If you’re applying for a visa, green card, or other immigration benefit, you’ve probably been told you need FBI fingerprinting. But that’s when the confusion starts:
Do you need Live Scan or ink fingerprinting? Which one is accepted for immigration?
Both fingerprinting methods are widely used, but not every agency, embassy, or application accepts both. Choosing the wrong one could delay your immigration process.
In this blog, we’ll break down the differences between Live Scan and ink fingerprinting, explain which one is accepted for U.S. immigration, and help you decide which is right for your situation. As always, PDX Fingerprinting is here to help with both options in one convenient location.
What Is Live Scan Fingerprinting?
Live Scan is a digital fingerprinting method. Instead of using ink and paper, your fingerprints are scanned electronically using a fingerprint reader. The digital prints are then sent directly to the FBI or another agency via an encrypted system.
Pros of Live Scan:
- Fast processing (results in 24–72 hours)
- Clean, accurate images
- No messy ink
- Ideal for electronic FBI background checks
Live Scan is often used for background checks in employment, licensing, and certain immigration applications.
What Is Ink Fingerprinting?
Ink fingerprinting is the traditional method of capturing fingerprints. Your fingers are rolled in ink and pressed onto a paper card, usually the FD-258 fingerprint card. This method is still widely used by embassies, USCIS cases abroad, and agencies requiring hard-copy documentation.
Pros of Ink Fingerprinting:
- Accepted by most U.S. embassies and foreign agencies
- Required for many international applications
- Trusted in long-established legal systems
At PDX Fingerprinting, we provide ink fingerprinting with clean, clear prints on FBI-compliant cards.
Which One Does Immigration Accept?
Here’s where it gets specific: USCIS and U.S. immigration may require either Live Scan or ink fingerprinting depending on the stage of your application and where you’re applying from.
If You’re Inside the U.S.
If you’ve filed an immigration petition (such as an I-485, I-765, or N-400), USCIS will send you a Biometrics Appointment Notice (Form I-797C) to attend fingerprinting at a USCIS Application Support Center (ASC).
In this case:
- You don’t choose the method USCIS uses Live Scan
- You must go to the assigned ASC location
- You do not pay separately it’s part of your USCIS fee
But if you need an FBI background check before filing or to submit supporting documents, you’ll need to arrange fingerprinting yourself.
That’s where PDX Fingerprinting can help.
If You’re Outside the U.S. (Consular Processing)
Applicants filing through consular processing will often need to submit FBI background checks or fingerprint cards to the National Visa Center or a U.S. Embassy. In this case:
- Ink fingerprints on FD-258 cards are typically required
- You’ll need to send hard copies to the FBI or through a channeler
- Many consulates require apostilled FBI reports (we offer this too)
Ink fingerprinting is usually the standard for immigration abroad.
When You Might Need to Choose
Some immigration-related services ask for an FBI background report before you even file an application especially if you’re:
- Working with an immigration attorney
- Applying for a visa abroad
- Undergoing a security clearance
- Completing an adoption or travel visa
In these cases, you can often choose between Live Scan and ink, depending on how the report is being submitted.
Here’s a quick comparison chart:
| Requirement | Live Scan | Ink Card |
| USCIS Biometrics (I-485, N-400) | (at ASC only) | ❌ |
| FBI background check (digital report) | ✔️ | (after scanning) |
| Apostille for FBI background check | ❌ | ✔️ |
| U.S. Embassy or consulate application | ❌ | ✔️ |
| Employment-based visas | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| Immigration from abroad | ❌ | ✔️ |
Services We Offer at PDX Fingerprinting
At PDX Fingerprinting, we offer both Live Scan and ink fingerprinting, and we’ll help you determine which format your case requires.
Our immigration fingerprinting services include:
- Digital Live Scan with direct FBI submission
- FD-258 ink fingerprinting with physical or scanned delivery
- FBI background checks for immigration and visa cases
- Apostille services for FBI reports (learn more here)
- Translation services if your documents must be submitted in another language
We also provide mobile fingerprinting and same-day appointments in Portland and surrounding areas.
Can I Submit Ink Fingerprints Digitally?
Yes if you have ink prints but need a digital FBI report, we can scan your FD-258 cards and submit them electronically. This gives you the speed of Live Scan while satisfying agencies that still require traditional ink formats.
Conclusion: Which One Is Right for You?
The best way to know whether to choose Live Scan or ink fingerprinting is to ask your immigration attorney or check the official instructions for your specific visa or green card application.
Still unsure?
We’re here to help.Contact PDX Fingerprinting to speak with an expert who can guide you to the right service and even help you schedule same-day fingerprinting. Whether you’re staying local or preparing to submit documents to a U.S. embassy abroad, we’ll make sure your prints are done right the first time.
