Question about Fingerprinting - 2 sets ?

[Max Power]

Hi all

I went to the local police department to get fingerprinted today. The cop there said that people usually get their fingerprints on 2 sets of cards.

Can anybody shed some light about this ? I was under the impression that you only had to mail one card with your fingerprints (both hands-all fingers)to the FBI.

Thanks

[PMM]

Hi

Hi all

I went to the local police department to get fingerprinted today. The cop there said that people usually get their fingerprints on 2 sets of cards.

Can anybody shed some light about this ? I was under the impression that you only had to mail one card with your fingerprints (both hands-all fingers)to the FBI.

1.  One set of prints to the FBI, but you might want to check with the states (you require state checks for every state that you have lived in for more than 6 months since 18) whether they need prints or not.

PMM

Thanks

[IFS Canada]

The FBI requires one complete set of fingerprints for immigration background checks. That said depending on the immigration post you are applying through You may also have to provide U.S. State police clearances as well.

As a general rule inside Canada immigration offices (Vegreville C.I.C. or Mississauga require State clearances) Outside Canada immigration offices do not require state clearances with your application (but may require them later)

Your best bet is to have your prints done at a private fingerprinting company that specializes in immigration fingerprints. International Fingerprinting Services Canada is one that has offices in every major city across Canada. In fact they are now doing electronic fingerprinting (The only ones in Canada) and are  submitting your fingerprints for Canadian police clearances directly to the RCMP. The normal waiting time for fingerprint processing (according to the RCMP web site is in excess of 150 days) IFS Canada is routinely having their results returned (porcessed) within 60 days and by the beginning of next year (2007) are looking at a 72 hour turn around once the RCMP streamlines it's process. An email will be automatically generated and sent to you or your lawyer telling them that the prints have been processed and have been sent by diplomatic bag to your immigration processing post. You can check for their office address locations by going to policecheck.com