(a) Use of biometric information. An individual may be required to submit biometric information by law, regulation, Federal Register notice or the form instructions applicable to the request type or if required in accordance with 8 CFR 103.2(b)(9). DHS may collect and store for present or future use, by electronic or other means, the biometric information submitted by an individual. DHS may use this biometric information to conduct background and security checks, adjudicate immigration and naturalization benefits, and perform other functions related to administering and enforcing the immigration and naturalization laws.

(b) Individuals residing abroad. An individual who is required to provide biometric information and who is residing outside of the United States must report to a DHS-designated location to have his or her biometric information collected, whether by electronic or non-electronic means.

[76 FR 53782, Aug. 29, 2011, as amended at 81 FR 73331, Oct. 24, 2016]

DHS may charge a fee to collect biometric information, to provide biometric collection services, to conduct required national security and criminal history background checks, to verify an individual's identity, and to store and maintain this biometric information for reuse to support other benefit requests. When a biometric services fee is required, USCIS may reject a benefit request submitted without the correct biometric services fee.

[85 FR 46915, Aug. 3, 2020, as amended at 89 FR 6385, Jan. 31, 2024]