Visitor Visa Fingerprinting & Biometrics

You should plan ahead for this appointment. You cannot have the appointments with the VAC and the consulate on the same day. A minimum one-day gap is required between the two appointments. You are asked to arrive 15 minutes early to the appointment; no earlier than that.

In addition to the fingerprints, the officer will take a digital photo of your face for their records. Children under 7 are required to bring a hard copy, not a digital copy of their photograph. In addition to the photograph in the DS-160 form, this photograph is taken as a proof that you were present in person for the VAC appointment. At your interview at the consulate, the consular officer will refer to this photograph during your interview.

Waivers and Exemptions

Children under 14 and adults over the age of 79 are not required to provide fingerprinting. The consulate has specific rules and regulations to waive fingerprinting requirement for applicants with specific cases like permanent abnormality on the fingers, burnt fingers, scarred fingers, permanent handicap like one hand, etc. To gather information about such specific cases please refer to the following page:
http://travel.state.gov/visa/laws/telegrams/telegrams_2777.html
If you qualify for the interview waiver program, and are renewing your visa under the same category you can forego this appointment.
Additionally, A-1, A-2, G-1, G-2, G-3, G-4, C-3, and NATO applicants are exempted from the fingerprint scan requirement. However, if the purpose of the diplomats' visit is tourism or pleasure, then he or she is not exempted from the biometrics/ fingerprinting appointment.

Information required for Scheduling an Appointment:

To take the appointment you will need:

1. 1. Your passport number
2. 2. The Visitor Visa applicaton fee receipt
3. 3. The ten-digit barcode number from your DS-160 confirmation page

1. 1. Your passport that has an expiration date of at least 6 months beyond the intended period of stay.
2. 2. Your DS-160 confirmation page
3. 3. Your appointment confirmation page
4. 4. Visa application Fee receipt
5. 5. If the applicant is below 14 years of age, one photograph as per the US Visitor visa specification is required.

1. 1. H, L, and other petition-based visa applicants may bring copies of the I-797, I-129 and other petition-related documents.
2. 2. F, M students must bring the SEVIS receipt and I-20.
3. 3. J exchange visitors must bring the SEVIS receipt and DS-2019.
4. 4. C1D applicants should have a copy of original CDC and offer letter.
5. 5. Science and technology applicants may require additional processing so they can bring additional supporting documents to reduce the processing time.

Most applicants will have to visit an VAC only once for Fingerprinting. You have to follow the usual security measures at the VAC.
Note: The DS-160 US Visa Application form will be stamped at the VAC. You must carry this document for your Visitor Visa Interview Appointment.

According to Embassy guidelines all persons that enter the VAC site are subject to a security inspection:

1. 1. The use of cell phones and cameras are prohibited.
2. 2. All bags such as travel bags, flash drives, memory sticks, Blue Tooth devices, backpacks, briefcases, suitcases, leather, cloth bags, and zip folders will be restricted by Security.
3. 3. No food or drinks allowed.

OFC Hours:
Monday through Friday - 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Saturday closed
Sunday - 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.