Applying for a US visa can be a complex process, filled with unfamiliar terms and questions. One such question on the DS-160 form that often causes confusion is “Have You Been Ten-printed?”. If you’re unsure what this means and how to answer it, you’re in the right place. This guide breaks down the meaning of “ten-printed” and provides clear instructions for answering this question accurately on your US visa application.
Have you been ten printed for US Visa application?
Decoding “Ten-Printed”: It’s All About Fingerprints
The term “ten-printed” simply refers to the process where the US government collects fingerprints from all ten fingers – both thumbs and all eight fingers. This is a standard procedure for individuals applying for a US visa. Think of it as digital fingerprinting, ensuring your identity is securely recorded within the US immigration system.
If you’ve ever applied for a US visa after 2007, it’s highly likely you’ve already undergone ten-printing at some point during your application journey. This fingerprinting is usually conducted during your visa interview appointment at the US embassy or consulate. In certain locations, like India, this might even happen a day prior to your interview. These collected fingerprints are what are referred to when discussing “ten-printing.”
Answering “Have You Been Ten-Printed?” on the DS-160 Form
When you encounter the question “Have you been ten-printed?” on your DS-160 online nonimmigrant visa application form, here’s how to determine your answer:
First-Time US Visa Applicant? Answer “NO”
If this is your very first time applying for any type of US visa, the answer to “Have you been ten-printed?” is definitively “NO”. Since you’re a first-time applicant, your fingerprints would not have been previously captured in the US system.
Previously Interviewed for a US Visa? Answer “YES”
If you have been interviewed at a US embassy or consulate for a US visa at any point in the past, you should answer “YES”. During that prior visa application process, your fingerprints would have been digitally scanned and recorded as part of the standard procedure.
Uncertain if You Were Ten-Printed? When in Doubt, Choose “NO”
It’s understandable if you can’t recall specifically whether your fingerprints were taken during a past visa application, especially if it was many years ago. In this situation, if you do not remember undergoing fingerprinting, it is perfectly acceptable and safe to answer “NO”.
Choosing “NO” when unsure will not negatively impact your application. The US embassy or consulate will simply take your fingerprints again during your current visa application process to ensure their records are up-to-date.
Where Does Ten-Printing Take Place? The OFC and Visa Interview
For most individuals applying for a US visa outside of the United States for the first time, ten-printing (fingerprinting) is conducted at the Visa Application Center (VAC), often referred to as the OFC (Offsite Facilitation Center). This usually happens before your scheduled visa interview at the US embassy or consulate in your country of residence.
The OFC visit is typically for biometric data collection, which includes your ten fingerprints and potentially a photograph. This step is a standard part of the visa application process, ensuring security and proper identification.
Ten-Printing for Children: Age Matters
When it comes to children applying for US visas, the “ten-printed” question has age-related considerations:
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Children Under 14 Years Old: Generally, children under the age of 14 are not required to undergo ten-printing. Therefore, if you are filling out a DS-160 form for a child under 14, the answer to “Have you been ten-printed?” is “NO”.
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Children 14 Years and Older: For children aged 14 and above, the standard ten-printing procedure applies. If a child in this age group has previously been issued a US visa after the age of 14, the answer to “Have you been ten-printed?” would be “YES”.
The age of 14 is the key differentiator. Fingerprints are generally collected for all visa applicants between the ages of 14 and 79 (though the upper age limit can sometimes vary slightly).
Ten-Printing vs. USCIS Fingerprints: Understanding the Difference
It’s important to distinguish between “ten-printing” for your US visa (related to the DS-160 form) and fingerprinting conducted by USCIS (U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services) within the United States. These are separate processes for different purposes:
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DS-160 Ten-Printing: This fingerprinting is done by the Department of State at US embassies and consulates as part of the visa application process for obtaining a visa stamp in your passport.
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USCIS Fingerprints: If you are applying for certain immigration benefits within the US, such as Adjustment of Status (Form I-485) or an H4 or L2 extension, you may be required to provide biometric fingerprints at a USCIS Application Support Center (ASC).
The fingerprints collected by USCIS domestically are not automatically shared with US embassies and consulates abroad. Therefore, when the DS-160 form asks about “ten-printed,” it is specifically referring to fingerprints taken by the Department of State during a previous visa application, not those taken by USCIS for domestic immigration purposes.
In conclusion, understanding “ten-printed” in the context of your DS-160 form is straightforward. Remember it refers to the fingerprinting process during a US visa application. Answer “NO” if you’re a first-time applicant or unsure, and “YES” if you’ve been interviewed for a US visa before. This clarification should help you navigate the DS-160 form with greater confidence and accuracy.
