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FBI Background Check Apostille

Updated: Feb 6, 2023



Who Needs An FBI Background Apostille


The primary reason background checks are conducted is usually to check an individual’s criminal history. FBI background checks are often required for U.S. citizens looking to travel or work abroad. An FBI background check report contains a list of all public federal misdemeanor and felony convictions. The report can also include basic information about the charge, conviction, and any incarceration if applicable. Convictions that have been expunged or sealed by a judge are not part of your official criminal history and will not show up on your FBI background check report; however, any outstanding warrants will. An FBI Background Check Apostille must accompany any FBI background check report presented in a foreign country.


U.S. citizens are often asked to present a “certificate of good conduct” or “lack of a criminal record” for a variety of reasons when traveling abroad, including adoption, school attendance, employment, etc. U.S. law enforcement authorities are usually not familiar with such a procedure because it’s not a common request in the United States. FBI background checks are commonly used by U.S. citizens who are looking to obtain proof of their lack of a criminal record. An FBI background check that is obtained to be used overseas must be Apostilled in order to be considered valid.


FBI Background Check Apostille


When traveling overseas, certain countries require an FBI Background Check Apostille, which is a conventional FBI background check report with additional certification. An official FBI background check report can be obtained from the Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). The CJIS manages all criminal justice information and is able to provide accurate and timely information to local, state, federal, and international law enforcement agencies, the private sector, academia, and other governmental agencies.


Travelers entering countries that are part of the "Hague Convention" must have their FBI background check report Apostilled before entering. For countries not a party to the Hague Apostille Convention, a certification can be placed over the FBI seal of your report. There is no margin for error with the Authentication or Apostille process. Mistakes made during the process of obtaining an FBI Background Check Apostille can be both costly and time-consuming should you have to start all over again. To eliminate any room for error it’s always best to outsource the processing of such important documents. American Apostille & Notary Services is very experienced with these types of documents and can request FBI Apostille services on your behalf.


FBI Background Check Apostille Countries


FBI Background Check Apostilles are always required in Spain, South Korea, Portugal (Portuguese Golden Visa), France, and Russia, and are frequently required in Colombia, the Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Mexico, Argentina, and other parts of Latin America. If in doubt, obtain an Apostille from the FBI. Using the FBI report Apostille services from American Apostille & Notary Services can shorten the time it takes to receive an Apostille by ten to fourteen days. In 2021, our typical turnaround time was 14 to 28 days.

Countries


FBI Background Check Apostille Process:

  • Step 1: Obtaining your FBI report or FBI background check is the initial step. This is done by making contact with a Channeler who has been approved by the FBI.

  • Step 2: You will receive your background check findings by email in PDF format from the FBI Channeler. The PDF file should be saved to your computer once downloaded.

  • Step 3: Your FBI Background Check Apostille can now be ordered online.

Here at American Apostille & Notary Services, we receive many requests from clients needing FBI Criminal Background Checks for studying abroad, residency abroad, or a variety of other consular visa processing needs. Let our office save you time and money with the preparation of your FBI Criminal Background Check Apostille. Contact us today 848-467-7740 for a free consultation.


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