By Parviz Malakouti-Fitzgerald, Esq.
Sample FD-258 fingerprint card
If you're an American applying for 2nd citizenship, or residency, you probably need to get and submit your FBI background check (“identity history summary”) to the foreign country.
The Two Ways of Applying for an
FBI Background Check
There are two ways of applying for FBI background check of yourself:
1. Online application [link here]
or
2. Paper application - Form I-783 [link here]
Anybody, whether U.S. person or not, whether abroad or not, can use either of these two application types.
I recommend online applications because they tend to be faster even when paired with an ink-on-paper (FD-258) rendering of your fingerprints. Keep reading to learn about how to render your fingerprints.
The Three Ways of Rendering Your Fingerprints
Your application type above must be paired with a rendering of your fingerprints. There are three ways to render your fingerprints:
1. Via a qualified USPS location in the U.S.
2. Via an "approved channeler" in the U.S.
3. Via old school ink on paper rendering (form FD-258)
Not everyone can render their fingerprints using any of the three methods.
First, technically, only U.S. citizens and green card holders are supposed to be able to use an approved channeler.
Second, only people in the United States can render their fingerprints via a qualified USPS location for the simple fact that all qualified USPS locations are in the United States.
Anyone, anywhere can render their fingerprints via old school ink on paper (form FD-258). The drawbacks of rendering your fingerprints by paper are that it takes longer, is messier, and overall more of a hassle.
Summary
To request your FBI background check, you must pair one application type above (online or I-783) with one of the three ways of rendering your fingerprints (USPS, approved channeler or FD-258 card)
The Fastest Way to Get Your FBI Background Check
The fastest way to get your FBI background check is to pair an online application with a rendering of your fingerprints at a qualified USPS location.
If you have no criminal record, you will likely be emailed a copy of your background check the very same day of your request. If you have a criminal record, you may be emailed your background check in a few days.
Consult with Malakouti Law
At Malakouti Law, we only guide people through the entire process of getting an FBI background check, as part of a bigger case we are handling for them. Examples would be pursuing citizenship by investment, or challenging criminal information on their FBI background check.
If you’d like to ask questions about getting your FBI background check or discuss pursuing second citizenship, you’re welcome to book a consultation with us here.
Each immigration and citizenship case is particular and you should consult with a qualified immigration and citizenship lawyer about your case before taking any steps. The Law Office of Parviz Malakouti does not guarantee the accuracy of information presented nor assume responsibility for actions taken in reliance of this information. The information in this page could become outdated. Attorney marketing.