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On July 22, 2022, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued Resolution 5477, establishing some changes in Colombian visas. One of the new requirements is the certificate of judicial, criminal, or police record of the country of origin or residence.
As we know, this is new information for foreigners who wish to start the Colombian visa process. Here, we explain step-by-step how to request your rap sheet so you can comply with all the requirements and have a successful application.
What is the FBI Background Certificate?
The U.S. criminal record certificate is a document that certifies whether a person has a criminal, judicial or disciplinary record.
On the other hand, the certificate by the FBI lists specific data taken from fingerprints, with information related to arrest and arrest charges.
From where does the background certificate have to be issued?
The competent entity of your country of origin or residence must issue this certificate. For the case of the United States, we recommend requesting a background check from the FBI.
What are the initial characteristics of the FBI criminal record certificate?
Like all documents issued from abroad, the U.S. criminal record certificate issued by the FBI must be updated, apostilled, officially translated into Spanish, and with an issue date of less than three months
Likewise, all documents must have the following characteristics to be accepted and valid for visa processes:
Get your FBI Background Check, Apostille and Translations from Colombia with us!
At expatgroup.co, we help you obtain your FBI Background Check from Colombia, including Washington D.C. Apostille and Official Translations quickly and securely for your visa application. Click the button and get the digital background check certificate, including digital fingerprinting in Medellín, Bogotá, Barranquilla, and Cali.
What happens if there is a registered record in the report?
Although it is possible to try to apply for a Colombian visa, the applicant must keep in mind that with a registered record (even if it is expired), the Colombian government may decide to deny or unadmitted the application.
How to Get Your FBI Criminal Background Check?
To request your official FBI criminal background check (Identity History Summary Check), there are three official application methods available:
FBI-Approved Channeler (Expatgroup.co Service): The fastest and most reliable option. Processed through FBI-authorized channelers using digital biometrics (Live-Scan).
FBI Direct Online: Applied through the official FBI online portal, which still requires physical ink fingerprint cards to be mailed to the U.S.
FBI Direct by Mail (Traditional Method): A manual paper application and hard-copy ink fingerprint card submitted via standard international mail.
FBI Direct by Mail (Traditional Method):
- Click here
- Enter your e-mail address and select submit.
3. You will receive an e-mail with a link to complete the online application and a PIN.
Important: to review your request’s status and results, you’ll need the same link and PIN.
4. To know the status and result of your application, you must log in through the same link and use the same PIN. Click on the link, select continue and enter the Pin.
5. Accept the privacy terms and enter your data.
6. Enter your mailing address.
7. Select your preferences.
8. Send the card with fingerprints
- If you are in the U.S, you can go to a post office to have your fingerprints taken. See the list of participating U.S post offices.
- If you are outside the U.S, you must send your fingerprint card, using the form FD-258, along with a copy of the confirmation e-mail to:
9. Proceed with payment.
| Method | Processing Time | Fingerprint Method | Rejection Risk | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Expatgroup.co (Approved Channeler) | 3 – 10 Business Days | Digital Live-Scan | Minimal (100% Certified) | U.S. citizens in Colombia needing speed, safety, and precision |
| FBI Direct Mail | 3 – 5 Weeks | Paper Ink Card (Mailed) | Moderate to High | Budget-conscious users in the U.S. |
| FBI Direct Online | 4+ Weeks | Paper Ink Card (Mailed) | Moderate to High | Rare cases without internet access |
US FBI criminal record certificate via traditional mail
- Form: Complete the applicant information form.
- Fingerprinting: it is performed on a standard fingerprint form (FD-1164) or FD-258 check service with expatgroup.co in Colombia: fingerprinting service.
- Payment: make payment either by credit card payment form or by money order or certified check for USD 18 made payable to the Treasury of the United States.
- Mail the application form: send mail the signed applicant information form, fingerprint card, and payment for USD 18 to the following address:
- Response: if you do not have a record, you will receive, via mail, a document certifying that you have no prior arrests on file with the FBI, or you will receive a criminal history summary if you do have a record.
U.S. FBI Criminal Record Certificate Through an Approved Channeler
An FBI-approved channeler helps expedite the processing and delivery of Identity History Summary Checks. The standard process works as follows:
Application & Fingerprints: They receive your application along with your fingerprints (FD-258/FD-1164 form) and personal details.
Payment: You pay the required processing fee.
Submission: The selected channeler submits your fingerprint card and data directly to the FBI.
Report Issuance: They receive the official background check results from the FBI and securely deliver the report to you in PDF format.
Get Your FBI Background Check with Expatgroup.co
At Expatgroup.co, we make obtaining your FBI Background Check seamless and stress-free—even if you are currently living in Colombia. We handle the entire process from fingerprinting to final submission:
FBI-Certified Digital Live-Scan: Attend a quick 30-minute fingerprinting appointment in Medellín, Bogotá, Cali, Barranquilla, Santa Marta, Cartagena, or other major cities in Colombia. We capture your prints using an FBI-certified scanner to ensure 100% technical acceptance.
Fast-Track Processing: We submit your biometrics directly through an FBI-approved channeler, delivering your official digital report in as little as 3 business days (Express option) or 10 business days (Standard option).
Complete Legalization Package (Optional): We also handle your U.S. Federal Apostille (Washington, D.C.) and Certified Spanish Translations—providing a fully compliant, submission-ready package for Colombian visa applications or other legal matters.
👉 Book your fingerprinting session and order your FBI Report here:
FBI Background Check Service by expatgroup.co
In response to our clients’ concerns about the difficulties of applying for the FBI background certificate from Colombia and to make this process easier and stress-free, expatgroup.co has activated the FBI background check service. This service involves a streamlined process where we handle all the necessary paperwork and communication with the FBI, making it hassle-free for you.
Our service is not just for a select few, but for all American citizens who need to apply for their FBI certificate from Colombia. Whether it’s for Colombian visa applications or other purposes, we are here to assist you.
Rest assured, our service is comprehensive. It provides the FBI background certificate and includes an apostille for applications made from Colombia and the official translation into Spanish.
How to Apostille Your FBI Background Check?
To make an FBI Background Check (Identity History Summary) internationally valid, it must be legalized with a Federal Apostille. Because the FBI is a U.S. federal agency, this apostille is not issued by a state-level office, but directly by the U.S. Department of State (USDOS) Office of Authentications in Washington, D.C.
Process for Handling It Yourself
Obtain Your Official FBI Report: Get the original digital PDF version sent directly to you by the FBI (or an approved channeler).
Complete Form DS-4194: Fill out the Authentication Request form required by the U.S. Department of State.
Government Fee: Include a check or money order for $20 USD payable to the “U.S. Department of State”.
Mail the Package: Send your original printed PDF, completed form, payment, and a prepaid return trackable envelope to the Authentications Office in Sterling, VA / Washington, D.C.
Processing Time: Direct processing with the government via mail typically takes 3 to 5 weeks or longer.
Our Service: Get Your Washington D.C. Apostille with Expatgroup.co
If you want to avoid complicated logistics, international shipping hassle, and long wait times, Expatgroup.co handles the entire process for you:
100% Remote Process: All we need is the original PDF version of your FBI background check results.
Fast Turnaround: We act as intermediaries directly with the Secretary of State / USDOS in Washington D.C., delivering your official apostille within 10 to 15 business days.
Certified Translations: If you need your document translated for use in Colombia or another Spanish-speaking country, we also offer certified official translations (delivered in 2–5 business days).
Pricing: Starting at $150 USD.
👉 Order and request this service directly here:
Get Your Apostille In Washington DC With Expatgroup.co
The Washington DC Apostille service consists of intermediating with the Washington DC Secretary of State to obtain a digital apostille certificate, valid for visa applications from Colombia.
Trust your processes to experts
We know the implementation of the new Resolution 5477 brings many doubts among the expatriate community, as it comes with new requirements and restrictions that the previous resolution didn’t request.
Although this can be interpreted as a higher demand to acquire a Colombian visa, the truth is that it is still a process with high success rates if you meet all the criteria.
That is why we invite you to consult with experts to increase your chances of successfully obtaining your Colombian visa.
Get a quote now
We offer expert guidance on immigration processes, business opportunities, housing, and investment, ensuring you have all the resources for a successful and smooth transition to life in Colombia.
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15 Responses
Do I need the FBI Background check if my wife is Colombian? I have been bouncing back and forth between the US and Colombia and have decided to stay so I need to start the official process. Also what is the best way to fast-track my way to citizenship since my wife is Colombian? Thanks!
Hello Brad,
Thank you for reaching out. It’s a common situation to travel back and forth before deciding to settle, and you’ve asked two of the most important questions for starting that process correctly. Let’s walk you through it.
Regarding the FBI background check, this is a key point. While it’s not officially listed as a mandatory requirement for the spouse visa, in practice, the Colombian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MRE) has been consistently requesting the apostilled FBI check for all visa applications. To avoid any potential delays or requests for additional documents, we strongly recommend that you have it prepared.
Now, let’s talk about the fast-track to citizenship. Your marriage to a Colombian citizen does indeed open the most direct path. The speed comes from executing every step perfectly, as any error can set you back. The journey looks like this:
Marriage Registration: The first official step, assuming your marriage isn’t already registered here, is to register it in Colombia to make it legally valid in the country.
Migrant Visa: With the Colombian marriage registration, you can apply for the Spouse Visa.
Resident Visa: After holding the Spouse Visa for 3 uninterrupted years, you become eligible to apply for a Resident (R) Visa.
Citizenship: Once you have held the R visa for the required time, you can then begin the naturalization process to become a Colombian citizen.
As you can see, it’s a multi-stage process. The best way to ensure it moves as quickly as possible is to have flawless paperwork and timing at every step. If you’d like guidance navigating this path, our team has extensive experience managing the entire process from start to finish.
This guide on obtaining a U.S. FBI background check certificate is very clear and practical. For employers, adding a reputable HR background check service ensures you’re verifying identity and criminal history accurately.
So I have more than 5 years accumulated on pensionista visas and want to apply for R. Will I need a rap sheet?
Many thanks!
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has the discretionary power to request an FBI Background Check as part of your resident visa application. At Expatgroup.co, we don’t just help you with the FBI check—we assist you with the entire resident visa process, from start to finish, handling every request during the process.
If the background check is required, we can also handle the apostille and official translation, so your application complies with all requirements and is not delayed or rejected. Need help? Contact us today and let our expert team guide you every step of the way.
🌐 https://expatgroup.co/resident-visa/
🌐 https://expatgroup.co/fbi-background-check/
📲 https://wa.me/19547993692
Is an FBI background check necessary if I am renewing an M-1?
Am I going to renew the M-1 or do I change to a residence visa at this point?
Is an M-1 visa valid for two or three years? I keep reading three years online but mine is for two.
Thanks for your help.
Good afternoon J Manx. To apply for the R type visa accumulated time you don’t need a rap sheet even though you always have to prepared in case the colombian goverment requieres it. If you require help with your application, contact us through WhatsApp: https://wa.me/19547993692?text=transfer%20
Have a great day!
So I have more than 5 years accumulated on pensionista visas and want to apply for R. Will I need a rap sheet?
Many thanks!
Good morning. We hope you are having a great day. We are not worried about that since we have worked on building a specific way of writing, and we feel very confident that our content has our special and unique style. On the internet, you can find copyright licenses your all your original content to avoid plagiarism. Thanks a lot for your comment. Have a good rest of your day!
With havin so much written content do you ever run into any issues of plagorism or copyright violation? My site has a lot
of exclusive content I’ve either created myself or outsourced but it looks like a lot of it is popping it up all
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know any ways to help protect against content from being ripped off?
I’d genuinely appreciate it.
Hello, Jeremy. I hope you are doing well. Initially, the criminal record requirement is mandatory for annuitant/Rentista and Retirement visas. But, the Colombian government may request this requirement for any type of visa.
Remember that to apply for a type R visa. You must have accumulated three years with your type M visa.
I recommend you consult with our professionals to guide you in making the best decision. Regards https://expatgroup.tech/book-an-appointment/
Is an FBI background check necessary if I am renewing an M-1?
Am I going to renew the M-1 or do I change to a residence visa at this point?
Is an M-1 visa valid for two or three years? I keep reading three years online but mine is for two.
Thanks for your help.