When applying for a visa or citizenship in a new country, an updated FBI Background Check is a crucial, often-mandatory document. This report verifies your criminal record and is required by many foreign authorities to ensure your background is clean. This blog explains why the FBI report is so important for international procedures and guides you through the process, helping you avoid common mistakes and delays.

Getting Visas and Citizenship Abroad: The FBI Background Check Requirement

Navigating the path to a new life abroad, whether for visas or citizenship abroad, often involves a crucial yet sometimes perplexing document: the FBI Background Check. This report is a fundamental requirement for U.S. citizens and residents, serving as a vital security measure for foreign governments. This comprehensive guide will demystify the FBI background check, explaining its importance for international relocation and providing clear steps to obtain it seamlessly from Colombia.

What is an FBI Background Check?

An FBI Background Check, officially known as an Identity History Summary Check, is a report generated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) that details an individual’s criminal history within the United States. It compiles information from various law enforcement agencies across the country, providing a comprehensive overview of arrests, convictions, and any other relevant criminal justice data that the FBI has on file. The report is based on fingerprints submitted by the applicant, ensuring accuracy and linking the criminal record directly to the individual.

In Colombia, as in many other countries such as Portugal, Italy, and Canada, the applicants for visas and citizenship must also provide a Background Check for the visas that require it as a mandatory document, but the government can request additional documentation for any visa category under discretionary authority, including criminal records. Even if your visa doesn’t require the Background Check as a mandatory requirement, if the Chancellery or the official entity in charge requests it, you must provide it as soon as possible.

Why do Foreign Authorities Request it for Visas and Citizenship Abroad?

Foreign governments request an FBI Background Check for several crucial reasons, primarily to ensure national security, public safety, and the integrity of their immigration and citizenship processes. The report provides a comprehensive overview of an individual’s criminal record, if any, within the United States. Here is a breakdown of the key reasons why foreign authorities deem this document essential:

National Security and Public Safety: This is paramount. By reviewing an applicant's criminal history, countries aim to prevent individuals with records of serious crimes, such as terrorism, violent offenses, or drug trafficking, from entering or residing within their borders. This helps protect their citizens and maintain internal security.
Immigration Integrity: The background check helps maintain the integrity of the immigration system. It ensures that applicants are not attempting to evade justice in their home country or are likely to engage in criminal activities abroad.
Economic Stability and Social Cohesion: Some countries consider certain financial crimes or a history of significant debt relevant, as these could potentially impact their economic stability or indicate a risk of future illicit activities. Furthermore, a clean record can demonstrate an applicant's respect for the rule of law, contributing to social cohesion within the host nation.
Verification of Information: It serves as a vital tool to verify the information provided by the applicant on their visa or citizenship application. Any discrepancies between the applicant's self-declaration and the FBI report can raise red flags and lead to further scrutiny or even denial.
Compliance with International Agreements: Many countries have bilateral or multilateral agreements regarding information sharing on criminal records, particularly concerning individuals seeking long-term residency or citizenship, such as Mutual Legal Assistance Treaties (MLATs) between countries like the US and Canada, and EU-wide data sharing pacts, including the UK's CLOUD Act agreement with the US. These agreements enable the exchange of names, biometrics, and other personal data to screen individuals for criminal history, thereby preventing threats and enhancing security for countries accepting new residents or citizens.

As an expat, the most important thing you need to understand is that the FBI Background Check is far more than just a bureaucratic checkbox; it’s a critical tool for foreign governments to ensure the safety, security, and integrity of their nations. Understanding its purpose and the nuances of how it’s interpreted abroad is essential for anyone embarking on the journey of obtaining a visa or citizenship in a new country.

FBI Background Check Service

Filling out the FBI form
Fingerprinting (Medellín and Bogotá)
International shipment to USA
FBI criminal record certificate
Authentication of the certificate through a public notary in the USA
Apostille certificate
Official translations into Spanish

What are the Common Situations Where You’ll Need an FBI Background Check?

An FBI background check is an important document for U.S. citizens and permanent residents, especially when dealing with various international procedures such as visas and citizenship abroad. Many foreign governments require this check to ensure the safety and security of their own citizens and to confirm the good standing of applicants. Here are some common situations in which you might need to get an FBI background check.

Applying for a Visa in Colombia or Other Countries:

If you are planning to relocate and establish legal residency in a foreign nation, nearly all countries will require an FBI background check as part of the visa application process. This helps them assess your eligibility and ensure you do not pose a risk to their community. The specific requirements can vary, but generally, they want to see a clean record to grant either a short or long-term stay. Colombia, for instance, has also adopted this requirement as a verification measure, following the example of other countries like Canada, Australia, the United States, and the United Kingdom, in order to allow the entry of visitors and foreigners who comply with the purposes and intentions that make the country a safer place for everyone.

Dual Citizenship Processes:

For individuals pursuing dual citizenship, particularly if one of the citizenships is with the United States, an FBI background check is almost always a prerequisite. This is especially true if you are applying for citizenship in a country that requires a comprehensive understanding of your legal history. It serves as a verification of your character and adherence to legal norms in your country of origin.

Work Permits or Long-Term Stays:

Whether you are accepting a job offer abroad or planning an extended stay for study, retirement, or other purposes, foreign governments frequently demand an FBI background check. This is to ensure that individuals seeking employment or prolonged residence are not a threat and meet the country’s criteria for responsible living and working. Many professions, especially those involving vulnerable populations (e.g., healthcare, education), will have particularly stringent requirements.

Other Legal or Official Procedures Abroad:

Beyond the aforementioned common situations, an FBI background check can be requested for a variety of other official and legal procedures in a foreign country. These may include:

Adoption processes: When adopting a child internationally, the background check is a critical component to ensure the safety and well-being of the child.
Marriage registration: Some countries may require it for foreign nationals marrying a local citizen.
Professional licensing: Certain regulated professions (e.g., law, finance, medicine) may necessitate a background check for foreign applicants seeking to practice in a new country.
Establishing a business: In some cases, foreign governments might require a background check for individuals looking to set up and operate a business within their borders.
Visa extensions or status changes: Even after initially entering a country, you might be asked for an updated background check if you are seeking to extend your stay or change your visa status.

What are the Key Requirements You Must Know Before Applying for an FBI Background Check?

If you’re applying for visas or citizenhip abroad, before embarking on the application process for an FBI background check, it’s crucial to understand the intricate requirements that govern its validity and acceptance, especially when dealing with international applications for visas or citizenship. Some of the key requirements might vary, but in most cases, these are the most important things to consider alongside the criteria of each national government. Keep in mind that overlooking any of these critical details can lead to significant delays or outright rejection of your application for visas and citizenhips abroad.

Recent Issuance and Validity Periods Abroad

One of the most frequently misunderstood aspects of an FBI background check is its validity. While the document itself doesn’t have an explicit expiration date, the recipient country or agency will often impose its own timeframes for what it considers “recent issuance.” This “validity period abroad” can vary significantly from one country to another, ranging from as short as three months to a year, or even longer in some rare instances. It is absolutely imperative to confirm the specific requirements of the country or institution you are applying to before you initiate your FBI background check.

Obtaining the document too early could mean it’s considered outdated by the time your application is reviewed, necessitating a costly and time-consuming re-application.

Apostille and Authentication Requirements with Translation

For an FBI background check to be legally recognized in most foreign countries, it often requires further authentication. This typically comes in two forms: an apostille or legalization/authentication through the relevant embassy or consulate, which must also be translated if it corresponds to a Colombian visa or any other country where Spanish is the official language.

Apostille: For countries that are signatories to the Hague Apostille Convention, an apostille is a simplified form of authentication. It’s a certificate issued by the U.S. Department of State that verifies the authenticity of the federal document (in this case, the FBI background check). This single certification is recognized by all member countries, eliminating the need for further diplomatic or consular legalization.
Authentication and Translation: For countries that are not part of the Hague Apostille Convention, a more complex legalization process is required. This involves a multi-step process where the document is first authenticated by the U.S. Department of State and then further legalized by the embassy or consulate of the destination country located in the United States. This process can be time-consuming and may involve additional fees, such as translation services, since the document is issued in English and its federal apostille is also in English. Thus, depending on the receiving country, remember that you must translate these apostilled official documents.

Fingerprints and the FD-258 Card

The cornerstone of an FBI background check is the submission of legible fingerprints. These fingerprints must be captured on a standard FD-258 Fingerprint Information Card, whether it’s through a certified digital fingerprinting device or the traditional fingerprint with ink.

While it is technically possible to self-administer fingerprints, it is highly recommended to have them taken by a trained professional. Many local law enforcement agencies, private fingerprinting services, or even some U.S. post offices offer this service, as it significantly reduces the risk of smudged or unclear prints, which can lead to the rejection of your application and subsequent delays. Having a professional take your fingerprints ensures that all required fields on the FD-258 card are accurately and completely filled out.

Fingerprinting Service

Digital fingerprinting with an FBI-certified scanner in Bogotá or Medellín. (The fingerprints are printed on letter-size paper in both cities using the FD-258 Format Fingerprint Card, which includes an automatic fingerprint verification process to ensure accuracy.)

Digital Submission vs. Mail Options

The FBI offers different avenues for submitting your background check application and fingerprints.

Digital Submission: If you submit a request electronically directly to the FBI, you may visit a participating U.S. Post Office location to submit your fingerprints electronically as part of your request. You may go to any of the participating U.S. Post Office locations nationwide upon completion of your request, considering that some additional fees may apply.

Once processed, you can choose to receive your certificate physically at a U.S. address or digitally, which you can receive efficiently by using our reputable partner, expatgroup.co’s service.

Mail Option: This is the best option if you’re processing your FBI Background Check from abroad. This requires mailing your completed FD-258 fingerprint card, along with the application form and payment, directly to the FBI’s CJIS Division.

How to Get an FBI Background Check from Colombia?

Obtaining an FBI background check from Colombia for visas or citizenship abroad is a straightforward process that can be managed with ease and efficiency. Whether you need the background check for employment, legal matters, or personal reasons, the procedure is designed to be fast and stress-free. By following the proper steps, you can secure your background check without unnecessary complications. With clear guidance and a little preparation, you’ll find that accessing this important document from abroad can be both efficient and straightforward. This is how you can obtain your FBI Background Check from Colombia, including fingerprinting services, through our reputable partner, expatgroup.co

1. Go to the FBI Background Check service at expatgroup.co website:

Search for the FBI Background Check option by clicking the “apply now” button, or click directly here:

2. Complete the form:

Select the FBI Background Check service you wish to apply for and choose between Bogotá and Medellín as your fingerprinting location.

NOTE: For now, fingerprinting in Bogotá will only be available through the acquisition of the FBI Background Check Standard or the complete package, which includes apostille and translation.

3. Complete the Information Field

In this information field, you will need to provide your first and last name, passport number, your cell phone number, email address, residential address in the United States, date of birth, place of birth, your status as a U.S. Citizen or Legal Permanent Resident, nationality and the last four digits of your Social Security number (optional)

4. Fill Data and Documents Field

In this field, you will need to provide your ender, race, hair color, eye color, height (Feet) and weight (pounds).

Additionally, you need to provide the reason for having your fingerprints taken and your passport

5. Fill Pay and Submit Field

In this field, you will need to provide your advisor’s name, the source when you met expatgroup.co, along with comments and observations regarding the service up to this point, and the status of your process verification.

6. Pay and Accept Terms and Conditions

To access the service, you must make your payment through the Stripe platform and agree to the terms and conditions.

7. Schedule Your Appointment

After receiving the confirmation email following payment, you will be provided with a link to schedule your appointment. Please select a date and time slot to attend in person.

8. Appointment Summary and Confirmation

The last step involves reviewing the appointment summary. You’ll need to provide your first name, last name, contact number, and email address. Be sure to confirm the terms and conditions before clicking the button to schedule your appointment.

9. Attend the Appoiment and the Agent Will Handle the FBI processing

You will arrive at the expatgroup.co offices in Bogotá or Medellín, where a specialized agent will receive you to take your fingerprints using a high-precision digital device approved by the FBI. Afterward, the specialized agent will be responsible for sending the Fingerprint Analysis Request and your fingerprints. Once received and approved by the FBI, your criminal background check will be digitally sent in approximately 15 days.

What are the Most Common Mistakes When Applying for an FBI Background Check?

Applying for an FBI background check is a crucial step for many visa and citizenship applications abroad, yet it’s fraught with potential missteps that can lead to significant delays or even outright rejection. Understanding and avoiding these common mistakes is paramount for a smooth and successful application.

Submitting Old or Incomplete Reports:

One of the most frequent errors is providing a background check report that is either outdated or missing critical information. Many immigration authorities have strict requirements regarding the recency of the report, often demanding it be issued within a specific timeframe (e.g., the last three months). An incomplete report, on the other hand, might lack a complete criminal history, personal identifying information, or proper authentication, making it invalid for official use. Always ensure the report is current and contains all necessary details as stipulated by the requesting body and the FD-258 Card.

Missing Apostille

For an FBI background check to be recognized internationally, it often requires an apostille or further legalization. An apostille is a certification issued by the U.S. Department of State that authenticates the document for use in countries that are part of the Hague Apostille Convention. For countries not party to this convention, a more extensive legalization process involving the embassy or consulate of the destination country may be necessary. Failing to obtain the correct form of authentication will render the background check unusable for most foreign visa or citizenship applications.

Incorrect Fingerprint Impression Process

The accuracy of fingerprints is fundamental for obtaining a valid FBI background check. Common errors include using an untrained professional, submitting blurry or unclear impressions, or failing to meet specific fingerprint card requirements (e.g., FD-258 card). Any discrepancy or poor quality print can lead to the rejection of the application, requiring a resubmission and adding considerable time to the process. It is highly recommended to have fingerprints taken by a trained and experienced professional using the correct forms.

Difficult to Capture Fingerprints

Even with a correct and professionally executed fingerprinting process, legibility can be compromised by skin conditions, injuries, scars, or amputations. Intrinsically “defective” or illegible fingerprints from the origin can result in application rejections, regardless of the quality of the fingerprinting process. It is crucial to consider these particularities, as they may require a different approach or additional documentation for the background check process and follow instructions by experts in this topic to overcome these issues.

Not Aligning with the Destination Country’s Requirements

Perhaps the most overlooked mistake is failing to thoroughly understand and adhere to the specific requirements of the destination country. While an FBI background check is a standard component, each country or even specific visa category may have unique stipulations regarding its format, content, validity period, and translation needs. Some countries might require additional documents, specific translations by certified agencies, or different levels of authentication beyond a standard apostille. Always consult the official guidelines of the target country’s immigration department or embassy before initiating the FBI background check process to ensure full compliance.

How Can We Help You Simplify the Process To Obtain an FBI Background Check from Colombia?

Obtaining an FBI background check from Colombia can be a complex process, but with the expertise of our trusted partner, expatgroup.co, it becomes much easier. Whether individuals are residing in Colombia or abroad, the team at expatgroup.co provides expert guidance tailored to specific needs, ensuring that clients fully understand every step of the journey. From fingerprinting to gathering the necessary documentation, they assist in completing everything accurately and efficiently.

Once an application is in process, expatgroup.co takes care of important details, including apostille services and the secure delivery of documents. This ensures that the FBI background check is valid and accepted internationally, offering clients peace of mind. With their combined efforts, individuals can navigate this process with confidence. We encourage anyone interested to reach out to expatgroup.co today to start simplifying the journey toward obtaining an FBI background check with ease and peace of mind!

FBI Background Check Service

Filling out the FBI form
Fingerprinting (Medellín and Bogotá)
International shipment to USA
FBI criminal record certificate
Authentication of the certificate through a public notary in the USA
Apostille certificate
Official translations into Spanish

Medellin Guru's comprehensive visa and passport series

The Colombian visa changes that went into effect in October 2022 were significant. So, on the Medellin Guru site, we have a comprehensive series of visa articles that are kept up-to-date and should answer most visa questions. These articles include:

We have looked in detail at the nine most popular Colombian visas used by foreigners:

Also, we have looked in detail at three additional Colombian visas, which are less popular for foreigners:

Rentista visa (annuity visa) – for foreigners with a fixed income
Beneficiary visa – for relatives of visa holders
Expertise visa – for professionals

In addition, we have a guide to Colombia tourist visas and how to extend a tourist visa. Also, we have a guide to renewing U.S. passports in Colombia and a guide to obtaining a Colombian passport.

Furthermore, we provide information about travel insurance that meets the insurance requirement for Colombian visas. And we have a guide to how apply for a cedula extranjeria in Colombia and a guide to using notaries in Medellín and Colombia. Finally, Medellin Guru has partnered with a visa agency to offer Colombia visa services.

All of our Colombia visa articles are up to date (2024) and constantly receive updates in 2025.

The Bottom Line: Getting Visas and Citizenship Abroad - The FBI Background Check Requirement

The FBI Background Check is a crucial, often mandatory document for obtaining visas and citizenship abroad, including in Colombia, serving to verify criminal records and ensure national security. Although it may seem complex due to requirements such as recent issuance, apostille/legalization, and accurate fingerprinting, understanding its purpose and common pitfalls is crucial. The process can be straightforward, whether applying online, by mail, or through an FBI-approved channeler. With the right guidance and by avoiding common mistakes, obtaining this document doesn’t have to be overwhelming. For assistance with your FBI Background Check from Colombia or abroad, you can contact expatgroup.co, which can simplify the process with their expertise, offering support from fingerprinting to document delivery and apostille services.