In an increasingly interconnected world, identity verification through biometric processes has become a fundamental requirement for numerous procedures. From visa applications and immigration documentation to professional licenses and other permits, many official and private entities require a reliable fingerprint record to ensure the security and authenticity of the information. The FD-258 fingerprint card has been established as the official document for the FBI criminal record application. However, its use is not limited only to this organization. Many institutions accept it as part of their requirements for various legal and administrative procedures.
Although the FD-258 is widely recognized, it is not automatically valid for all procedures or countries. That is why it is essential to know in which cases and before which entities it can be used. At expatgroup.co, we developed a specialized fingerprinting service with a high-precision scanner, which verifies and captures biometric information immediately and prints it on the FD-258 card. Many of our clients have successfully used this service for different international proceedings.
In order to provide clear and helpful information, we have created this guide to the global procedures for which it is possible to present the FD-258 fingerprint card. As new entities adopt its use, we will update this list to ensure you always have the most relevant and up-to-date information.
What is the FD-258 fingerprint card?
The FD-258 Fingerprint Card is the official form used by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) to collect and record fingerprints for criminal background checks. It serves as a key document in the FBI Background Check process, certifying whether an individual has a record in the agency’s criminal database.
This biometric form must be completed with clear and accurate fingerprints, either captured electronically or taken with ink and printed on the card. The fingerprints must meet the FBI’s quality standards and submission guidelines to ensure acceptance.
Although the FD-258 is specifically required for the FBI Criminal Records, its format and structure have been adopted in the American territory and some other procedures at the international level, which is why its use has been extended in different legal and administrative processes.
Fingerprint Card FD-258 for US procedures
Naturalization of foreign-born spouses in the USA
USCIS (U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services) requires Form FD-258 for specific immigration processes, such as naturalizing foreign-born spouses. Fingerprints must be taken on Form FD-258 and not on a foreign card, as the USCIS will not accept fingerprints on foreign documents.
Organizations wishing to be part of the HeadStart program
HeadStart is a U.S. government program designed to provide early education, nutrition, medical care, and support to low-income families with young children. To become a U.S. Head Start program, an organization must meet certain requirements and obtain funding from the federal government through the Office of Head Start (OHS). One of the requirements is a federal background check, which is conducted repeatedly at least 4 times before and after acceptance into the program.
Licenses for handling firearms and explosives
These licenses are issued at federal and local levels and regulated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). And while each region has its own processes, most of these licenses have the FD-258 requirement as a biometric verification document. It is important to note that some states do not require fingerprint verification.
Fingerprint Card FD-258 for US procedures
Background check processes and immigration authorities in various countries, such as the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and members of the European Union, each have their own biometric verification methods. And while the FD-258 form is primarily used for U.S. citizens and residents, it is also utilized in some international contexts, even though it is not yet accepted by these countries.
FBI Background Check Service
The FBI Background Check service of expatgroup.co, consists of intermediating with the FBI to obtain a digital background certificate for American citizens, that is valid before the Colombian government for visa applications from Colombia.
Step by step to complete the FD-258 Fingerprint Card in Colombia with expatgroup.co
For the FD-258 card to be valid, it is essential that the personal data and fingerprinting be completed accurately and following official guidelines. Learn how to access this process from Colombia.
Step 1: Click on the button below link and request an appointment for fingerprinting in Medellín.
In case you are outside of Medellin or cannot travel, you can access our traditional fingerprinting service with ink and paper in the cities of Bogota and surroundings, Santa Marta, Cartagena, Cali, Bucaramanga, Armenia, Pereira, Palmira, Ibague, Manizales, and Villa de Leyva.
Start NowStep 2: Attend the expatgroup.co office in Poblado on the selected date and time.
expatgroup.co office in Medellín, Colombia
Step 3: Our specialized consultant will guide you through the process, verifying the accuracy of the digital fingerprints in real-time.
The process of taking fingerprints in Colombia by expatgroup.co
Step 4: We will take your personal information to complete the FD-258 form and print the FD-258 card on letter size paper with a specialized printer.
During the fingerprinting process in the expatgroup.co's office
To sum up
To ensure that any application is valid, it is essential to comply with the specifications required by each entity and to ensure that the prints are taken as accurately as possible. The quality of the print and the correct completion of the form can make the difference in the acceptance of the documents and avoid delays in the process.
If you need to process your FD-258 fingerprint card, at expatgroup.co we offer a professional service with digital fingerprinting and high precision printing, ensuring that your application meets the required standards. We have experience in issuing this document for various international applications.
Contact us today and make sure your process goes smoothly.
Digital fingerprinting with an FBI-certified scanner
You can get a printed FD-258 Card in Medellín with an automatic fingerprint verification process to ensure that each fingerprint is correct.
FAQs about FAQs about Fingerprints in Colombia
The FD-258 fingerprint card is the official form used by the FBI to collect and record fingerprints for criminal background checks. It is commonly required for various legal and administrative procedures, such as immigration processes, professional licenses, and other identity verification purposes.
The FD-258 fingerprint card is primarily used for obtaining an FBI Background Check. However, it is also accepted for other legal and administrative processes. At expatgroup.co, we provide a fingerprinting service that ensures the correct capture and printing of fingerprints on the FD-258 card, making it valid for multiple international procedures.
Yes, the FD-258 card is a mandatory requirement to obtain the FBI Background Check, an essential document for U.S. citizens and residents applying for visas in Colombia.
Taking fingerprints on your own is possible but not recommended. Errors in the process can lead to rejection or delays. Professional fingerprinting services ensure compliance with FBI standards and other organizations that require it.
At expatgroup.co, we offer professional fingerprinting services in Medellín using a high-precision scanner. If you are outside Medellín, we also provide traditional ink and paper fingerprinting services in cities such as Bogotá, Santa Marta, Cartagena, Cali, and several others. Our experts ensure the prints meet official standards to avoid rejections or delays in your application.
Digital fingerprinting uses FBI-certified scanners, offering accurate and immediate verification. Traditional ink fingerprinting involves manual processing and is available in select cities.
Yes, expatgroup.co offers digital fingerprinting services using advanced FBI-certified scanners at expatgroup.co’s office in El Poblado, Medellín.
Yes, online appointment scheduling is available for digital fingerprinting in Medellín through expatgroup.co’s website.
expatgroup.co enables ink fingerprinting services in Bogotá, Cartagena, Barranquilla, Santa Marta, Cali, and Bucaramanga. These processes ensure compliance with legal standards, even outside Medellín.
While many countries have biometric verification processes, the FD-258 fingerprint card is accepted for specific procedures in some foreign jurisdictions. This includes professional licensing and visa applications requiring an FBI Background Check. If you need this document for an international process, expatgroup.co can help ensure it meets the requirements.
The FD-258 card is printed on standard letter-size paper (8.5 x 11 inches) and follows a strict format established by the FBI. The fingerprints must be captured clearly and accurately to meet the official requirements.
Why should I use expatgroup.co services?
No.1 Agency in Colombia
+10 years of experience
100% online services
Quotations, advice and procedures
Professional and bilingual assistance
Fingerprinting service
- Fingerprinting (Medellin)
- FD-258 fingerprint card
- Note: The service offered includes the card printed on normal letter paper.
Fingerprinting service and FBI Background Check
- Filling out the FBI form.
- Fingerprinting (Medellín).
- International shipment to USA.
- FBI criminal record certificate (digital).
- Note: To request fingerprints in other cities in Colombia, request a quote.
Contact us
