Ethiopia Adoption Program

Re-Fingerprint Request

The United States Citizenship & Immigration Service (CIS, formerly BCIS/INS) regulations state that fingerprints must be no more than 15 months old at the time of I600 filing for a child's immigrant visa. This regulation applies to all adopting families as well as any adults living in your home over 18 years of age. Clients are responsible for ensuring that they have valid prints on file with CIS.

Q: Does the 15 month time frame begin from the time of I600A approval (form I171H or I797C)?
A: No, the 15 month mark is from the time of fingerprint clearance with the FBI.

Q: How do I/we determine the fingerprint expiration date?
A: To get the closest date possible, you should count 15 months from the date you were fingerprinted.

Q: When should I/we initiate the re-fingerprint process?
A: If it has been 14 months from the first time you were fingerprinted, it is time to initiate the re-fingerprinting. We suggest you begin the process a month early to allow time for the CIS and FBI to process your fingerprints through the system.

Q: I/we have a referral now - what does this mean for me/us?
A: It is time to determine whether or not your fingerprints have expired. Your prints need to be valid at the time of your I600 filing, so that the CIS or Consulates/Embassies overseas may re-run FBI background checks on you. If it has been 14 months since you were fingerprinted, you must get re-fingerprinted now. Travel and/or your child's arrival may be delayed if your prints are not valid.

Q:  How will I know my prints have cleared?
A: You will not receive written confirmation of cleared prints. You will receive a notice only if your prints are rejected, and should this happen, simply follow the instructions of CIS.