(What Every Immigrant Needs to Know Before Submitting U.S. Immigration Paperwork)
If you’re gathering documents for USCIS, NVC, or any other U.S. immigration agency, you’ve probably been told to supply fingerprints and a *background-check report. It’s easy to assume they’re the same thing—but they aren’t. Below is a quick guide that clears up the confusion and shows you the simplest way to get both done in Pearland, TX.
1. The Fingerprint Card (FD-258) – Your “Capture Tool”
Think of the FD-258 fingerprint card as a blank passport-photo sheet—except it holds your fingerprint images instead of your face.
- Purpose: Captures your prints so an authorized channeler (or the FBI) can run them through U.S. criminal databases.
- Format: Traditional ink cards or Live Scan-to-card prints (digital prints printed onto an FD-258).
- Used for: Immigration, professional licensing, name changes, gun permits, and more.
Key point: The card itself is NOT a background check; it’s just the data collection step.
Key point: The card itself is NOT a background check; it’s just the data collection step.
A background check is the result generated after your fingerprints are processed.
- Issuer: Commonly the FBI (Identity History Summary) or a state agency.
- Content: Confirms whether you do—or do not—have an arrest or conviction record in U.S. files.
- Delivery: PDF download, mailed hard copy, or sealed packet (depending on the agency’s rules).
For immigration, USCIS usually wants either the FBI report or a report from a federally approved channeler.
3. What Immigrants Typically Need
- Accurate fingerprints on an FD-258 card (ink or Live Scan-to-card).
- FBI background-check results that match the prints you submitted.
- Delivery in 24–48 hours (recommended) so your case file isn’t delayed.
4. How Go Biometrics Makes It Easy
| Your Requirement | How We Help | Your Benefit |
| FD-258 cards | We supply official cards on-site—no mailing wait. | Start today, not next week. |
| Ink or Live Scan | Choose traditional ink or smudge-proof Live Scan prints. | Lower rejection risk. |
| FBI background check | We submit your prints electronically and deliver results in 24–48 hrs. | Faster USCIS filing. |
| Multiple copies | Need prints for other visas or states later? We archive your fingerprints free. | One roll, unlimited reprints. |
| Language-friendly staf | We routinely assist applicants from dozens of countries. | Clear, patient guidance. |
5. Avoid These Common Immigration Delays
- Using local police cards that don’t meet FBI specs.
- Smudged or partial prints that trigger a “re-roll” request.
- Mix-ups between name on card and application (especially if you recently married or divorced).
A five-minute visit to our Pearland office can spare you weeks of rejection letters.
Ready to Finish Your Immigration Packet?
Book a single appointment and leave with:
- An FD-258 card completed correctly.
- An FBI background-check order submitted for you.
- Peace of mind that your prints are archived for any future needs.
Go Biometrics — Fast, Accurate Fingerprinting & Background Checks for the Greater Houston / Pearland immigrant community.