Leaving the U.S.? Getting Your FBI Police Certificate on a Visa
For H-1B, F-1, L-1 and other visa holders applying for residency, a visa or a job in another country
In short: Many countries ask anyone who lived in the U.S. for a set period to provide an FBI Identity History Summary. If you're on a visa, you request it directly from the FBI (eDO + FD-1164 card), not through a channeler. Start early, and check whether your destination also needs an apostille.
Immigration authorities in many countries ask for a police certificate from every country you lived in for a certain period. For the United States, that certificate is the FBI Identity History Summary. Requirements vary by country and visa type, so check the instructions from the authority that asked for it.
Common situations
- Applying for permanent residency in Canada, Australia or New Zealand after working in the U.S.
- Moving to the UK or a European country on a work, family or long-stay visa
- Returning home to India, the Philippines, Latin America and elsewhere for jobs, professional registration or a new visa
- Teaching, nursing or healthcare registration abroad
- International adoption
Why your visa status matters
Fast FBI channeling services are limited by the FBI to U.S. citizens and green-card holders. On a visa, you use the direct FBI request instead. See why channelers can't serve visa holders.
Plan the timing
- Freshness rules. Many authorities only accept a certificate issued within a few months. Check yours before you start, so it doesn't expire before you submit.
- FBI processing. Plan on about 3–14 weeks from start to finish, including mail time.
- Apostille time. If your destination wants an apostille, add time for the U.S. Department of State step.
- Before you move. Get fingerprinted while you're still in the U.S. Arranging acceptable prints from abroad is often harder.
Does it need an apostille?
Hague Convention countries often ask for an apostille on the FBI result. Because it's a federal document, the apostille comes from the U.S. Department of State, not Illinois. We can arrange it as an add-on. See our FBI apostille by country guide. Non-Hague countries need embassy legalization instead.
How we help
- Fingerprints rolled on an FBI FD-1164 card at our Naperville office
- The FBI eDO request completed with you, matching your passport
- The card sent to the FBI on your behalf
- Optional U.S. Department of State apostille 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
Does Canada or Australia accept an FBI Identity History Summary as a police certificate?
The FBI Identity History Summary is the U.S. police certificate many immigration authorities ask for. Always confirm the current requirement in your own application instructions.
How early should I start?
Check how recent your destination needs the certificate to be, then work backwards. Allow time for FBI processing, mail, and an apostille if one is required.
Can I do this after I leave the U.S.?
Requests can be made from abroad, but getting acceptable fingerprints overseas is often harder. If you can, get fingerprinted before you move.
Will you apostille it for me?
Yes, as an add-on. The U.S. Department of State apostilles FBI results, and we coordinate it. Call or text 847-436-5222 for a quote.