Finger Prints for Security Clearance

Yes, the e-quip is part of OPM, the agency in charge of civilian clearances/posting US gov jobs. I did a bit of research on the fingerprint card at the time to figure out what type of paper to use.

About Fingerprint Card Form FD-258

I ended up going and buying some thick (and most expensive) A4 paper at the National Bookstore and then some clear plastic protective sleeves to put the paper in. I placed that in a Manila folder for extra protection and mailed it off. I didn't have time to wait around for the FBI or Amazon to ship them over to the Philippines when I was getting mine. I contacted the US Embassy as well, here was that correspondence:

Spoiler: US Embassy

Sir/Ma'am,

I am needing to have my finger prints taken for a security clearance. I am currently in the Philippines (Dumaguete) and have been asked by my employer if I would be able to have them taken at the US Embassy in Manila. If this would be possible I would appreciate any information you could provide me on the process of setting up an appointment to make this happen. If it is not possible to have this happen in the Philippines, information on the nearest country that provides this service would be greatly appreciated.

Best regards,

Dustin Wrye

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Dear Mr. Wyre:

This is in reference to your email inquiring about fingerprinting services at the U.S. Embassy in Manila.

Please be advised that the Embassy does not provide this service. We usually have instruction particularly for the FBI Identification Record Request requirement, to wit:

Steps for FBI Identification Record Request:

1.You get your fingerprints taken at any local Philippine National Police (PNP) or National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) office.

2. Applicants will need to mail the fingerprint card to the United States to get a report back. Send it to:

FBI-CJIS Division-Record Request

1000 Cluster hollow Rd.

Clarksburg, WV 26306-0001


Note: Allow 8 to 10 weeks for processing, upon receipt to the FBI.

3. For more information, please call (304) 625-2000 or through this website: FBI — Fingerprints & Other Biometrics.

However, your concern pertains to requirement other than the FBI record check. With this, you may inquire with concerned receiving party (in your case, your employer) whether this can also be done at local police or the NBI.

We trust the above information is useful.

Sincerely,

American Citizens Services
U.S. Embassy
Manila, Philippines
/lfb

I ended up not using the Embassy for anything. I remember something about the ink color but I can't recall if it was supposed to be black or blue. My memory is leaning towards blue though.

 

Spoiler: e-quip

e-QIP Application
http://www.opm.gov/e-qip/reference.asp

1. On the initial e-QIP login screen users will now need to select “Register for Username and Password”
2. Users will be prompted to enter their Social Security Number (preferred) or a “request number” (only to be used if applicant does not have an SSN).
3. After entering their SSN, users will be required to answer a series of “Golden Questions.” Note: Users will still be required to type unknown when asked “In what city were you born?"
4. Once the Golden Questions have been answered, users will be required to generate a username (minimum of 6 characters) and password (minimum of eight characters and case sensitive).
5. After creating a username and password, users will be prompted to select three challenge questions that could be used to reset their password if forgotten in the future.
6. After creating challenge questions users will be directed to the login information screen inside of e-QIP and should select “Enter Your Data” to begin completing the application.
7. All subsequent login attempts will be made using their newly created username and password.

Just in case you don't have the information.

 

The Valencia police department was the first time I was voluntarily fingerprinted with ink.