If you’re going through an immigration process like applying for a green card, visa, asylum, or U.S. citizenship, chances are you’ll be required to submit your FBI fingerprint background check. It’s a vital step used by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to verify your identity and screen your criminal history.
But here’s the question many applicants ask:
“Where do I get my FBI fingerprinting done especially for immigration?”
In this guide, we’ll walk you through where and how to get your fingerprints taken for immigration, what to expect at your appointment, and how to ensure the process goes smoothly. We’ll also explain how PDX Fingerprinting can make it easy, whether you’re in Portland or beyond.
Why Is FBI Fingerprinting Necessary for Immigration?
FBI fingerprinting is required for nearly all immigration applications because it provides an official summary of your criminal history (if any). This is used by:
- USCIS to determine your eligibility for a visa or green card
- Embassies or consulates if you’re applying from abroad
- The Department of State when you need an apostille for your FBI report
By cross-checking your fingerprints against FBI and international databases, the U.S. government can detect serious criminal history or immigration fraud.
Who Needs FBI Fingerprinting for Immigration?
Here are some of the most common immigration cases that require fingerprinting:
- Green card (Adjustment of Status or Consular Processing)
- Asylum applications
- Naturalization (U.S. citizenship)
- Work permits (I-765)
- DACA, TPS, or VAWA cases
- Fiancé(e) visa (K-1)
- Waivers and immigration court cases
Whether you’re just starting your application or responding to a USCIS Request for Evidence (RFE), knowing where to get fingerprinted is crucial.
Where Can You Get FBI Fingerprinting for Immigration?
There are three primary options:
USCIS Application Support Centers (ASC)
If you’ve already filed an immigration application, USCIS may schedule you for biometrics at a local ASC (Application Support Center). This is common for green card and naturalization cases.
But what if you need fingerprinting for FBI background checks before filing or as part of an RFE?
FBI-Authorized Fingerprinting Locations
These are third-party agencies like PDX Fingerprinting that are authorized to submit fingerprints directly to the FBI. You can schedule an appointment and get either:
- Live Scan fingerprinting (digital capture)
- FD-258 Ink Card fingerprinting (for international or consular use)
If you’re in the Portland, OR area or nearby, PDX Fingerprinting offers both Live Scan and Ink options, plus FBI report delivery via email or mail.
Police Departments (Limited Option)
Some local police stations offer fingerprinting services, but they may not be trained in immigration-specific needs, and turnaround times can be slow. It’s usually better to go with a provider familiar with USCIS, FBI, and Department of State guidelines.
What to Bring to Your Fingerprinting Appointment
To ensure a smooth process, bring:
- A valid photo ID (passport, driver’s license, green card)
- Any forms or instructions from your immigration attorney
- Payment for services
- A completed FD-258 fingerprint card (if applicable – we provide this at PDX)
Not sure what type of fingerprinting you need? Our staff can review your immigration request and recommend the correct format and delivery method.
What Happens After You’re Fingerprinted?
Once your prints are submitted to the FBI, you’ll receive a Criminal History Summary, often within 24–72 hours if done electronically. Mailed results may take a bit longer.
You may need to:
- Submit the report to USCIS
- Get it apostilled if you’re submitting documents to a consulate or using them abroad
- Keep a copy for your immigration attorney or personal records
We also offer FBI apostille services if needed. Learn more about that here (internal link).
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Going to a provider that isn’t FBI-authorized
- Submitting ink cards with smudged or low-quality prints
- Using expired or incorrect IDs
- Forgetting to ask for digital delivery (PDF format) if needed quickly
- Not verifying whether apostille or translation is required
With PDX Fingerprinting, you don’t have to worry—we walk you through every step.
Why Choose PDX Fingerprinting for Immigration Fingerprints?
We specialize in immigration-related fingerprinting. Here’s why people trust us:
FBI-Authorized Channeler – We send prints directly to the FBI
Same-Day Appointments – Walk-ins welcome too
Live Scan & Ink Card Options – Get the method your case requires
Digital or Mailed Reports – Choose the best option for your submission
Mobile Fingerprinting Available – We come to you for added convenience
Friendly & Multilingual Staff – Clear answers to complex questions
Whether you’re applying from the U.S. or abroad, our team ensures your fingerprinting is fast, correct, and fully compliant with immigration requirements.
Need FBI Fingerprinting for Immigration?
PDX Fingerprinting makes the entire process easy, affordable, and accurate. We understand immigration timelines are stressful enough so let us help you take care of the fingerprinting quickly and correctly.
Schedule your appointment now at PDX Fingerprinting or contact us to learn more about our mobile, same-day, and apostille options.
