Re-Fingerprint Request

The United States Citizenship & Immigration Service (CIS, formerly BCIS/INS) regulations state that adoptive parents must have valid fingerprints at the time of filing an I-600 for a child's immigrant visa. This regulation applies to all adopting families as well as any adults living in the home over 18 years of age. Clients are responsible for ensuring that they have valid fingerprints on file with CIS.

Q: When do fingerprints expire?
A: Fingerprints are valid for 15 months from the time they are cleared by the FBI. Your fingerprint expiration date is stated on your I-600A approval, in the second paragraph of the body.

Q: When and how should I initiate the re-fingerprint process?
A: It is suggested that you request to have your fingerprints retaken 2-3 months prior to their expiration date. You can request to have your fingerprints updated by completing this form and mailing it to your local CIS office with a copy of your I-600A approval, Notice of Favorable Determination. This is true for clients living in all states EXCEPT Massachusetts. Families in Massachusetts must mail their request to:
Wide Horizons For Children
38 Edge Hill Road
Waltham, MA 02451
Attn: CIS Coordinator

Families are allowed to make a one-time re-fingerprinting request at no cost.

Q: I/we have a referral now - what does this mean for me/us?
A:It is time to determine whether or not your fingerprints have expired. Your fingerprints need to be valid at the time of your I600 filing, so that the CIS or Consulates/Embassies overseas may re-run FBI background checks on you. If it has been 14 months since you were fingerprinted, you must get re-fingerprinted now. Travel and/or your child's arrival may be delayed if your prints are not valid.

Q: How will I know when my fingerprints have cleared?
A: Most CIS offices will send families a new Favorable Determination reflecting updated fingerprints. The approval will look almost identical to the original (only the fingerprint dates will have changed).

Q: Who can I call if I have questions?
A: For questions about updating your fingerprints or any other CIS concerns, feel free to contact your CIS Coordinator at 781.894.5330.

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