Visas
FAQs about Biometrics
WHAT?
A "biometric" is any measurable, physical characteristic that is unique to an individual. The U.S. Government has determined that photographs and scanned fingerprints are the most effective and least intrusive identifiers that can further strengthen the security of U.S. visas.
WHEN?
The United States Embassy in San Salvador has been part of the State Department pilot program and began collecting fingerprints in September 2003. Under the Enhanced Border Security and Visa Entry Reform Act of 2002, all visa issuing U.S. Embassies and Consulates will collect biometric identifiers from all visa applicants by October 26, 2004.
WHY?
The biometric program which requires the collection of two fingerprints from visa applicants was mandated by the United States Congress under the Enhanced Border Security and Visa Entry Reform Act of 2002.
Collection of fingerprints prior to the visa interview is the first step in the process that continues through the port entry until the traveler departs the United States. The biometric identifier will be checked at the port of entry in the United States to verify that the person presenting the visa is the same person who was issued the visa. These biometric visas will facilitate rapid and precise identification of travelers, protecting the identity of the visitor while enabling more secure processing of travelers at ports of entry in the United States.
WHO?
Applicants for U.S. visas who are between 14 and 79 years old are required to be fingerprinted. Children who are 13 and under and adults who are 80 and above are exempted, as well as diplomatic personnel traveling on official business. This means that certain people who were previously eligible for a personal appearance waiver will now have to come to the Embassy to have their fingerprints collected.
HOW?
The fingerprints of all the applicant’s fingers are electronically scanned in an inkless process prior to the nonimmigrant visa interview at the U.S. Embassy. The applicant simply places his fingers on the green light of the scanner for a few seconds while the fingerprint is electronically captured. Collecting the fingerprints adds no more than one minute to the application process, and in most cases will take only seconds. The electronic data from the fingerprints will be stored in a database and will be available to Department of Homeland Security immigration officers at ports of entry in the United States.
Frequently Asked Questions about Biometrics
Q. Will you provide these fingerprints to the Government of El Salvador?
Answer: Biometrics information collected during the visa application process will be maintained for official U.S. Government immigration and law enforcement purposes only, and will be treated in accordance with strict privacy laws. We do not routinely share information on individual visa applicants with any foreign government.
Q. What happens if a visa applicant refuses to be fingerprinted?
Answer: We would refuse his or her application as incomplete. However, an applicant who then later decides to provide fingerprints would have their visa application considered without prejudice.
Q. What happens if a visa applicant does not have one or all of this finger?
Answer: There is a procedure for fingerprinting. We will follow protocol and process the applicant’s prints accordingly.
Q. What can a visa applicant do if he/she has a blister, cut, wound, allergies or other condition, which would not make fingerprinting possible?
Answer: If an applicant has a temporary condition on one of their fingers that would affect our ability to capture a print, the applicant will be refused under 221(g) and directed to reapply once their finger heals. No additional fees will be collected and the application will be considered without prejudice. Alternatively, an applicant may call to reschedule the visa interview appointment when the condition is healed. To call from El Salvador dial 900-6011. If you are calling from the United States, dial 1-866-730-2089.
Q: Can a visa applicant have fingerprints taken somewhere else and provide them?
Answer: No. The fingerprints must be taken at the U.S. Embassy in San Salvador as part of the visa application process.
Q: Are there any future plans to collect additional biometric information?
Answer: We are always working to make travel documents as secure as possible to ensure the safety of the U.S. and visitors to the U.S. Visa policies are designed to maximize security of the United States while encouraging legitimate visitors, including students, to come to this country.
The State Department, the Department of Homeland Security and the National Institute of Standards and Technology will continue to work together to identify what biometrics are appropriate for use in travel documents.
Q: Why do Salvadorans have to go through all of this just for U.S. security? Aren't you assuming all travelers to the U.S. are potential criminals by fingerprinting everyone and then matching them against a criminal database?
Answer: There is no such assumption. One of the reasons to collect biometric information is to make travel more secure for the visa holder. The use of biometrics assists immigration inspectors at U.S. ports of entry in verifying the identity of a traveler. Biometrics collected at U.S. embassies and consulates abroad are checked at the ports of entry to verify that the person traveling with the visa is the same person who was issued the visa.
Biometrics will enhance existing screening processes that identify individuals who might be terrorists, criminals, or others who might represent a security risk to the U.S. Proper identification of such individuals ensures the safety of legitimate travelers and strengthens the security of the U.S.