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If you are currently residing in the United States and need to present your FBI Background Check to a foreign authority, you probably already know that this document must not only be official but also have an apostille and a certified translation to be accepted outside the country. This requirement is common in immigration proceedings, visa applications, citizenship processes, international civil marriages, studies, employment contracts, or validation of background before consular entities.
Traditionally, obtaining this certificate involves several technical steps: registering on official FBI platforms, getting fingerprinted at an authorized office, waiting for the document to be processed, applying for its apostille in Washington, D.C., and finally arranging for a valid official translation. This whole process, although it can be done independently, is often complex and error-prone if the specific requirements of each country are not known.
In this article, we explain what the FBI federal criminal records are, what they are for, what the requirements are, estimated timeframes, and how you can obtain them quickly, safely, and from anywhere in the USA. All this information is supported by professional expertise, based on our solid experience in offering this specialized service in Colombia.
What is an FBI Background Check?
The FBI Background Check is an official summary of a person’s federal criminal record, compiled by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) in the United States. This document is frequently used in international procedures, such as visa applications, immigration processes, labor validations, or certifications before foreign authorities. Therefore, it must be presented with an apostille and an official translation to be valid outside the country.
Key Features of the FBI Report
Do I need to Apostille and Translate my FBI Background Check Certificate?
Yes, it is essential to both apostille and translate your FBI Background Check Certificate if you require it for international use. Although the certificate in its original version is already an official document, it is not valid outside the United States without the Hague Apostille, which legitimizes its use before foreign authorities.
The apostille for a federal document, such as the FBI Background Certificate, can only be issued by the U.S. Department of State in Washington, D.C. This authority authenticates federal documents for use abroad. Attempting to obtain another apostille for this federal document will render it invalid and cause significant delays in your paperwork.
Additionally, many governments require this document to be officially translated into the local language to be accepted as part of a process. This is especially important in processes such as:
- Visa applications in Colombia and other countries.
- Marriages with foreign citizens.
- Processes of dual nationality or reverse migration.
- International employment contracts or teaching permits.
- Studies in foreign institutions that require background checks.
Therefore, obtaining the FBI certificate with an apostille and an official translation is not optional, but an integral part of a successful legal process outside the United States.
Are you based in the USA? Get your FBI Background Check Certificate with expatgroup.co
The FBI History Summary Check is a document that certifies whether a person has a criminal, judicial, or disciplinary record. Now it is possible to obtain from the USA it with an apostille and translation with us. Click the button and start your application process today.
What are the Requirements to Apply for the FBI Background Check From the United States?
Applying for your FBI Criminal Record from the United States is a simple process if you meet certain basic requirements. Although the entire process is handled online, fingerprinting must be done in person at an authorized office. The requirements are as follows:
Current U.S. Residency
The applicant must be within the U.S. to schedule an in-person fingerprinting appointment and complete the initial steps of the process.
Social Security Number (SSN)
The Social Security number is an optional requirement and is often useful when a second identity verification is needed for name homonyms or other reasons.
Fingerprinting at an Authorized Post Office (USPS)
It is necessary to visit an authorized USPS (U.S. Postal Service) office in person to have your fingerprints taken, which is essential for the application.
If you are already in Colombia, you do not need to travel to the United States for fingerprinting. At expatgroup.co, we can perform fingerprinting in Medellín and Bogotá using an FBI-certified scanner, print the FD-258 form, and directly manage the background check request.
Step by step to Apply for FBI Background Check From the United States with Expatgroup.co
If you are in the USA, you can visit an authorized USPS Office for FD-258 fingerprinting. You only need to provide us with your ZIP code to verify the nearest office location to your address and schedule your fingerprinting appointment. We will coordinate registration on the FBI EDO platform and the USPS website, pay the corresponding fees, provide accompaniment by mail or WhatsApp, and manage everything else, including shipping to the FBI, obtaining an apostille in Washington, DC, and final translation.
Step 1: Registration in EDO and USPS
In this initial phase, we will register your data in the official FBI form through the EDO platform (edo.cjis.gov). We will complete all your personal information and proceed to the payment of the required fee. After that, our team will register your data on the USPS website for fingerprint capture.
Step 2: Face-to-face fingerprinting
Your designated advisor will help you determine which authorized USPS offices near you offer fingerprinting services. Bring your original passport or the ID document with which you registered, and pay the 50 USD fee directly at the time of service. Fingerprinting usually takes between 15 and 30 minutes.
Step 3: Submitting Fingerprints and Receiving FBI Report
Once your fingerprints are taken, USPS will send them to the FBI immediately, and within approximately 2 to 3 business days, we will receive your FBI Background Certificate.
Step 4: Apostille of the FBI Report
Our team will manage the apostille process. The apostille will be issued by the U.S. Department of State in Washington, D.C., the only entity authorized to apostille documents of federal origin.
Step 5: Translation of the complete document
Finally, we will coordinate the official certified translation of the complete document, including the FBI certificate and the apostille. This translation service guarantees that foreign authorities will accept your FBI history summary check for your international procedures.
What are the Costs to Apply for an FBI Background Check From the United States?
Paid at the time of the fingerprinting process.
What are the Main Authorized Fingerprinting Offices in the United States?
Authorized USPS offices for fingerprinting in the USA are strategically located in cities with the largest populations. If there is a USPS office in your city, you can access the services of the one closest to you by entering your ZIP code. Some of the cities that have these offices are:
| Fingerprinting in New York City, NY | Fingerprinting in Los Angeles, CA | Fingerprinting in Chicago, IL |
| Fingerprinting in Houston, TX | Fingerprinting in Phoenix, AZ | Fingerprinting in Philadelphia, PA |
| Fingerprinting in San Antonio, TX | Fingerprinting in San Diego, CA | Fingerprinting in Dallas, TX |
| Fingerprinting in San Jose, CA | Fingerprinting in Austin, TX | Fingerprinting in Jacksonville, FL |
| Fingerprinting in Fort Worth, TX | Fingerprinting in Columbus, OH | Fingerprinting in Charlotte, NC |
| Fingerprinting in Indianapolis, IN | Fingerprinting in San Francisco, CA | Fingerprinting in Seattle, WA |
| Fingerprinting in Denver, CO | Fingerprinting in Washington, D.C. | Fingerprinting in Boston, MA |
Get Our Help Finding Your Nearest USPS Office
When you apply for the FBI Background Check from the U.S. service with expatgroup.co, your designated consultant will help you determine your nearest USPS office, offering fingerprinting services.
To Sum Up
It is crucial to remember that obtaining your FBI Background Check with an apostille and official translation is an indispensable step for any international procedure if you reside in the U.S. At expatgroup.co, we understand the complexity of this process, and we offer you a comprehensive, fast, and secure solution. With our expert support, you can manage this federal document from anywhere in the United States, guaranteeing its validity for your Colombian visa, citizenship processes, marriages, or any other immigration procedure. Contact us and take the next step with the security of a professional service.
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