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USCIS Background Security Checks
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The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) conducts security checks on all applicants seeking immigration benefit. Both green card and citizenship applications are subject to such scrutiny. Regardless of whether you file I-485 or seek Consular Processing, employment or family based, your case will not be approved unless several levels of background checks have been cleared. For more information about immigration, visit immigrationroad.com.

However, there are currently a vast number of applications stuck in this process, waiting from months to several years. This has created tremendous anxiety among people affected, largely due to concerns over an unknown future and the lack of communications offered by authorities.

Since 2002, USCIS has increased the number and scope of background checks. There are typically three types of investigations, but USCIS may conduct other reviews if necessary.

IBIS Name Check
According to USCIS, “The Interagency Border Inspection System (IBIS) … combines information from multiple agencies, databases and system interfaces to compile data relating to national security risks, public safety issues and other law enforcement concerns.” It is usually a rather quick process, as USCIS can access information from these multiple government agencies electronically. The result is usually available immediately. However, it is not uncommon for this process to take several months as reported by the immigration community.

FBI Fingerprint Check
After submitting an immigration petition, the applicant will receive a fingerprint notice. The applicant is required to go to a nearby USCIS facility and have fingerprints, signature and photo taken. The information is then transmitted to the FBI to check for any criminal records. This is another quick process, and result is usually sent back to the USCIS within 24 - 48 hours.

However, if one’s fingerprint matches a record, the FBI will forward an electronic copy of the criminal history (RAP sheet) to USCIS. An immigration officer will then review the information to see what effects it may have on the particular case. In case of previous arrests or charges, it is important to consult an attorney to ensure the accuracy of information in I-485 Adjust of Status applications.

The USCIS finger print notices will contain a code number, which represents what information is to be collected:

Code 1: 10 fingerprints
Code 2: Thumb finger print, photo and signature
Code 3: 10 fingerprints, photo and signature (code 1 + code 2)

Do not miss the fingerprint appointment. If you can’t make it, call the phone number in the notice to reschedule. If you didn’t receive the notice and got a Notice of Intent to Deny (NOID), respond before the deadline to explain your situation. Sometimes you may want to do the fingerprints early, and most service centers will allow walk-in if they are not busy. But make sure you bring the notice, which will be stamped and given back to you as a receipt.


The USCIS may request a second or third fingerprint appointment during the I485 process. The reason is that fingerprint results do expire, and USCIS still lose or misplace files. It is not uncommon for an applicant to do a code 3 fingerprint check, then just a few months later asked to do another one. Sometimes the last fingerprint check is mainly for supplying a digital photo in order to produce the green card; unfortunately this is not always the case.



Fingerprint checks are performed by the FBI's Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) in West Virginia. Our "How to contact USCIS and FBI" page lists their main phone number, but it is only useful to check whether FP was completed (not the actual results). Also note that fingerprint check is totally different from the FBI name check discussed below.


FBI Name Check
The FBI name check has been the source of most delays in the background check process. It is often confused with fingerprint check, but in fact is a completely different process. The FBI compares an applicant’s name, as well as variations and fragments of the name, against a large collection of “administrative, applicant, criminal, personnel and other files compiled by law enforcement.” The USCIS Fact Sheet reported that 80% of inquiries found no match and initial responses take about 2 weeks to receive from the FBI. Most of the remaining 20% cases are resolved within six months, and only less than 1% of cases take longer than six months complete FBI name check.

However, despite the small percentage, the total number of cases delayed by name check is still significant. According to USCIS Ombudsman’s 2006 annual report, “as of May 2006, USCIS reported 235,802 FBI name checks pending, with approximately 65 percent (153,166) of those cases pending more than 90 days and approximately 35 percent (82,824) pending more than one year.” The 2007 report released in June showed similar percentages, but the total number was even more daunting: 106,738 cases have been pending for more than one year. The Ombudsman also pointed out that:

“FBI name checks….significantly delay adjudication of immigration benefits for many customers, hinder backlog reductions efforts, and may not achieve their intended national security objectives.” and
“Stakeholder organizations and USCIS personnel across the country also regularly raise the issue of FBI name check delays as the most pervasive problem preventing completion of cases.”

Although some cases, such as EAD, AP and I-140, don't require FBI name check before approval, all green card applications (mostly I-485) must go through this process. And that is what people concern the most. So for this reason we will be discussing FBI name check separately on the next page.