FBI Background Check for Non-U.S. Citizens and Visa Holders
Not a citizen or green-card holder? Here is how you get your FBI rap sheet — and how we handle it for you
In short: If you are not a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident, an FBI-approved channeler can't process your request. You must ask the FBI directly using an Identity History Summary request (the online eDO). We roll your prints on an FD-1164 card, complete the paperwork with you, and send it to the FBI. We can also arrange the U.S. Department of State apostille.
Many people learn this the hard way. They book a "fast FBI background check", show up with a passport and visa, and are told the service is for U.S. citizens and green-card holders only. That isn't the provider being difficult. The FBI only lets its approved channelers serve U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents located in the United States.
If you are in the U.S. on an H-1B, L-1, F-1, J-1, O-1, a visitor visa, or any status other than citizen or permanent resident, you can still get your FBI Identity History Summary (often called a rap sheet or FBI police certificate). You just have to request it directly from the FBI.
Who this is for
- Work-visa holders (H-1B, L-1, O-1, TN, E-2 and others) moving home or onward to another country
- International students and exchange visitors (F-1, J-1) applying for a visa or job abroad
- Anyone applying for permanent residency or a long-stay visa in another country, such as Canada, Australia, New Zealand, the UK or Europe, who needs a police certificate covering their time in the U.S.
- Foreign adoption, international teaching or nursing registration, and similar overseas applications
- Anyone who simply wants to see what the FBI holds on them
Not for U.S. employment or licensing. If a U.S. employer, school or licensing board asked for your fingerprints, they will give you their own instructions, and that is usually a Live Scan with an agency code. That is a different service, and we do that too.
How the direct-to-FBI route works
- Online request (eDO). You submit an Identity History Summary request on the FBI's Electronic Departmental Order site and pay the FBI's $18 fee.
- Fingerprint card. Your prints are rolled on an FBI FD-1164 card, which must be clear enough for the FBI to classify.
- Mail it in. The card goes to the FBI's CJIS Division in West Virginia along with your request confirmation.
- FBI processes it. Plan on about 3–14 weeks from start to finish, including mail time.
- Result issued by the FBI. You receive either a letter saying no record was found or a copy of your record.
What Efficient Biometrics does for you
The steps are simple on paper, but most delays come from small mistakes: smudged or faint prints, a name that doesn't match the passport, a missing signature, or the wrong card. We handle the whole thing:
- Fingerprints rolled on FD-1164 by trained technicians. Every impression is checked before you leave.
- Paperwork done with you. We complete the eDO request with you, so your details match your passport exactly.
- We send it to the FBI so you don't have to work out what goes in the envelope.
- Apostille add-on. If your result is going to a Hague Convention country, we can arrange the U.S. Department of State apostille. See the by-country guide for visa-specific notes.
What to bring
- Your valid passport. A Driver's license can be a second ID, but bring the passport.
- Your current U.S. mailing address and email
- Any instructions from the embassy, immigration authority or employer abroad that asked for the check
You don't need a U.S. Social Security number. The FBI only asks for it if you want it shown on the result.
Ready to start? Call or text 847-436-5222 before you come in so we can confirm a time and tell you exactly what to bring. Ask about pricing for the full service, and about adding a U.S. Department of State apostille if your result is going overseas.
Related guides
- FBI background check for non-U.S. citizens
- What is the FBI eDO (Electronic Departmental Order)?
- Why FBI channelers can't serve visa holders
- FD-1164 fingerprint cards: avoiding an FBI rejection
- FBI background check apostille
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a non-U.S. citizen get an FBI background check?
Yes. Anyone can request their own FBI Identity History Summary directly from the FBI. What non-citizens can't use is an FBI-approved channeler, because channelers may only serve U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents located in the U.S.
I am on an H-1B visa. Can I use the 1-8 hour channeling service?
No. H-1B and other visa holders aren't eligible for channeling. You need the direct FBI request (eDO) with an FD-1164 fingerprint card, which we prepare and send for you.
How long does it take?
Plan on about 3-14 weeks from start to finish, including mail time, and more time if you also need an apostille.
Do I need a Social Security number?
No. A Social Security number is optional on the FBI request. It is only shown on your result if you choose to include it.
How much does it cost?
The FBI charges an $18 fee. Our service covers fingerprinting on FD-1164, preparing the request, and sending it to the FBI. Call or text 847-436-5222 for a quote, including the apostille add-on if you need one.
Can you apostille the FBI result?
Yes, as an add-on. An FBI report is a federal document, so the U.S. Department of State issues the apostille, not Illinois. We coordinate that for you.