in the appointment letter, and take it to USCIS authorized fingerprint site when you go to your fingerprint appointment.

    Exceptions:

    • Applicants and petitioners residing abroad who are fingerprinted at a United States consular or military installation abroad do not need to be fingerprinted by USCIS and are exempt from the fingerprint fee. These applicants and petitioners must file their completed card at the time their application or petition is filed.
    • Individuals filing Form I-589, "Application for Asylum and for Withholding of Removal," I-817 "Application for Voluntary Departure," I-821 "Application for Temporary Protected Status," I-600 "Immigrant Petition for Orphan (Adoption)," or I-600A "Advance Processing; Immigrant Petition for Orphan (Adoption)" are entitled to special exceptions to the above requirements. Please see the special instructions accompanying these forms for details.