Biometric Visa Program Transition to Ten Finger Scans
Posted Jun 01, 2007
©MurthyDotCom
The U.S. Department of State (DOS) has announced the change in the standard for finger scans of the Biometric Visa Program (BVP) from two fingers to ten fingers. The requirement for most nonimmigrant and immigrant visa applicants to provide finger scans of each index finger, and to submit photographs at the time of the visa application, was reported in our January 21, 2005 article, DOS on the Biometric Visa Program, available on MurthyDotCom. The change to ten finger scans is designed to enhance security.
©MurthyDotCom
Matching Finger Scans at Consulate and at the Border
©MurthyDotCom
When an individual seeks to enter the United States, finger scans are used to confirm her/his identity. The inspector at a Port of Entry compares the finger scans taken at the border as part of the US-VISIT program with those sent by the DOS to confirm that the person seeking entry is the same individual who was issued the visa at the U.S. consulate abroad.
©MurthyDotCom
Implementation of Enhanced Security with Ten Finger Scans
©MurthyDotCom
Since the inception of the BVP, the technology has been sufficiently developed to allow for an accurate capture and comparison of ten finger scans, instead of only two. The new standard purports to raise the accuracy rate in matching finger scans in order to detect and thwart persons who are ineligible for visas or those seeking to enter under false identities. The new procedures requiring ten finger scans are already being used at some U.S. consulate posts and are scheduled to be universally implemented by the end of 2007.