Fingerprinting in Colombia is an important step in various legal and immigration processes, including obtaining an FBI background check. As an expat, you must ensure that your fingerprints are captured accurately to avoid any rejections and successfully complete the necessary procedures.

How to Get Fingerprinting Service in Colombia as an Expat

Fingerprinting is a crucial step for various migratory and legal processes, such as obtaining an FBI background check certificate, which is often required for different legal, immigration, or professional purposes. As an expat in Colombia, you may also need to provide your fingerprints for similar reasons. However, navigating the fingerprinting process can be daunting, as many expats are unsure how to ensure their fingerprints meet the required standards and avoid rejection by government authorities or requesting entities.

That’s why, in partnership with our expert partner expatgroup.co, we want you to understand everything about this process so you can feel confident and have enough knowledge in advance to ask for the service, considering that they provide this essential service in some cities in Colombia, ensuring an authorized and specialized fingerprinting service to ensure the accuracy and authenticity of your prints.

What is the Fingerprinting service?

Fingerprinting service is the process of capturing the unique patterns of an individual’s fingerprints for identification and background verification purposes. Every person’s fingerprints are distinct, making them a reliable method for confirming identity.

In Colombia, this process is utilized in various contexts, including access control and security, personal identification, forensic investigations, surveillance, and the justice system. It is also important in medical and scientific applications, education, labor verification, fraud prevention, identity theft issues, military operations, and cases involving missing persons. This makes fingerprinting an essential step in many legal and administrative processes.

If you need fingerprints for a background check or any of the purposes mentioned above, we recommend using the professional fingerprinting services provided by expatgroup.co. With services available in multiple cities across Colombia, they ensure a secure, efficient, and professional experience, helping you easily meet this critical requirement.

Fingerprinting Service

Traditional fingerprinting with the ink and paper method (if you are in Bogotá, Cartagena, Barranquilla, Santa Marta or Cali)
Digital fingerprinting with an FBI-certified scanner (The fingerprints are printed on letter-size paper in Medellín using the FD-258 Format Fingerprint Card, which includes an automatic fingerprint verification process to ensure accuracy.)

Why is Fingerprinting Important?

Fingerprinting is essential for ensuring authorities securely and accurately process your immigration status, employment, and identity in Colombia. For expats, having your fingerprints taken by a professional service can significantly impact the success of your applications. Here’s why fingerprinting is crucial:

1.Unique Identification

Fingerprints are unique to each individual, making them one of the most reliable methods for verifying identity.

2. Security & Trust

In legal or professional contexts, fingerprinting helps verify identity to ensure that the right person is being checked or approved. It’s commonly required for things like employment, background checks, immigration matters, or gun permits.

3. Employment Requirements

Certain jobs or professional certifications as an expat in Colombia or a digital nomad looking for a remote job in the U.S. may require fingerprinting as part of the hiring process.

4. Criminal Record Checks

For an FBI background check, fingerprints are used to search the FBI’s criminal database to see if a person has any criminal history. This helps authorities verify your identity and check for any criminal history or legal issues both in Colombia and internationally. It’s a standard part of the application process to ensure that foreign nationals meet the country’s legal and security requirements.

No matter your specific situation, the most important factor is ensuring that your fingerprints are taken correctly in Colombia. Using a professional service guarantees accuracy and comfort, allowing you to confidently meet this crucial requirement and avoid potential delays in your legal and personal processes.

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How can I use fingerprinting services in Colombia?

If you need to obtain your fingerprints in Medellín or other cities in Colombia, you can rely on expatgroup.co for professional assistance. They have the necessary tools and software to offer this service effectively in the following way:

Schedule your appointment with expatgroup.co
Traditional and Electronic method for fingerprinting
If you are in Bogotá, Cartagena, Santa Marta, or Cali, you will have access to your fingerprints taken using the traditional method with ink and formal paper. Meanwhile, in Medellín, the electronic fingerprint scanning process takes place at their offices. There, you will find a specialized, FBI-certified scanner where you will place each finger individually to capture your fingerprints. The machine will emit sounds to guide you on when to move your finger, ensuring that the entire fingerprint is captured accurately. A professional will be present to accompany you throughout the process, providing instructions for each step, whether it involves electronic scanning in Medellín or the ink-based method applied in other cities.
Is one method better than the other?
In Medellín, you won't have to worry about getting ink on your fingers with the new fingerprinting scess of collecting your fingerprints is now easier and faster. Rest assured, the quality of both methods used for the service is guaranteed.
Attend the assigned appointment
You will be able to see for yourself the quality of the digital impression or the ink-based method, which will considerably impact the processes for which you require your fingerprints.
Fingerprinting related to FBI Background Check
Related to the FBI Background Check, through FBI-certified scanner software or the ink-based method, you will have your fingerprints stored adequately from the categorization of your personal data, allowing the proper and correct export of your fingerprints in the appropriate format. A comprehensive list of what a fingerprint record will inform about a person is as follows: Name, aliases (if relevant), residence, citizenship, place of birth, date of birth, sex, race, height, weight, eye color, hair Color, social security number.
End of the appoiment
After this process, you will immediately receive your printed fingerprints, duly printed and filled out.

What is the usual process for fingerprinting in Colombia?

For those expats in Medellin, Bogotá, Cartagena, Santa Marta, and Cali, our expert partner expatgroup.co provides a seamless and convenient fingerprinting service that covers the process perfectly. They also offer the flexibility to request quotes for services in other cities by scheduling your appointment in advance—this will help ensure everything goes smoothly.

Each appointment lasts approximately 30 minutes. With the exception of Medellín, each office is equipped with the necessary tools and formats, and fingerprinting is done using ink. Therefore, it’s important to plan accordingly. In Medellín, fingerprints are taken using a certified scanner, which takes about 15 minutes.

If you have any disabilities or special requirements, please mention them in advance. This way, expatgroup.co can customize your experience to ensure that your fingerprinting process is both efficient and comfortable.

What is the process if the fingertips are for the FBI Background Check?

FBI fingerprinting is an essential step in various identification processes. The standard method involves using the official fingerprint card, Form No. FD-258. This card, typically printed on standard letter-size paper, must be handled carefully to ensure that all required details are captured accurately, either through ink or an FBI-certified scanner in Medellín.

Our expert partner, expatgroup.co, offers a comprehensive service tailored for U.S. citizens and foreigners who have lived in the U.S. and are interested in applying for a visa. This service facilitates obtaining the FBI Background Check from Colombia. It includes fingerprinting in Medellín, translation into Spanish, and the apostille process. If you would like to get a quote for your FBI Background Check online, click the green button below, and we will refer you to our partner, expatgroup.co, at no additional cost.

FBI Background Check Service

Filling out the FBI form
Fingerprinting (Medellín)
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

Does the FBI accept digital fingerprinting?

The FBI offers tips for success regarding fingerprinting submissions. Fingerprints can be accepted in two ways: either taken with ink or through a live scan. If you choose the live scan method, it is crucial to obtain a hard copy of your fingerprints. This hard copy must be mailed to the FBI as part of the fingerprint submission. Alternatively, you can work with a specialized agency that handles all of these steps for you.

In which cases can fingerprints for an FBI Background Check be rejected?

Fingerprinting in Colombia is an essential process for identity verification, but there are certain circumstances where fingerprints may be rejected. These issues can typically arise due to the quality of the fingerprints or technical problems during the capture process. Below are the most common reasons for fingerprint rejection:

1. Poor Quality of Fingerprints

One of the most common reasons for rejection is the poor quality of the fingerprints. If the prints are smudged, faint, or unclear, they may not meet the required standards for identification.

2.Technical Errors During the Fingerprinting Process

Errors during the fingerprint capture process, such as incorrect placement of the fingers, can result in incomplete or inaccurate prints, leading to rejection.

3. Physically Damaged Fingerprints

Burns, scars, or frequent exposure to chemicals can physically damage the fingers, making it difficult to obtain clear and usable prints. In these cases, fingerprint rejection is more likely.

4. Duplicates or Inconsistencies in the Record

If the fingerprint record contains duplicate entries or inconsistencies in the data, it may be flagged and rejected during verification.

5. Issues with the Submission Format

Sometimes, fingerprints are rejected due to issues with the format of the digital file or incorrect submission during the processing. Ensuring proper formatting is crucial to avoid rejection.

6. Problems with the Applicant’s Identity

If there are discrepancies or confusion regarding the identity of the person being fingerprinted, such as mismatched personal information, the fingerprints may not be accepted.

7. Age-Related Challenges

Older individuals often face difficulties with fingerprinting, as the clarity of their prints can deteriorate over time. For elderly individuals, the probability of rejection increases due to the diminished legibility of their fingerprints.

That’s why when getting your fingerprints taken, you should look for a service that offers you the highest quality standards, with professionals supervising and guiding you through the entire fingerprinting process, ensuring that your experience is not only the best but the right one.

Fingerprinting Service

Traditional fingerprinting with the ink and paper method (if you are in Bogotá, Cartagena, Barranquilla, Santa Marta or Cali)
Digital fingerprinting with an FBI-certified scanner (The fingerprints are printed on letter-size paper in Medellín using the FD-258 Format Fingerprint Card, which includes an automatic fingerprint verification process to ensure accuracy.)

What to do in cases of skin diseases or amputations?

In cases involving dermatitis or other health issues, it is essential for the staff to request a medical certificate from the client that documents the condition. This certificate must be included with the fingerprint submission.

Additionally, in the event of an amputation, there are specific guidelines that must be adhered to when completing the fingerprint forms. These guidelines detail the necessary specifications that are applied to the prints after they have been created, ensuring that the FBI is informed of the reasons behind any missing fingerprints. This thorough process helps maintain clarity and integrity in the documentation submitted for background checks.

How to Obtain the FBI Background Check for a Colombian Visa?

Fingerprints are commonly requested from foreigners applying for a Colombian visa as part of the FBI Background Check application. The Colombian Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued Resolution 5477 on July 22, 2022, bringing significant changes to the Colombian visa application process. One of the new requirements for many visas is submitting a judicial, criminal, or police certification from your country of origin or residence.

This document verifies whether a person has a criminal record and is obtained from relevant authorities in different countries. If you are a U.S. citizen, you must provide the FBI Background Check as the type of U.S. Criminal Record required, as the national authority can certify your police record in the country.

How to Obtain the FBI Background Check for a Colombia Visa

Obtaining the FBI background check for a Colombia visa is a crucial step in the visa application process. The background check serves as a record indicating the presence or absence...

We created this blog in collaboration with our partner, expatgroup.co, to provide more information about a specific requirement. They have launched a service tailored for all U.S. citizens or foreigners who have lived in the U.S. for some years and are interested in applying for a visa and obtaining an FBI Background Check from Colombia.

This service includes fingerprinting in Medellín, translation to Spanish, and handling the apostille process. If you would like to get a quote for your FBI Background Check online, simply click the green button below. We’ll send you to our partner as a referral from Medellin Guru at no additional cost.

FBI Background Check Service

Filling out the FBI form
Fingerprinting (Medellín)
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

Frequently Asked Questions about How to Get Fingerprinting Service in Colombia as an Expat.

What is the fingerprinting service in Colombia?

Fingerprinting in Colombia is a process where your fingerprints are captured for various legal, immigration, and professional purposes. Whether it’s for background checks, identity verification, or other official requirements, fingerprinting helps ensure accurate and secure identification. This service is offered by expatgroup.co across multiple cities in Colombia, using both traditional ink and digital scanners.

Why is fingerprinting important for expats in Colombia?

Fingerprinting is crucial for expats in Colombia for several reasons. It ensures accurate identity verification for legal processes, background checks, employment, and immigration. For instance, U.S. citizens often need to provide fingerprints for an FBI background check, a standard requirement for various visa applications and legal procedures.

How can I get fingerprinted in Colombia as an expat?

Expatgroup.co offers professional fingerprinting services in major cities like Medellín, Bogotá, Cartagena, Santa Marta, and Cali. In Medellín, fingerprints are captured digitally through a certified FBI scanner, while in other cities, the traditional ink method is used. Simply schedule an appointment with expatgroup.co for a seamless experience.

Can I use digital fingerprinting for an FBI background check?

Yes, the FBI accepts both digital (live scan) and ink-based fingerprints. If you’re applying for an FBI background check, expatgroup.co in Medellín can provide you with digital fingerprinting services. However, a hard copy of your fingerprints must still be mailed to the FBI as part of the submission process.

What are the common reasons for fingerprint rejection?

Fingerprint rejections can occur due to poor quality prints, technical errors, damaged fingerprints, or issues with the submission format. Ensuring high-quality, clear prints is essential for the success of your application. Using a professional service, like expatgroup.co, reduces the risk of rejection.

How long does the fingerprinting process take in Colombia?

Fingerprinting in Colombia with expatgroup.co typically takes about 30 minutes. In Medellín, where digital scanning is used, the process is quicker, usually around 15 minutes. The service is efficient and ensures your prints meet the required standards for official use.

Can fingerprinting be done if I have skin conditions or amputations?

If you have a skin condition or an amputation, it’s essential to provide medical documentation that explains your condition. This ensures that your fingerprint submission is processed accurately. Expatgroup.co ensures that such cases are handled with care and compliance with all relevant guidelines.

How do I schedule fingerprinting services in Colombia?

To schedule your fingerprinting appointment in Colombia, visit expatgroup.co’s website. You can book an appointment in major cities, ensuring you get the correct method for your needs, whether it’s ink or digital fingerprinting.

In what cases may fingerprints be required as an expat in Colombia?

Fingerprinting in Colombia is required in various contexts, including access control and security, personal identification, forensic investigations, surveillance, and the justice system. It is also important in medical and scientific applications, education, labor verification (as an expat in Colombia aspiring to have remote job in the U.S.), fraud prevention, identity theft issues, military operations, and cases involving missing persons

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 (2023) and constantly receive updates in 2024.

The Bottom Line: How to Get Fingerprinting Services in Colombia as an Expat.

Fingerprinting in Colombia is a crucial step for various legal and immigration processes, including obtaining an FBI Background Check. As an expat, ensuring your fingerprints are captured accurately is essential to avoid potential rejections.

Expatgroup.co provides professional fingerprinting services in multiple Colombian cities, including Medellín. Using certified scanners or ink methods, they guarantee high-quality results. Whether you need fingerprints for immigration, employment, or background checks, their expert team ensures a smooth and efficient experience.

For U.S. citizens or foreigners who have lived in the U.S. for a period of time, they also offer a comprehensive FBI Background Check service, which includes fingerprinting, Spanish translation, and apostille processing.