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.
You can request your judicial records on the Colombian National Police website if you are a Colombian resident. Also, remember that the Colombian government may require your criminal records from your country of origin.
Sample of FBI Criminal Record Certificate
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:
Up-to-date date (date of issue cannot be older than three months).
Full and legible name of the client.
Signature and official logo of the entity, in this case, the FBI.
Please note that the application process may begin with the above certificate, but the Colombian government may request additional information at its discretion.
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.
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 apply for the FBI criminal record?
The FBI offers three ways to request your rap sheet:
- Online
- Mail.
- FBI-approved channeler.
Let’s get started!
Step-by-step to request FBI criminal records online
- 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.
To know the status and result of your application, you must log in through the same link and use the same PIN.
4. 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:
ATTN: ELECTRONIC SUMMARY REQUEST
1000 Custer Hollow Road
Clarksburg, WV 26306
9. Proceed with payment.
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.
US FBI criminal record certificate via traditional mail
1. Complete the applicant information form.
2. Fingerprinting: it is performed on a standard fingerprint form (FD-1164). This service may be available at your local police department.
3. 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.
4. Mail the application form: send mail the signed applicant information form, fingerprint card, and payment for USD 18 to the following address:
FBI CJIS Division – Summary Request
1000 Custer Hollow Road
Clarksburg, WV 26306
5. 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.
US FBI Criminal Record Certificate through approved channeler
These approved channelers help expedite the delivery of identity history checks, and it works as follows:
- They receive your application, along with relevant fingerprints and personal data.
- You pay the fee to them.
- The selected channeler sends your fingerprint card and necessary information to the FBI.
- They receive the result of the background check and share it with you.
You can check the list of the different channelers authorized by the FBI 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.
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.
What are the benefits to get the FBI criminal records with expatgroup?
Among the numerous advantages of utilizing the expatgroup FBI background check service, we would like to highlight the following key benefits.
Fingerprinting
Fingerprinting is required for obtaining an FBI background check certificate. Our service includes capturing your fingerprint with an authorized and specialized partner in our Medellin office.
Experience
We have over 10 years of experience in immigration and legal procedures for foreigners in Colombia. Therefore, we see partners with significant experience and expertise in their work to provide the expatriate community with high-quality service
Cost
We offer competitive pricing, ensuring cost-effectiveness is a key benefit within our comprehensive service.
How to apostille your FBI criminal record?
Navigating the intricacies of obtaining an FBI background check for your visa application from Colombia can be daunting, especially when you’re dealing with authentication and translation requirements. While you can attempt this process independently, it often proves challenging, particularly if you’re not in the United States. Our specialized apostille service simplifies this entire procedure for you.
We handle the authentication through a US public notary, provide a digital apostille certificate, and offer official translations into Spanish (up to 3 pages included). Our expert team ensures accuracy and efficiency, allowing you to focus on enjoying your life in Colombia. At the same time, we take care of the paperwork.
Washington DC Apostille Service
The Washington DC Apostille service of expatgroup.co, consists of intermediating with the the Washington DC Secretary of State to obtain a digital apostille certificate, that is valid before the Colombian government 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.
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
FBI Background Check service
- 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.
FBI Background Check full service
- Filling out the FBI form.
- Fingerprinting (Medellín).
- International shipment to USA.
- FBI criminal record certificate (digital).
- Authentication of the certificate through a public notary in the USA.
- Washington DC Apostille (digital certificate)
- Washington DC Apostille (Official translation x1)
- FBI report (Official translation x1)
- Official translations *Each additional page has a cost of 15 USD/page.
- Note: To request fingerprints in other cities in Colombia, request a quote.
Contact us
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.
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.co/english/book-an-appointment/
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
over the internet without my authorization. Do you
know any ways to help protect against content from being ripped off?
I’d genuinely appreciate it.
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!
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 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!