Case Was Updated to Show Fingerprints Were Taken—What It Means
Learn what a fingerprint update means in your case status, how agencies process it, and what steps may follow in the review process.
An update to a case file indicating that “fingerprints were taken” marks a standard step in many official processes, from immigration applications to background checks for employment or licensing. While seemingly routine, this notification confirms that an individual’s biometric data has been formally logged into the relevant agency’s system, ready for the next stage of review.
This update signifies that fingerprints submitted by an applicant have been received and linked to their case. It is a procedural confirmation rather than a final determination on the background check itself.
Reasons a Legal Case Reflects Fingerprint Updates
Fingerprints serve as a critical tool for identity verification and conducting thorough background screenings. Government agencies frequently require them for applications involving immigration benefits, such as those processed by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), as well as for various professional licenses (including roles in healthcare, finance, or contracting) and specific types of employment, particularly positions involving children or the elderly.1U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. Policy Manual Vol. 12, Part B, Ch. 2 – Background and Security Checks Security clearances and firearm permits also commonly mandate fingerprint submission.
These requirements are established by law to ensure public safety and confirm the identity of individuals seeking certain benefits or positions. The collection of fingerprints allows agencies to check an applicant’s history against extensive criminal databases maintained at state and federal levels.
The “fingerprints were taken” status confirms the agency has the necessary biometric information to perform these legally required checks. It indicates the applicant has completed their part of the process, and the agency has begun its internal processing.
Agency Procedure for Validating Fingerprint Records
After receiving fingerprints, typically submitted electronically via Live Scan or on a physical card, agencies initiate an internal validation process. The first step involves a quality check to ensure the prints are clear and usable for comparison. Smudged, incomplete, or low-contrast prints might be rejected, potentially requiring the applicant to submit them again.
Once quality is confirmed, the fingerprint data, along with identifying information like name and date of birth, is transmitted to state criminal record repositories and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).2Electronic Code of Federal Regulations. 28 CFR § 50.12 – Exchange of FBI Identification Records The FBI uses its advanced Next Generation Identification (NGI) system, a comprehensive database containing biometric and criminal history information from law enforcement agencies nationwide.3Federal Bureau of Investigation. Next Generation Identification (NGI) Sophisticated algorithms compare the submitted prints against millions of records, searching for potential matches based on unique ridge patterns.
The NGI system then returns the results to the submitting agency. If a criminal record is found, the system provides an Identity History Summary, often called a “rap sheet.”4Federal Bureau of Investigation. Identity History Summary Checks If no record matches, that is also reported. Agency personnel review these findings, ensuring the report corresponds to the correct applicant and assessing the information’s relevance based on the specific application’s criteria and applicable regulations, such as those governing the use of criminal history for employment or licensing.
Potential Requests for Additional Information
The background check performed using the submitted fingerprints may uncover information that requires clarification. Agencies might request additional details to resolve ambiguities found in state or federal databases. This is often a standard procedure to ensure a complete and accurate assessment before a final decision is made.
If the check reveals an arrest or conviction, the agency might ask for official court documents detailing the case’s outcome, such as charges, verdicts, and sentencing. Applicants may also need to provide written explanations about incidents listed on their record. For immigration cases, USCIS might issue a Request for Evidence (RFE) seeking documentation related to criminal history or proof of identity if discrepancies arise.
These requests allow agencies to make informed decisions based on full context, rather than potentially incomplete initial records. Failing to respond adequately or promptly can lead to delays or denial of the application.
Common Issues After a Fingerprint Update
Even after the “fingerprints were taken” status appears, certain issues can arise during processing, potentially causing delays.
Illegible Prints
Fingerprints can be rejected if they don’t meet strict image quality standards set by state agencies and the FBI.5Federal Register. Fingerprint Submission Requirements Prints that are smudged, too light or dark, incomplete, or affected by worn skin ridges (due to age, occupation, or medical conditions) might be deemed unusable by automated matching systems. If prints are rejected for quality, the applicant usually must be re-fingerprinted, delaying the background check.
Data Mismatch
Discrepancies between the biographical information (name, date of birth) submitted with the fingerprints and the information on file can cause problems. Typographical errors, variations in names, or transposed numbers can prevent the system from correctly linking the fingerprint results to the right person or case file, often requiring manual review and resolution. Ensuring accuracy and consistency in all submitted information is crucial.
Delayed Verification
Processing times can vary due to factors beyond the applicant’s control. High submission volumes, system maintenance, or the need for manual review by technicians at state agencies or the FBI can lead to delays. If fingerprints potentially match an existing record, human verification is often required to confirm the match and compile an accurate history, which takes longer than an automated “no record” response.
How to Check Your Updated Case Status
Applicants can usually monitor their case status through online systems provided by the agency handling the application. Government bodies like USCIS or state licensing boards often offer web portals where updates are posted as the case progresses.
Accessing these tools typically requires a specific case identifier, such as the receipt number found on USCIS notices (Form I-797C) or an application ID provided by a state board. Entering this identifier into the agency’s designated online portal reveals the current status. Some agencies, like USCIS through its myUSCIS platform, allow users to create accounts for a more comprehensive view of their cases.
Alternative methods may include contacting the agency directly via phone, though specific details might require identity verification. For federal job applications processed through platforms like USAJOBS, status updates may appear within the applicant’s profile. Keep in mind that online status updates might lag behind the agency’s internal processing steps.
Possible Outcomes After the Review
Once the agency reviews the background check results derived from the fingerprints, several outcomes are possible.
Often, the check reveals no disqualifying criminal history or other relevant adverse information according to the FBI’s NGI system and state databases. In this case, the background check requirement is met, and the application typically moves forward to the next stage.
Alternatively, the check may return a record associated with the applicant’s fingerprints. The agency then evaluates this information based on the laws and policies relevant to the specific application or position. Many roles have rules specifying that a conviction must be substantially related to the job duties to be disqualifying.
If potentially disqualifying information is found, an adjudication process begins. The agency reviews the record’s specifics against established criteria. Crucially, regulations generally require that applicants be given an opportunity to review and challenge the accuracy or completeness of their record before a final negative decision is made.6Federal Bureau of Investigation. Noncriminal Justice Applicant’s Privacy Rights The agency might determine the record is not disqualifying based on factors like the offense’s nature, its age, and evidence of rehabilitation.
However, the review might lead to a preliminary decision of ineligibility if the findings conflict with legal requirements or agency policy (e.g., certain convictions barring roles involving children or security clearances). Even then, procedural safeguards usually apply, requiring the agency to inform the applicant of the potential denial and provide a chance to respond or appeal. The final outcome depends on this careful evaluation against legal standards and any information provided by the applicant.