Background Checks While Abroad: A Comprehensive Guide

Tim Marting

Co-Founder - Citizen Remote

Last update 19 February, 2025

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FBI Background Checks While Abroad: A Comprehensive Guide for US Citizens

When you decide to live, work, or study in a foreign country, you’ll quickly discover that criminal background checks play a critical role in many international processes. Whether you’re applying for a long-stay visa, teaching English abroad, volunteering, or seeking permanent residency, background checks help prove you meet local security and immigration requirements. But what happens when you’re already overseas and need to obtain or update this documentation?

This guide will walk you through the essentials of obtaining background checks from abroad, highlighting specific steps for U.S. citizens (including how to request an FBI background check) and considerations for nationals of other countries. We’ll also cover the official forms you’ll typically need—like the standard FBI fingerprint form (FD-258)—and how to address potential hurdles such as fingerprinting, apostilles, and mailing documents internationally.

Why Background Checks Are Required

Proof of Good Conduct:

Most governments and employers want assurance that prospective residents, workers, or volunteers do not pose a risk to the local community. A background check certifies whether you have a criminal record and, if so, details the nature of any offenses.

Visa and Immigration Processes:

Many visa categories, including work permits, digital nomad visas, and permanent residency applications, require proof of a clean criminal record. Without it, your application may be automatically denied.

Professional Requirements:

Fields like education (e.g., teaching English), healthcare, social work, and other sensitive professions often require a fresh background check before hiring. This check ensures that employees meet a high standard of safety and ethical conduct.

Volunteer and Nonprofit Work:

Organizations that serve vulnerable populations—like children, the elderly, or refugees—often require an updated criminal background check to protect those in their care.

Common Types of Background Checks

Different countries and agencies can require different levels of criminal record screening. Here are the three most common:

Local/State Checks: Typically issued by local or regional police agencies. In the U.S., for instance, you can request a background check from a state’s department of law enforcement or a local police department. However, many international organizations prefer a national check over a local one, as it’s considered more comprehensive.

National Checks: The U.S. equivalent is the FBI Identity History Summary (often just called an “FBI background check”). For Canada, it’s an RCMP check. The U.K. may use the ACRO Police Certificate, and Australia the AFP National Police Check. These checks span the entire country rather than a single locale, so they are more widely accepted worldwide.
Interpol or International Checks: Rarely, a high-level security job or a sensitive volunteer position may request checks through international agencies. Most people won’t need an Interpol check, but it’s worth knowing that such multi-country verifications exist for specialized roles.

Challenges of Getting a Background Check While Abroad

Physical Fingerprinting:

One of the biggest practical hurdles is getting a set of acceptable fingerprints in a foreign country. Different nations have different methods—some use ink-and-roll, others are fully digital—and what’s accepted back home might not be readily available overseas.

Mailing Delays and Costs:

Your application may require sending physical documents—like the standard FBI fingerprint card, FD-258—back to a national agency or a dedicated processing center in your home country. International shipping can be expensive and slow, introducing extra waiting periods or risk of lost mail.

Payment Barriers:

If the background check fee can only be paid via a domestic money order or a U.S. bank check, you might struggle to complete the payment from abroad. Some agencies do accept credit cards or online payment, but this varies by country.

Apostille or Authentication Requirements:

An apostille (or a more extensive legalization process) often is needed to authenticate your background check for official use in another country. This additional step can add significant waiting time, as you must send your background check to the correct U.S. (or home country) authority for certification.

Strict Timelines:

Visa applications or employment offers may come with tight deadlines. If your background check process drags on longer than expected, you could miss critical windows to submit your paperwork.

Despite these challenges, obtaining a background check while abroad is entirely doable—you simply need the correct information, a bit of patience, and a well-organized approach.

How to Obtain an FBI Background Check from Abroad (U.S. Citizens)

If you are a U.S. citizen needing a national criminal history check, you’ll likely require an FBI Identity History Summary, often referred to as an “FBI background check.” This official document can be requested from overseas, though you’ll need to follow specific guidelines from the FBI. You can find the most up-to-date official instructions on the U.S. government site:

U.S. Department of State – Criminal Record Checks

Below is a step-by-step guide to request your FBI background check from abroad:

1. Determine Your Submission Method

Direct to FBI: You can mail your request, fingerprints, and payment directly to the FBI’s Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) Division.
Through an FBI-Approved Channeler: A Channeler is a private company authorized by the FBI to process Identity History Summaries. They often have faster turnaround times but may charge additional fees. Some channelers offer electronic submission of your fingerprints, although you’ll still need to get them physically captured overseas.

2. Obtain the Correct Forms

FD-258 Fingerprint Card: This is the standard FBI fingerprint card. If you cannot get an original FD-258 card, you may be able to print the card on a sturdy paper stock from official FBI websites. Make sure to confirm whether the FBI will accept a printed version based on your specific situation.
Applicant Information Form (e.g., Form I-783): The FBI’s Identity History Summary Request often requires you to fill out an applicant form with personal details like your name, date of birth, and mailing address. Verify the latest form on the official FBI website.

3. Get Fingerprinted

Local Police Stations: In some countries, local police will provide ink-and-roll fingerprinting. Make sure you bring your FD-258 card or an acceptable printed copy of it.
Private Security or Fingerprinting Agencies: In larger cities, you may find private agencies that specialize in taking ink or digital prints.
U.S. Embassy or Consulate: Certain U.S. embassies and consulates offer fingerprinting services, but availability can vary widely, and some have discontinued the service. Always check your local embassy’s website or inquire by email.

4. Complete All Applicant Details

Ensure every required field on the FD-258 card (or digital equivalent) is completed: name, date of birth, place of birth, citizenship, etc. Incomplete or inaccurate forms are a leading cause of delays.

5. Pay the Required Fee

The FBI charges a standard processing fee (often around $18, though this can change). If you go through a Channeler, expect an additional service fee.
Confirm payment methods: Some accept credit cards, but others may require a cashier’s check or money order in U.S. dollars.

6. Mail Your Documents

Use a reliable courier service with tracking. Shipping internationally can be pricey, but it’s worth it to ensure your fingerprints and forms arrive safely.
Keep copies (digital scans or photos) of everything you send.

7. Wait for Processing

The FBI typically processes requests in 2–4 weeks once received, though times can vary. If you use a Channeler, you may receive results in as little as a few days to a week.
You can request an electronic copy of your background check. This is usually faster, but if you need an apostille, you’ll eventually need the original hard copy.

8. Obtain an Apostille or Authentication (If Required)

If you need to present your background check for official use in a country that’s part of the Hague Apostille Convention, you must get an apostille. This involves sending the original FBI check to the U.S. Department of State or another authorized office.
If the country is not part of the Hague Convention, you might need additional authentications at the foreign embassy or consulate within the United States.

A businessman in a checkered shirt and tie sits at a desk, reviewing documents with a focused expression. His workspace includes a laptop, notebook, and office supplies, with greenery and a window in the background.

The Official Forms You Might Need

From the materials referenced in the Citizen Remote Notion page, here are some commonly mentioned documents you’ll encounter when requesting or authenticating a background check from abroad:

FD-258 (Fingerprint Card):

The primary form for capturing your fingerprints for the FBI Identity History Summary.

Make sure you have the correct version as specified by the FBI.
Typically includes boxes for rolled and flat (plain) impressions.
Must be completed in black ink. Poor or smudged prints can result in rejections.

FBI Applicant Information Form (Often I-783):

This form collects personal identifying information needed to process your FBI background check. It usually requires:

Name (including aliases)
Date of Birth
Place of Birth
Social Security Number (if applicable)
Current Mailing Address
Contact Information

U.S. Department of State Authentication Request Form (DS-4194):

If you need an apostille for your FBI background check (for use in a Hague Convention country), you typically submit Form DS-4194 to the U.S. Department of State. This form details the document you want authenticated and where it will be used.

State-Level Apostille Requests:

If you ended up getting a state police clearance rather than an FBI check, you’d need the apostille from that state’s office of authentications. Each state may have its own request form and procedure.

Be sure to carefully follow instructions on each form, as incomplete or incorrect applications can result in delays, additional fees, or outright rejections.

Fingerprinting Overseas: How It Works

A biometric scanner capturing a fingerprint with illuminated details.
Ink-and-Roll vs. Digital:

While the FBI continues to modernize, many people still submit ink-and-roll fingerprints on the FD-258 card. Digital fingerprinting might be an option through an FBI-approved Channeler, but only if that Channeler accepts scans taken abroad on approved systems. If you’re using ink-and-roll, practice caution: smudges or unclear prints are the most common reason for rejection.

Finding a Fingerprint Technician:

Local Police Stations: Some will accommodate you, but procedures vary. You might need to bring your own blank FD-258 cards.

Private Security Companies: In larger expat hubs, private companies often specialize in assisting with U.S. or other foreign background checks.

U.S. Embassies/Consulates: Check your embassy’s website to see if they provide fingerprinting or maintain a list of local providers.

Tips for Better Fingerprints:

Wash and dry your hands well before printing.
Avoid lotions immediately before rolling prints, as this can lead to smudging.
Ensure the technician understands how to roll each finger properly from nail to nail.

Apostilles and Authentications

Many countries require more than the background check itself—they also demand that the document be legalized via an apostille or a formal embassy/consulate authentication. Here’s how it typically breaks down:

Apostille (Hague Convention Countries):

The U.S. Department of State (for federal documents like an FBI background check) or a state-level authority (for state police checks) issues apostilles.
You’ll submit the original background check (or a notarized copy, in some cases) with the correct application form (DS-4194 for federal apostilles).
Once you receive the apostille, it confirms to the requesting country that the U.S. government has verified the authenticity of the document.

Authentication/Legalization (Non-Hague Convention Countries):

If your destination country has not signed the Hague Apostille Convention, you’ll likely need multiple steps, including certification by the U.S. Department of State and then legalization at the destination country’s embassy or consulate in the U.S.
This process can take significantly longer and involve more fees.

Teaching English Abroad: Special Considerations

If you plan to teach English overseas, you’ll find that most schools and government-sponsored teaching programs demand a recent criminal record check—often a national-level check less than six months or a year old at the time of application. Some countries are especially strict:

South Korea: Typically requires an apostilled FBI background check for U.S. citizens or the equivalent for other nationals.
China: Standards vary by province, but many public and private schools want a recently issued national check (again, with apostille or legalization).
Other TEFL Destinations: Many countries in Latin America, Europe, and the Middle East also follow this pattern. Some may accept a statewide check if it’s from a reputable source, though a federal background check is generally safer and more universally recognized.

Tips for Teachers:

Start the process early: background checks can take several weeks to months, especially if you need an apostille.
Communicate with your prospective school or recruiter about any deadlines.
Keep track of your documents’ issue dates; if a program requires the check to be less than six months old, you may need to re-request if you applied too far in advance.

Other Nationalities: Similar Principles, Different Agencies

While the FBI handles U.S. checks, other countries have their own systems:

Canada (RCMP): The Royal Canadian Mounted Police issues national criminal record checks. You generally need to submit fingerprints to the RCMP’s Civil Fingerprint Screening Services.
United Kingdom (ACRO): The ACRO Criminal Records Office provides a “Police Certificate” often used for immigration or visa purposes.
Australia (AFP): The Australian Federal Police provides National Police Checks; you can apply from abroad through the AFP website.

Though the mechanics (forms, fees, mailing addresses) differ by country, the big-picture steps—fingerprinting, gathering documents, paying fees, mailing forms, and (sometimes) obtaining an apostille—are broadly similar.

Timeline and Cost Estimates

Exact processing times and fees vary greatly depending on your home country, the agency you use, and whether you need an apostille. Below are rough estimates for U.S. citizens:

Fingerprinting Fee: $0–$100, depending on where you go. Some local police stations will fingerprint you free of charge; private agencies can be more expensive.
FBI Processing Fee: Around $18 if you go directly through the FBI. Channelers add service fees, often ranging $40–$80 or more.
Shipping: International shipping with tracking can cost $20–$60 or more each way.
Apostille Fee (Federal): $20 per document via the U.S. Department of State, plus shipping costs.

Processing Times:

FBI Direct: ~2–4 weeks once your packet is received (can be longer in peak periods).

FBI-Approved Channeler: Some promise turnaround in a few days once they get your fingerprints, but shipping times still apply.

Apostille: ~3–4 weeks for standard processing if you mail to the U.S. Department of State, unless you pay for expedited handling.

Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them

Smudged or Rejected Fingerprints:

Always work with an experienced technician. Double-check prints before mailing them. If your fingerprints are rejected, you’ll have to resubmit, costing time and money.

Not Allowing Enough Time:

Visa processes can be strict about deadlines, and background checks often take longer than people expect—particularly with international shipping. Start as early as possible.

Mailing Errors and Lost Documents:

Use courier services with tracking and insurance. Keep copies of all forms and documents. If possible, send a self-addressed return envelope or prepaid shipping label for your background check to come back to you.

Confusing Apostille vs. Authentication:

Determine if your destination country is part of the Hague Convention. If it is, you’ll need an apostille. If not, you’ll need a separate authentication (often at the embassy of that country in the U.S.). Mixing up these steps can lead to wasted fees and repeated processes.

Varying Requirements Across Countries:

If you need a background check for multiple countries (for example, if you’re seeking remote work visas in more than one place), each might have different requirements regarding recency, apostilles, or translations. Keep detailed records of each country’s rules.

Person working on a laptop

Best Practices for a Smooth Process

Start Early and Stay Organized

Create a timeline that includes fingerprinting, mailing time, processing, apostilles, and shipping back to you.
Make sure each step’s requirements (forms, fees, addresses) are clearly noted and updated if official policies change.

Scan and Photocopy Everything

Before you mail any forms, scan them or take photos. This habit can save you if your documents get lost, or if you need to prove you already sent certain details.

Check Embassy and Consulate Resources

U.S. embassies abroad sometimes maintain lists of local fingerprint technicians.
They also may provide (or link to) official forms you need, such as the DS-4194 for apostille requests.

Leverage Expedited Services (If Necessary)

Some channelers or private agencies specialize in helping overseas applicants. If time is tight, their higher fees might be worth the convenience.
For apostilles, private expediters in Washington, D.C. can sometimes shorten the timeline from weeks to a few days, though this can be costly.

Coordinate with Your Employer or Sponsor

If you’re seeking a work visa, your employer or sponsor might have resources or experience helping new hires navigate foreign background checks.
Schools hiring teachers often have step-by-step instructions and recommended agencies, especially for popular destinations like South Korea or China.

Realistic Expectations and Final Thoughts

While obtaining a background check from overseas can feel daunting, it’s a standard procedure that countless expats, teachers, and global professionals manage successfully each year. The key to a seamless process is preparation:

Understand your destination’s requirements (type of check, recency, apostille vs. legalization).
Gather the correct forms—FD-258 for fingerprints, the right FBI application (like Form I-783), and DS-4194 if you need an apostille from the Department of State.
Budget enough time for mail delays, fingerprint rejections, and possible re-submissions.
Always consult official sources (like travel.state.gov for U.S. citizens) or your home country’s equivalent for the most current information on fees, forms, and procedures.

Finally, if your host country requires it, remember that your pristine, newly printed background check might only be valid for a few months. Keep an eye on deadlines and recency requirements so you don’t end up needing to repeat the entire process unexpectedly. With organization, reliable shipping methods, and a willingness to follow official guidelines carefully, you’ll find that securing a background check from abroad is entirely manageable—and one more step toward your exciting international plans.

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