Hello, future US-RNs! Shincy George here from Nursing Manthra.
One of the most common points of confusion for nurses aspiring to work in the USA is the fingerprinting process, especially when you’re applying from your home country. It’s a critical step for your background check, and getting it right is essential to avoid delays in your NCLEX application.
Today, we’re breaking down the entire process for you, step-by-step.
Why is Fingerprinting Necessary?
Fingerprinting is a mandatory part of the licensure process for most US State Boards of Nursing. It’s used to conduct a thorough criminal background check by the state police and the FBI. This ensures the safety and security of patients and the healthcare system.
The Key Difference: Inside vs. Outside the USA
- If you are in the USA: You’ll typically undergo a “Live Scan,” which is a digital fingerprinting process.
- If you are outside the USA: The process is manual. You will need to use a specific physical fingerprint card.
The All-Important FD-258 Card
For international applicants, the standard form used is the FD-258 Fingerprint Card. This is a physical card where your fingerprints are taken using ink.
Crucial Points about the FD-258 Card:
- Two Original Cards: You must submit two completed, original FD-258 cards. Photocopies are not accepted.
- Two Separate Attempts: The two cards should be the result of two separate fingerprinting attempts. This is because the processing agency will compare both and use the one with the better quality, reducing the chances of rejection.
- Where to Get It: You can often get these cards from the fingerprinting agency you use, or they can even be purchased online from sites like Amazon.
Step-by-Step Fingerprinting Process for International Applicants
Find the Right Fingerprinting Agency
You cannot take your own fingerprints. They must be taken by a law enforcement agency (like a police headquarters) or an authorized fingerprinting service in your country.
The crucial next step is to send these physical cards to a designated agency in the US that will digitize them and submit them electronically to the FBI and state police. Each State Board of Nursing has its own approved agency.
- For Texas Board of Nursing: The designated agency is IdentoGO. You’ll need to pay their fee (approx. $39 USD) on their website and send your completed cards to them along with the payment receipt.
- For Illinois Board of Nursing: The designated agency is Accurate Biometrics. Their process and fees (approx. $67 USD) are slightly different.
Always check your specific State Board’s website to confirm their approved vendor.
Correctly Fill Out the FD-258 Card
Accuracy here is vital. Use black ink only and print clearly.
- Name: Your name must match exactly as it appears on your nursing board application and your passport.
- Personal Details: Fill in your Date of Birth (in MM/DD/YYYY format), citizenship, sex, race, height (in feet and inches), weight (in pounds), eye color, and hair color using the standard abbreviations provided on the card.
- Signatures: Sign the card in the presence of the official taking your prints. The official must also sign and date the card.
- Reason Fingerprinted: Write the purpose clearly, for example, “NCLEX-RN Application for Texas Board of Nursing.”
- Social Security Number (SOC): If you are a first-time applicant from outside the US, you will not have an SSN. Leave this field blank.
Taking the Fingerprints
The official will roll each of your ten fingers in ink and press them into the designated boxes on the card. They will also take simultaneous “plain” impressions of your fingers.
- Quality is Key: Ensure the prints are clear and not smudged. Poor quality is the main reason for rejection.
- Missing Fingers: If you have a missing finger, a notation like “Amputated” or an “X” should be placed in the corresponding box.
Submit the Cards
Package your two completed FD-258 fingerprint cards, along with any required payment receipts or forms from the US agency (like IdentoGO or Accurate Biometrics), and send them via a reliable international courier (like DHL or FedEx).
The US agency will then handle the electronic submission, and the results of your background check will be sent directly to your Board of Nursing.
Navigating the fingerprinting process can seem daunting, but by following these steps carefully, you can ensure a smooth and successful application.
Need help with your NCLEX process?
Nursing Manthra is here to guide you. Contact us on WhatsApp:
- UAE: +971 502 515 717
- India: +91 62 82756689
Good luck on your journey to becoming a US-RN!