Live Scan Fingerprinting is a Crucial Process in Immigration

Live scan fingerprinting is a crucial process in immigration-related cases, as it is often used for background checks to ensure security and verify the identity of individuals. However, there are several common problems people face during the live scan process in immigration-related areas. Here’s a list of those challenges and tips on how to avoid them:

1. Poor Fingerprint Quality

Problem: Fingerprints that are unclear or smudged can lead to delays or rejection of the live scan results. If the applicant has clammy hands, it is important that the technician knows how to take the prints to avoid rejection. How to Avoid:

• Ensure Clean Hands: Wash and dry hands thoroughly before your appointment. Oils, dirt, or moisture can affect the fingerprint quality.
• Do not use crazy glue before you have your fingerprints taken.
• Follow Technician Instructions: Be sure to follow the technician’s instructions for finger positioning.
• Choose a Reliable Live Scan Provider: Make sure you go to a certified facility with experienced technicians who know how to handle issues with fingerprint quality. At LA Fingerprints, we take our time and make every effort to do our very best to take the best prints possible.

2. Incorrect or Incomplete Information

Problem: Submitting incorrect personal details, such as the wrong name, birthdate, social security number if available, or case number, can lead to processing delays. How to Avoid:

• At L A Fingerprints, we Double-Check Your Information: Before we submit your live scan, we review all personal information to make sure that the information you provided is accurate and matches your immigration paperwork (such as your identification and live scan application).
• Prepare Required Documents: Bring all required documents (e.g., passport, identification card, I-485, I-20, etc.) to avoid mistakes when filling out forms. Remember, we cannot fingerprint you, if we cannot identify you.

3. Technical Issues

Problem: Live scan devices can sometimes malfunction, resulting in invalid or incomplete scans. How to Avoid:

• Our Equipment is properly Calibration.
• LA Fingerprints is a Certified and Approved Facility with well-maintained equipment.
• Stay Calm if There’s a Problem: At L A Fingerprints, we will let you know, if your fingerprints ridges are low and could be rejected. If your fingerprints are rejected for poor quality, you will be able to return to our facility and we will repeat the live scan.

4. Mismatch in Submission to the Right Agency

Problem: Sometimes the live scan results are submitted to the wrong agency or under the wrong case number, causing unnecessary delays. How to Avoid:

• Specify the Correct Agency: When scheduling or filling out your forms, be sure to specify which agency (e.g., USCIS, FBI) the results need to be sent to. If your attorney is sending you to be fingerprinted, it is important to ask what type of fingerprinting the attorney is requiring. Sometimes, they only want the Personal Record Review, it could also be the Immigration Visa live scan, or it could be that the attorney also wants an FBI background check. If this is the case, ask the attorney if they want ink fingerprinting, or live scan for the FBI background check. If they want ink fingerprinting, how many ink cards does the attorney want and is the attorney going to process the ink cards or does the attorney want LA Fingerprint to process the ink cards.
• Confirm Submission Details with your requesting agency or attorney: The technician will ask you how the results will be submitted and confirm will ask you to confirm the details with your attorney or requesting agency to send them to the correct place based on your immigration needs.

5. Not Meeting Legal or Technical Requirements

Problem: Different immigration applications may have specific fingerprinting requirements (e.g., certain types of ink, size of fingerprints, etc.). Failing to meet these requirements can delay or invalidate your submission. How to Avoid:

• Know the Requirements: Review any immigration-related instructions or guidelines from USCIS, the U.S. Department of State, or the agency handling your case to ensure you understand the fingerprinting requirements.
• Ask the Technician for Guidance: Technicians at live scan locations are familiar with immigration requirements. Don’t hesitate to ask them if you’re unsure about the specifics of your scan.

6. Delayed Processing Times

Problem: Even if your live scan is successful, the background check can take longer than expected, potentially delaying your immigration process. How to Avoid:

• Plan Ahead: Submit your live scan early in the process, so there is ample time for background checks to be completed.
• Follow Up Regularly: it normally takes 3-5 working days for the results to be received. After your scan, check in with the agency handling your immigration case (e.g., USCIS) to ensure that your results have been received and processed. EDO live scans are for undocumented applicants. If you are doing an EDO live scan, this can take 8-10 days to get the results.

7. Missed or Forgotten Appointments

Problem: Missing your live scan appointment can lead to delays in your immigration process. How to Avoid:

• Confirm Your Appointment: Always confirm your live scan appointment ahead of time and ensure that you have the correct paperwork, date, time, and location.
• Arrive Early: Arriving at least 15 minutes before your scheduled appointment helps ensure you’re ready when it’s time for your scan.
• Reschedule Promptly: If you cannot attend your appointment, reschedule as soon as possible to avoid delays in your immigration timeline.

8. Background Check Issues

Problem: The results of the fingerprint scan may bring up issues, such as an outdated or incorrect criminal record, potentially delaying your immigration process. How to Avoid:

• Request Your Own Background Check: Consider obtaining your own background check prior to applying for immigration-related benefits. This gives you time to address any discrepancies before the live scan.
• Prepare to Address Issues: If your live scan reveals an issue, such as a criminal record or discrepancy, be ready to provide evidence or explanation that can clear up the issue.

By being proactive and aware of these potential issues, you can make the live scan process for immigration-related matters much smoother. At L A Fingerprints we are here to assist you.