What It Means When Your Case Status Shows Fingerprints Were Taken

Key Takeaways

• Since April 11, 2025, all non-citizens 14+ staying 30+ days must register and fingerprint with USCIS.
• Missing a biometrics appointment risks fines up to $5,000, jail up to 6 months, or delays.
• Florida health workers must complete electronic fingerprinting for licenses starting July 1, 2025.

When you see the update “case was updated to show fingerprints were taken” on your immigration application, it means you’ve reached an important step in the process. This update tells you that the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has collected your fingerprints, and possibly your photo and signature, as part of the biometrics process. This step is required for most immigration and visa applications, as well as for some professional licenses in the United States 🇺🇸. In 2025, new rules and stricter enforcement have made this step even more important for applicants and their families.

Let’s break down what this update means, who is affected, what’s changed recently, and what you need to do next.

What Changed: New Fingerprinting and Registration Rules (2025)

As of April 11, 2025, USCIS started enforcing new rules for non-citizens living in the United States 🇺🇸. Now, all non-citizens aged 14 and older who have not been fingerprinted before, and who plan to stay in the country for 30 days or more, must register and have their fingerprints taken. This is a big change from past years, when only certain types of applications required fingerprinting.

Key points of the new rule:

• Who must register: All non-citizens aged 14 and older who haven’t been fingerprinted before and are staying in the United States 🇺🇸 for 30 days or more.
• Children under 14: Parents or guardians must register children under 14. When a child turns 14, they must re-register within 30 days.
• Proof of registration: Non-citizens over 18 get a registration document after fingerprinting. They must carry this proof at all times.
• Penalties: Not following these rules can lead to fines up to $5,000 and even jail time for up to six months.

These changes are meant to help the government keep better records and improve security. According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, these new requirements are part of a larger effort to track non-citizens more closely and make sure everyone follows the rules.

Who Is Affected by the Update?

The new fingerprinting and registration rules affect several groups:

• Immigrants and visa holders: Anyone applying for a green card, visa, or adjustment of status will need to complete fingerprinting if they haven’t already.
• Non-citizens living in the United States 🇺🇸: Even if you’re not applying for a new immigration benefit, you may need to register and provide fingerprints if you haven’t done so before.
• Children: Parents must register children under 14, and children must re-register when they turn 14.
• Health care practitioners in Florida: Starting July 1, 2025, most health care workers in Florida must complete electronic fingerprinting for background checks when applying for or renewing their licenses.

What Does “Case Was Updated to Show Fingerprints Were Taken” Mean?

This status update is a sign that you’ve completed a key part of your application. Here’s what happens step by step:

1. Biometrics Appointment:
   After you send in your application, USCIS will mail you a notice with the date, time, and location of your biometrics appointment. This usually takes place at a local Application Support Center (ASC).

2. Fingerprint Collection:
   At the appointment, staff will take your fingerprints electronically. They may also take your photo and ask for your signature. The process is quick and usually takes less than 30 minutes.

3. Status Update:
   Once your fingerprints are collected and processed, your case status will be updated to show that “fingerprints were taken.” This means USCIS has your biometric data and can move forward with your background check.

4. Background Check:
   USCIS uses your fingerprints to check for any criminal history at the state and federal levels. This helps them decide if you’re eligible for the benefit you’re applying for.

5. Next Steps:
   After the background check, USCIS will review your application. They may update your status again to show that your background check is complete, or that your case is ready for an interview or final decision.

What Should You Do After Seeing This Update?

If your case was updated to show fingerprints were taken, here’s what you should do:

• Check your USCIS account: Log in to your USCIS online account to see the latest updates and any new messages.
• Keep your documents safe: Hold on to any receipts or notices you received from USCIS, especially your biometrics appointment notice.
• Wait for the next update: There’s usually nothing more you need to do right away. USCIS will contact you if they need more information or if you need to attend an interview.
• Carry your registration proof: If you’re over 18 and received a registration document, keep it with you at all times as required by law.

What Happens If You Miss Your Biometrics Appointment?

Missing your biometrics appointment can cause problems for your case. USCIS may delay or even deny your application if you don’t show up. If you can’t attend your appointment, contact USCIS as soon as possible to reschedule. You can find instructions on your appointment notice or visit the USCIS Contact Center for help.

Special Rules for Waivers and Exceptions

Some people can’t provide fingerprints because of medical conditions or disabilities. In these cases, you can ask for a waiver. Only certain USCIS employees can approve these waivers, and they’re only good for the specific application you’re working on. If you need a waiver, you’ll have to provide police clearance letters or other documents, and you may need to give a sworn statement.

If you get a waiver, remember that you’ll need to request one again for any future applications that require biometrics.

Florida’s New Rules for Health Care Practitioners

Starting July 1, 2025, Florida requires most health care workers to complete electronic fingerprinting for background checks when applying for or renewing their licenses. Here’s how the process works:

• Schedule an appointment: Use the CHAI system to book a time with a Livescan provider.
• Bring your ORI number: This number tells the provider where to send your fingerprints.
• Get your fingerprints taken: The provider will take your fingerprints and photo electronically and send them to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE).
• Background check: FDLE will run a Level II background check and send the results to the Agency for Health Care Administration’s Clearinghouse.

If you don’t complete this step, you may not be able to get or renew your license.

Penalties for Not Following the Rules

The new rules come with serious penalties for not following them:

• For immigration cases:
  • Fines up to $5,000
  • Jail time up to six months
  • Possible denial or delay of your application
• For health care licenses in Florida:
  • Denial of your license application
  • Non-renewal of your license

It’s important to follow all instructions and complete fingerprinting as soon as possible to avoid these problems.

Why Are These Changes Happening?

Immigration attorneys say these new fingerprinting and registration rules are part of a bigger plan to improve security and keep better records of non-citizens in the United States 🇺🇸. The requirement to carry proof of registration at all times is a big change and could lead to more checks by law enforcement.

In Florida, the move to electronic fingerprinting for health care workers is meant to make background checks faster and more accurate. It also helps protect patients by making sure health care workers don’t have serious criminal records.

What About Pending Applications?

If you already applied before these new rules took effect, you still need to complete fingerprinting if you haven’t done so. USCIS will send you a notice if you need to provide biometrics. If your case was updated to show fingerprints were taken, you’re on track and don’t need to worry.

For health care workers in Florida, if you’re renewing your license after July 1, 2025, you must complete electronic fingerprinting, even if you’ve done it before for a different license.

What’s Next?

USCIS is expected to keep enforcing these new rules strictly. There are no exceptions for not following the fingerprinting and registration requirements. Other states may also start requiring electronic fingerprinting for professional licenses, especially in jobs where background checks are important for public safety.

Technology is also improving. Electronic fingerprinting is faster and more accurate than old ink methods. This means background checks can be done more quickly, and mistakes are less likely.

Summary Table: Key Points

Official Resources for More Information

• USCIS:
  • USCIS Official Website
  • Contact: 1-800-375-5283
• Florida Department of Health:
  • Florida Health Source
  • For fingerprinting providers, see the DOH Livescan Service Provider List

If you need to check your case status or see if your fingerprints were taken, you can use the USCIS Case Status Online tool.

Actionable Takeaways and Next Steps

• If your case was updated to show fingerprints were taken:
  • You’ve completed a key step. Keep checking your USCIS account for further updates.
  • Make sure to carry your registration proof if you’re over 18.
  • Wait for USCIS to contact you about the next steps, such as an interview or final decision.
• If you haven’t done fingerprinting yet:
  • Watch for a biometrics appointment notice from USCIS.
  • Attend your appointment as scheduled. If you can’t make it, reschedule as soon as possible.
• If you’re a health care worker in Florida:
  • Schedule your electronic fingerprinting before applying for or renewing your license.
  • Bring all required documents and your ORI number to your appointment.
• If you need a waiver:
  • Gather medical records and police clearance letters.
  • Contact USCIS to request a waiver and follow their instructions carefully.

In Conclusion

Seeing the update “case was updated to show fingerprints were taken” is a good sign that your application is moving forward. In 2025, new rules make fingerprinting and registration even more important for non-citizens and some professionals. Make sure you follow all instructions, keep your documents safe, and stay up to date with any new requirements. Not following these rules can lead to serious penalties, so it’s best to act quickly and carefully at every step.

For more details about the fingerprinting process and the latest updates, visit the USCIS official biometrics page. This page has the most current information and answers to common questions.

By staying informed and following the steps outlined above, you can help make sure your application or license process goes as smoothly as possible.

Learn Today

USCIS → United States Citizenship and Immigration Services, the agency managing immigration benefits and processing applications.
Biometrics Appointment → Scheduled visit where fingerprints, photos, and signatures are collected electronically for identity verification.
Fingerprinting → The process of capturing fingerprints electronically to check background and identity in immigration or licensing.
Electronic Fingerprinting → Digital capture of fingerprints sent electronically for faster, more accurate background checks.
Livescan → A technology used for electronically capturing fingerprints and transmitting them to law enforcement agencies.

This Article in a Nutshell

USCIS’s new 2025 fingerprinting rules require all non-citizens 14+ staying 30+ days to register. This update shows fingerprinting completion, a key step ensuring security and application progress. Florida health care workers also face new electronic fingerprinting mandates. Missing appointments may cause serious penalties or delays in immigration and licensing processes.
— By VisaVerge.com