FBI BACKGROUND CHECK • APOSTILLE

FBI Background Check Apostille for Employment, Visas & Dual Citizenship

Porchlight Group Apostille & Global Documents processes your FBI Identity History Summary, coordinates fingerprinting nationwide, secures your Federal Apostille through the U.S. Department of State, and returns your documents ready for international use. Whether you need an FBI Background Check Apostille for employment, visas, residency, dual citizenship, adoption, or study abroad, we manage the entire process from start to finish.

FBI BACKGROUND CHECK • APOSTILLE

FBI Background Check Apostille for Employers, Law Firms & HR Teams

Porchlight Group Apostille & Global Documents helps HR departments, immigration law firms, global mobility teams, universities, healthcare organizations, and multinational employers obtain FBI Background Check Apostilles for employees seeking international employment, work visas, professional licensing, overseas assignments, and global relocation.

250+ Languages

Certified Translations

50 States

Nationwide Coverage

B2B

Attorney & HR Trusted

INTERNATIONAL USE

Does Your FBI Background Check Need an Apostille or Embassy Legalization?

Your destination country determines which authentication process is required for your FBI Background Check.

HAGUE CONVENTION COUNTRIES

If your destination country is a member of the Hague Apostille Convention, your FBI Background Check will require a federal apostille.

NON-HAGUE COUNTRIES

If your destination country is not a member of the Hague Convention, your FBI Background Check will require embassy legalization.

HOW IT WORKS

Three simple steps. Fully managed.

1. Get a Quote

Request a free quote. We'll confirm what’s needed for your FBI background check.

2. Submit Fingerprints

Schedule live scan fingerprinting with us to complete your FBI application.

3. Receive & Apostille

Get your results by email or mail. Apostille services available upon completion.

WHO WE SERVE

Built for individuals and the teams that support them.

For Individuals

  • Employment abroad

  • Dual citizenship

  • Foreign residency

  • Study abroad

  • International adoptions

  • Visa applications

For Employers & Legal Teams

  • Law Firms & Corporate Legal Teams

  • HR & Global Mobility Teams

  • Universities & Education

  • Healthcare Organizations

  • Export, Freight & Logistics

  • Manufacturing & Engineering

COMMON QUESTIONS

What you need to know before you start.

What is an FBI Background Check?

An FBI Background Check, also known as an FBI Identity History Summary, is an official federal report issued by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). It contains information about an individual's criminal history, if any, based on fingerprint records maintained by the FBI.

This document is commonly required for immigration, dual citizenship, work visas, international employment, adoption, professional licensing, and studying abroad.

How long does it take to get an FBI Background Check and federal apostille?

FBI application: 24-48 business hours. Federal apostille: 12-15 business days.

Note: Federal apostille processing is set by the U.S. Department of State and cannot be expedited.

How long is an FBI Background Check valid?

There is no official expiration date for an FBI Background Check. However, most foreign governments, employers, universities, and immigration authorities require the report to have been issued within the previous 3 to 6 months.

Requirements vary by country and purpose, so we recommend obtaining your FBI Background Check shortly before submitting your application.

Do all countries require an apostille for an FBI Background Check?

No. Requirements depend on the destination country.

If the country is a member of the Hague Apostille Convention, your FBI Background Check will typically require a federal apostille. If the destination country is not a Hague Convention member, the document usually requires embassy or consular legalization instead.

If you're unsure which process applies, we'll help determine the correct authentication based on your destination country.

Can I order an FBI Background Check if I live outside the United States?

Yes. We assist U.S. citizens, permanent residents, and eligible individuals living around the world.

Whether you're already overseas or preparing to relocate internationally, we can help coordinate your FBI Background Check, federal apostille, and any certified or sworn translations required for your destination country.

What's the difference between an FBI Background Check and a police background check?

An FBI Background Check is a federal criminal history report issued by the FBI using nationwide fingerprint records.

A police background check is issued by a local or state law enforcement agency and only reflects records within that jurisdiction.

Many foreign governments specifically require an FBI Identity History Summary, so a local police background check cannot usually be substituted.

Ready to Get Your FBI Background Check?

Request a free quote in minutes. We'll confirm your document requirements, processing timeline, and handle your FBI Background Check and federal apostille from start to finish.