Nonimmigrant Visas

Fingerprint Collection

The United States Embassy and the U.S. Consulate Generals in Chennai, Mumbai, and Calcutta have ended the “drop box” facility for submitting U.S. visa applications.

The reason for ending the drop-box facility is that beginning in July 2004, U.S. consular sections in India started collecting fingerprint impressions from all visa applicants, except those traveling on official government business or who are under age 14 or over age 79.

Visas issued after fingerprinting are referred to as “BioVisas.” At the time of the visa interview, applicants will be asked to electronically scan the index (second) finger of each hand. Applicants who are required to be fingerprinted who have a cut or blister or other temporary skin injury on their index fingers may not be issued a visa until their finger heals before they can be fingerprinted. The scanned fingerprint data collected at time of visa application will be compared with fingerprint scans at the U.S. port of entry to prevent the use of U.S. visas by imposters and by those wanted for more serious offenses.

Persons already in possession of valid U.S. visas acquired before the implementation of fingerprint collection may continue to travel to the U.S. on their current visas and are not required to reapply for new visas until their current ones expire.

This is a worldwide program. This program is not targeted at any country or region.  All United States visa issuing posts started collecting fingerprint data on October 26, 2004, complementing the U.S.-VISIT program in which nearly all visitors to the United States, including those from countries eligible for the visa waiver program, have their fingerprints and photographs taken at the airport on arrival in the U.S.

All visa applicants must make an appointment for a visa interview and fingerprint collection. Applicants can schedule appointments online on the VFS website or by visiting the VFS offices in Mumbai, Ahmedabad, or Pune.

To avoid delays, visa applicants can take these steps:

• Plan ahead. Don't wait until the last minute to apply for an appointment. Make your appointment right away.
• Have your travel plans organized.  On the application form and at the interview, applicants must provide details on when and where they will be traveling and where they will be staying.  Complete all application forms fully.