[Federal Register Volume 72, Number 86 (Friday, May 4, 2007)]
[Notices]
[Page 25351]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E7-8604]


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DEPARTMENT OF STATE

[Public Notice 5778]


Biometric Visa Program Transition to Ten Fingerscans

AGENCY: State Department.

ACTION: Notice.

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FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ron Acker, Legislation and Regulations 
Division, Visa Services, Department of State, Washington, DC 20520-
0106, (202) 663-1205 or e-mail [email protected].
SUMMARY: This public notice announces the change in the standard for 
fingerscans of the Biometric Visa Program from two fingerscans to ten 
fingerscans. The establishment of the Biometric Visa Program was 
announced to the public in December 2004 as a response to the 
requirements established by the Enhanced Border Security and Visa Entry 
Reform Act of 2002. When the program began, available technology only 
allowed for efficient capture and comparisons of two fingerscans. Now, 
improvements in technology allow the Program to incorporate a ten 
fingerscan standard.

Why is the Department planning to take ten fingerscans from visa 
applicants?

    The Biometric Visa Program works closely with the US-VISIT Program 
of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Both programs currently 
require aliens to submit two fingerscans as part of their respective 
application procedures. In consultation with DHS and the Department of 
Justice, the Department is instituting the ten fingerscan standard to 
improve our ability to detect and thwart persons ineligible for visas 
by raising the accuracy rate in matching fingerscans.

Will this change affect all visa applicants?

    Visa applicants subject to the Biometric Visa Program will be 
required to provide ten fingerscans with their first visa application 
following the transition.

When will this change take place?

    The Department plans to begin deployment of the ten fingerscan 
system to all visa issuing consular posts abroad beginning in April 
2007, with completion scheduled for the end of 2007.

    Dated: April 2, 2007.
Maura Harty,
Assistant Secretary, Consular Affairs, Department of State.
[FR Doc. E7-8604 Filed 5-3-07; 8:45 am]
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