FBI Background Check Apostille for the United Kingdom
Apostilled criminal-record certificate for United Kingdom visas & residency
In short: A visa or residency in the United Kingdom can require a criminal-record certificate. For U.S. applicants that is an FBI background check, apostilled by the U.S. Department of State - we run the Live Scan and coordinate the apostille.
When the United Kingdom asks for an apostilled background check
UK Skilled Worker, family and settlement applications can require a criminal-record certificate. For U.S. applicants that is the FBI Identity History Summary - a nationwide criminal-history check - authenticated with a U.S. Department of State apostille for use in the United Kingdom.
How we get it done - fast
- Live Scan fingerprinting on site. As an authorized FBI channeling agency in Naperville, we capture your fingerprints electronically and submit straight to the FBI.
- FBI results in about 1-8 hours instead of the 8-14 weeks a mail submission takes.
- We coordinate the apostille. Because the FBI report is a federal document, its apostille is issued by the U.S. Department of State - we prepare it correctly and guide you through (or handle) that step.
- Delivered and tracked, domestic or international.
Some consulates will accept a state-level police certificate - an Illinois State Police report, which we can apostille directly at the Illinois Secretary of State - while others require the nationwide FBI report. Tell us your visa and we'll confirm which one applies.
Need Illinois documents apostilled for the United Kingdom too? See Illinois apostille for the United Kingdom.
Why Efficient Biometrics
A licensed, insured Naperville office and an authorized FBI channeling agency - Live Scan fingerprints, same-day FBI results, and apostille coordination under one roof. Same-day and walk-in fingerprinting is often available. Call or text 847-436-5222.
Passport and visa photos for the United Kingdom
A visa for the United Kingdom normally requires a photo to that country's own specification (most commonly 35 × 45 mm), which differs from the standard U.S. 2 × 2-inch passport photo. Efficient Biometrics takes compliant passport and visa photos to the correct size in the same visit as your apostille or Live Scan, so you don't need a second trip. Exact requirements vary by visa type and consulate, so we shoot to the precise spec your application needs. Book passport and visa photos or call 847-436-5222.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who issues the apostille on an FBI background check for the United Kingdom?
The U.S. Department of State, because the FBI report is a federal document. Illinois cannot apostille a federal report. We prepare it and guide you through (or handle) the State Department step.
How fast can I get the FBI check itself?
Through our authorized FBI channeling (Live Scan), results are typically ready in about 1-8 hours, versus 8-14 weeks for a mail submission.
Does the United Kingdom require the report apostilled or legalized?
Apostilled. The United Kingdom is a Hague Apostille Convention member, so the FBI report is authenticated with a U.S. apostille rather than embassy legalization.
Do you take passport and visa photos for the United Kingdom?
Yes - we take compliant passport and visa photos to your destination's exact specification (commonly 35 x 45 mm, different from the U.S. 2x2-inch size) in the same visit as your apostille or Live Scan. Requirements vary by visa type and consulate. Book at efficientbiometrics.com/book.