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?”. Understanding what “ten printed” means and how to answer this question accurately is crucial for a smooth visa application. This article clarifies the meaning of “ten printed” in the context of your US visa application and guides you on how to respond truthfully on your DS-160 form.
US Visa Fingerprinting Process
Understanding “Ten Printed”: Fingerprints for US Visas
The term “ten printed” simply refers to the process where the U.S. government collects fingerprints from all ten fingers – both thumbs and all eight fingers – of an individual. This biometric data collection is a standard security procedure implemented for most US visa applicants.
Since around 2007, the U.S. authorities have been digitally capturing fingerprints as part of the visa application process. Therefore, if you have applied for a US visa at any point after this period, it’s highly likely that your fingerprints are already on record with the US government.
Typically, this fingerprinting, often referred to as “ten printing,” is conducted during your appointment at the Visa Application Center (VAC) or at the U.S. embassy or consulate, usually in advance of your visa interview.
Answering “Have you been ten printed?” on the DS-160 Form
The DS-160 form asks, “Have you been ten printed?”. Here’s how to determine the correct answer based on your situation:
First-Time US Visa Applicants
If this is your very first time applying for any type of US visa, the answer to “Have you been ten printed?” on your DS-160 form should be “NO.” Since you have never gone through the US visa application process before, your fingerprints would not have been previously collected by the US government.
Applicants with Prior US Visas
If you have previously applied for and received a US visa at any point after 2007, you should answer “YES” to the question “Have you been ten printed?”. This is because your fingerprints were almost certainly taken during a prior visa application process at a US embassy or consulate.
What if You Don’t Remember?
It’s understandable if you’re unsure whether your fingerprints were taken during a past visa application, especially if it was many years ago. In such cases, if you genuinely do not remember undergoing fingerprinting, it is acceptable to answer “NO”.
Answering “no” in this situation will not negatively impact your application. If you have been ten printed previously, the system will likely recognize you. If not, your fingerprints will simply be taken again during your current application process. It is always better to be honest and answer to the best of your recollection.
Ten Printing at the Visa Application Center (VAC) or OFC
For applicants outside the United States applying for a US visa for the first time, the ten printing process typically occurs at a Visa Application Center (VAC), also known as an Offsite Facilitation Center (OFC), before your scheduled visa interview at the US embassy or consulate.
This VAC appointment is usually scheduled separately from your visa interview and is primarily for biometric data collection, including the ten printing process, and document verification.
Ten Printed for Children
The requirement for ten printing varies for children based on their age:
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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 the DS-160 for a child under 14, the answer to “Have you been ten printed?” would typically be “NO.”
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Children 14 Years Old and Older: Once a child turns 14, they are usually subject to the ten printing requirement, similar to adult applicants. If a child aged 14 or older has previously obtained a US visa after the age of 14, the answer to “Have you been ten printed?” would be “YES.”
It’s important to note that the specific age for fingerprinting requirements can sometimes vary slightly by embassy or consulate, so it’s always best to check the most up-to-date guidelines from the specific US embassy or consulate where you are applying.
Distinguishing US Embassy Ten Prints from USCIS Fingerprints
It’s important to differentiate between the “ten printed” process for a US visa (handled by the Department of State at US embassies and consulates) and fingerprinting conducted by USCIS (U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services) within the United States.
Fingerprints taken by USCIS at Application Support Centers (ASCs) for various immigration benefits within the US (like for H4, L2 extensions, or I-485 adjustment of status applications) are not the same as the ten prints collected by US embassies and consulates for visa applications. These systems are not typically shared between the Department of State (Embassies) and Department of Homeland Security (USCIS).
Therefore, even if you have provided fingerprints to USCIS within the US for immigration purposes, you still need to correctly answer the “ten printed” question on the DS-160 form based on your US visa application history. The DS-160 form is specifically for obtaining a visa stamp in your passport, a process managed by the Department of State, separate from USCIS processes within the US.
Conclusion
Understanding the meaning of “ten printed” and correctly answering the question on your DS-160 form is a small but important step in your US visa application process. By following this guide, you can confidently navigate this question and ensure accuracy in your application. Remember to always answer truthfully and to the best of your knowledge. This will help ensure a smoother and more efficient visa application experience.
