FBI BACKGROUND CHECK & APOSTILLE
FBI Background Checks for Non-Citizens and Non-Permanent Residents
An FBI background check reflects a person's fingerprint-based criminal history in the United States — not their citizenship or immigration status. Miami Dade Apostille helps non-U.S. citizens and non-permanent residents obtain a U.S. federal background check for immigration, residency, visas, employment, citizenship, licensing, foreign government applications, and other international legal purposes.
Whether you're currently visiting the United States, living abroad, applying for residency in another country, or simply need a record of your U.S. criminal history, our office can guide you through the FBI fingerprint submission process from wherever you are.
How It Works
FBI Background Checks for Non-Citizens
Non-citizens and non-permanent residents can request an FBI Identity History Summary using fingerprints. Noncitizens may submit their request directly to the FBI; a channeler route may also be available subject to FBI and provider eligibility and location rules — confirm before ordering. This report is commonly required by foreign governments, consulates, immigration offices, employers, universities, licensing agencies, and legal authorities. We help clients submit their fingerprints for FBI background check processing and receive their results for international use.
An FBI Identity History Summary is a fingerprint-based criminal history record. It is not proof of citizenship, residence, or immigration status. FBI Identity History Summary FAQ ↗
Who This Is For
Who Can Request This
- Non-U.S. citizens
- Non-permanent residents
- Foreign nationals
- Visa holders
- International students
- Tourists
- Former U.S. residents
- Anyone who lived, worked, studied, or stayed in the U.S.
- Applicants currently outside the United States
- Applicants applying for residency, citizenship, or visas abroad
Common Uses
Why You May Need an FBI Background Check
- Residency applications abroad
- Citizenship applications
- Digital nomad visas
- Work visas
- Student visas
- Marriage visas
- Immigration applications
- Foreign employment
- Professional licensing
- International adoption
- Court or legal matters
- Consular requirements
- Police clearance requests
- Background verification for another country
Whether an FBI report is required depends on the receiving authority. Confirm current requirements with the relevant consulate, immigration office, employer, or other recipient before ordering.
Fingerprinting
FBI Fingerprint Processing for Non-Permanent Residents
Fingerprints are required to complete the FBI background check request, and they may be taken either inside the United States or abroad, depending on where you're located.
If you're in Miami, you're welcome to visit our office for fingerprinting. If you're outside the United States, you can have your fingerprints taken by a local police station, law enforcement agency, fingerprint technician, or authorized fingerprint provider, then send the completed fingerprint cards to us for processing. Outside the United States? Contact us with the country you are in so we can discuss available fingerprinting options for your location.
Provider availability abroad varies. Confirm locally before ordering.
Timeline
Processing Time
Our estimated processing window for FBI background check results for non-citizens and non-permanent residents is approximately 7 to 9 business days, depending on fingerprint quality and FBI processing volume. This is our business estimate, not an FBI guarantee — confirm current availability when ordering. Poor fingerprint quality is one of the most common causes of delay or rejection, so we recommend submitting clear fingerprint cards and following all instructions carefully. Apostille, translation, and shipping add additional time.
The original FBI report is not notarized for its federal apostille.
Additional options once your report is issued include:
- Federal apostille through the U.S. Department of State
- Certified translation
- Notarization of supporting documents or translations, if required by the receiving authority
- International FedEx or DHL shipping
- Document review for apostille readiness
Apostille
FBI Background Check Apostille
If your FBI background check will be used outside the United States, many countries require it to be apostilled by the U.S. Department of State in Washington, D.C. We can assist with the federal apostille process once your FBI background check has been issued.
See our federal apostille guidance.
This is commonly required for countries such as:
and many other countries.
Apostille requirements depend on the receiving authority and destination country. Confirm requirements before ordering.
From Abroad
Requesting an FBI Background Check From Outside the U.S.
If you're outside the United States, you don't need to travel back to request your FBI background check. You can complete your fingerprints abroad and mail the fingerprint cards to us for processing. We work with clients worldwide who need FBI background checks for foreign immigration, residency, visa, employment, and legal purposes.
Getting Started
What You Need to Begin
- A clear passport copy
- Your full legal name
- Date of birth
- Email address
- Current mailing address
- Return shipping address, if applicable
- Any instructions from the requesting consulate or agency
Our Role
Why Clients Choose Miami Dade Apostille
Miami Dade Apostille assists clients with FBI background checks, fingerprinting, federal apostilles, certified translations, notarization of supporting documents where required, and international document processing. We work with non-citizens, non-permanent residents, foreign nationals, and international applicants to complete the FBI background check process efficiently and professionally. Learn more about Miami Dade Apostille.
Related Resources
Helpful Pages
Frequently Asked Questions
Common Questions
No. Non-citizens, non-permanent residents, foreign nationals, and anyone who previously lived, worked, or studied in the United States can request an FBI Identity History Summary. Noncitizens may submit their request directly to the FBI. A channeler route may also be available, subject to FBI and provider eligibility and location rules — confirm before ordering.
Yes. Fingerprints can be taken abroad by a local police station or authorized fingerprint provider, then mailed to us for processing. Provider availability abroad varies; confirm locally before ordering.
Our estimated processing window is approximately 7 to 9 business days, depending on fingerprint quality and FBI processing volume. This is our business estimate, not an FBI guarantee — confirm current availability when ordering. Fingerprint quality, agency volume, and shipping all affect timing. Apostille, translation, and shipping add additional time.
If the report will be used outside the United States, many countries require it to be apostilled by the U.S. Department of State. Requirements depend on the receiving authority and destination country — confirm before ordering. We can assist with the federal apostille process once your report is issued.
Poor fingerprint quality is a common cause of delays or rejection, so it's important to submit clear, properly taken fingerprint cards and follow all provided instructions.
Do I need to be a U.S. citizen to request an FBI background check?
Can I complete this process if I'm currently outside the United States?
How long does processing take?
Do I need an apostille on my FBI background check?
What happens if my fingerprints are low quality?
For apostille, legalization, translation, or notarization, contact Miami Dade Apostille or start an order online.
Related Services
FBI Background Check & Apostille
Fingerprinting Services
Apostille Services
- Apostille Services Overview
- Government Document Apostille
- Corporate Document Apostille
- Court Document Apostille
- Marriage Certificate Apostille
- Birth Certificate Apostille
- Certificate of Naturalization
- Power of Attorney Apostille
- Academic Apostille
- Florida Document Apostille
- US Apostille Processing
- Apostille Requirements by Country
- Pricing & Fees