fbi-background-checks-visa-immigration

FBI Background Checks for Visa & Immigration (2025 Guide)

International Document Processing
June 02, 2025•2 min read

Why Are FBI Background Checks Required for Travel or Relocation?

Many countries require a clean criminal record before granting a visa, residency permit, work authorization, or citizenship. That’s why the FBI Identity History Summary (commonly referred to as a federal background check) is a crucial part of the immigration and visa application process.

If you're using this document outside the U.S., it must be apostilled or legalized, depending on the destination country.

What Is an FBI Background Check?

An FBI Identity History Summary provides a record of your criminal history (if any) based on fingerprint submissions. It’s often requested for:

  • Long-term visa applications (student, work, retirement)

  • Residency or dual citizenship requests

  • Marriage and family-based immigration

  • Foreign employment or volunteer positions

  • Study abroad or international internships

Apostille vs. Embassy Legalization: What’s Required?

  • If your destination is a Hague Convention country (e.g., Portugal, Italy, South Korea), you’ll need an apostille on your FBI background check.

  • If your destination is a non-Hague country like the UAE, you’ll need embassy legalization, which includes federal authentication and consular certification.

Always confirm the requirements with the foreign consulate or visa authority before starting the process.

Step-by-Step: How to Get Your FBI Background Check for International Use

  1. Request Your FBI Background Check
    Apply online through an approved FBI channeler or directly with the FBI. You’ll submit fingerprints electronically or via mail.

  2. Choose Digital or Hard Copy
    For apostille or legalization, request a hard copy on FBI letterhead. If you already have a digital copy (PDF), we can print and process it for you.

  3. Translation (If Needed)
    Some countries require your FBI check and apostille to be translated. We offer certified and sworn translations in Spanish, French, Portuguese, and more.

  4. Confirm the Country’s Requirements
    Hague = Apostille. Non-Hague (like the UAE) = Embassy Legalization.

  5. Submit for Apostille or Legalization
    We can apostille your background check in 24–48 hours. Embassy legalization takes longer due to multi-step processing.

How Long Does It Take?

FBI Background Check (Online): 24-48 hours

Apostille Processing: 2-3 Weeks

Embassy Legalization

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Javianna J Nelson is the Founder & Owner of Porchlight Group Apostille & Global Documents. With over 5 years of experience, she provides nationwide support for individuals, businesses, and legal professionals who need U.S. documents prepared for international use. Her services include apostilles, embassy legalization, FBI background checks, and certified translations. Known for her accuracy, speed, and professionalism, she is committed to making cross-border document processing simple and stress-free.

Javianna J Nelson

Javianna J Nelson is the Founder & Owner of Porchlight Group Apostille & Global Documents. With over 5 years of experience, she provides nationwide support for individuals, businesses, and legal professionals who need U.S. documents prepared for international use. Her services include apostilles, embassy legalization, FBI background checks, and certified translations. Known for her accuracy, speed, and professionalism, she is committed to making cross-border document processing simple and stress-free.

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