As you embark on your U.S. visa or green card application process, you might come across the $85 biometrics fee. Some may find this additional expense an unnecessary burden, but in reality, it is a crucial aspect of the application process. The biometrics fee is essential for ensuring the safety and security of the United States, as well as streamlining the visa and green card application process. Here’s why.
What is the Biometrics Fee?
Let’s start with the basics. Biometrics refers to the collection and analysis of unique physiological or behavioral characteristics of individuals, such as fingerprints, facial recognition, and iris scans. The biometrics fee is the cost incurred for the collection, processing, and storing of an applicant’s biometric data, which is used for identity verification and background checks. This data is confidential and cannot be shared with any unauthorized third party.
Why is Biometrics Necessary for Visa and Green Card Applications?
Before the biometrics fee was introduced, United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) relied solely on manual identification and document verification. This process was both time-consuming and prone to errors, leading to backlogs and delays in visa issuance. The introduction of biometrics technology revolutionized the visa application process, making verification faster, more accurate, and secure.
Biometric data also plays an essential role in national security. The world today faces the constant threat of terrorism and other forms of criminal activity. By capturing and verifying biometric data, USCIS can weed out individuals with criminal records and prevent them from entering the country. This increased security measure is critical in protecting both U.S. citizens and immigrants.
Examples of When Biometrics are Required
Biometrics are required for various types of U.S. visa and green card applications. Here are a few examples:
– Family-based green card applications
– Employment-based green card applications
– Temporary worker visa applications (such as H-1B visas)
– Visitor visa applications
– Refugee and asylum applications
Conclusion
The biometrics fee may seem like an unnecessary expense, but it is a crucial component of the U.S. visa and green card application process. The biometric data collected through this process is used to ensure the safety and security of the United States, as well as streamline the application process. So, the next time you come across the biometrics fee, remember that it is a necessary step in your application’s journey.
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