Moving to France in 2025: The Ultimate Guide for Americans to Complete FBI Checks and Apostilles

Planning to move to France in 2025? Whether you're relocating for work, study, retirement, or just a fresh start, getting your paperwork in order is a crucial first step, especially your FBI background check and apostille. These documents are often required by French authorities for long-term visa applications and must be completed correctly to avoid delays or rejections.

For Americans, the process might feel overwhelming, as it involves multiple steps like fingerprinting, requesting your FBI Identity History Summary, and getting a federal apostille from the U.S. Department of State. But don’t worry, this guide breaks down everything in simple steps to help you get it done smoothly.

In this blog, you’ll learn why France requires these documents, how to get them, common mistakes to avoid, and why many Americans use expert services to save time and reduce stress. Let’s get started on your move to France the right way!

If you're an American planning to move to France in 2025, getting an FBI background check is one of the most important steps in your visa process. Below are the key reasons why this document is required and how it impacts your relocation journey:

• Mandatory for Long-Term Stay: France requires FBI background checks from all Americans planning to live there for an extended period, regardless of the reason (work, study, retirement, etc.).
• Required for Common Visa Types: An FBI Identity History Summary Check is needed for:
  1.Long-stay visitor visas (VLS-TS)
  2.Work permits
  3.Student visa
  4.Business visas
  5.Residency permit applications

• Used to Prove a Clean Criminal Record
  The French government uses the FBI background check to confirm that you don’t have a criminal history before approving your visa.

• Required for Renewals and Residence Permits
  You may need an updated FBI check when renewing your visa or applying for a French residence permit after your first year.

• Apostille is Mandatory
  France, under the Hague Convention, requires the FBI report to be authenticated with a federal apostille from the U.S. Department of State to be accepted.

• Accepted Proof for Security and Legal Compliance
  Apostilled FBI reports offer standardized, verified documentation recognized by French immigration authorities.

1. Teaching in France (e.g., TAPIF program): Required due to work with minors.
2. Marriage to a French citizen: Needed to register the marriage.
3. Volunteering or working with vulnerable populations: Essential for safeguarding.
4. Retirement visas: To show you're a law-abiding applicant.

Getting an FBI background check requires careful attention to detail. The FBI issues Identity History Summary Checks that show your criminal history or confirm you have none. Here's how to handle the process step by step.

Step 1: Gather Your Required Documents

You'll need these items before starting your application:

• Valid government-issued photo ID (passport works best)
• Completed fingerprint form FD-1164 or FD-258 (print on standard white paper)
• Social Security Number
• U.S. address for receiving results (P.O. Boxes aren't accepted)
• Payment 

Americans living abroad face a challenge here. The FBI only sends results to addresses within the United States or its territories. You'll need to arrange for someone in the U.S. to receive your documents, or use a third-party service that can handle this for you.

Step 2: Get Your Fingerprints Done Right

Poor fingerprint quality is the most common reason the FBI rejects applications. This causes delays you can't afford when timing matters.
Local police stations in most countries can take your fingerprints. The fingerprinting surface should be about 39 inches from the floor so your forearm stays parallel with the surface. This helps create clearer prints.
Follow these guidelines for quality prints:

1. Use only black ink
2. Cover each finger completely from nail edge to nail edge
3. Roll each finger from side to side
4. Include all fingers, even damaged ones (mark any issues)

You cannot take your own fingerprints law enforcement or an authorized fingerprinting agency must do this. Get multiple sets taken at the same time in case your first submission gets rejected.

Step 3: Choose Your Submission Method

If you're planning to move abroad, especially to countries like France that require an apostilled FBI background check you have multiple ways to apply. Here are three common and effective options:

1. Apply Directly by Mail to the FBI
The traditional way to request your FBI background check is by mailing your application directly to the FBI. Here's how:

• Complete the official FBI application form, ensuring all details are correct.
• Include an official fingerprint card (FD-258), taken by a local police department or certified fingerprinting service.
• Pay using a certified check or money order (other payment types may not be accepted).
• Once everything is ready, mail your documents to:
  FBI CJIS Division – Summary Request
  1000 Custer Hollow Road
  Clarksburg, WV 26306

This method takes longer to process but is accepted for apostille purposes.

2. Apply Online via the FBI eDO Portal

For a faster and digital option, apply online at the official FBI website: www.edo.cjis.gov. Here’s what to do:

• Fill out the online form with your personal details.
• Pay the required fee using a credit card, PayPal, or other accepted online payment methods.
• After submitting, you’ll receive a confirmation email with instructions for fingerprinting.
• You can then mail your fingerprint card or upload it digitally, depending on the method you choose.

This method is also valid for obtaining an apostille.

3. Apply Through a Third-Party Service Like Globeia
Using a professional service like Globeia can make the process easier and more accurate. Here's how it works:

• Complete the online form on Globeia's website and make a secure payment.
• Upload a scanned copy of your fingerprint card for quality review.
• Once approved, mail the original fingerprint card to Globeia’s U.S. office.
• Globeia handles the FBI submission and keeps you updated throughout the process.

They offer a quicker turnaround, expert support, and optional apostille services all in one place. Results are typically ready within 24–48 hours for U.S. citizens and up to 2 weeks for non-U.S. citizens.

Step 4: Track Your Application
Once you submit, you can monitor progress in several ways:
For direct FBI submissions, check your status online using your FOIPA Request Number (format: 1234567-000) on the FBI's website. You'll see updates about the processing stage and any issues.
You can also contact the FBI directly at identity@fbi.gov. They update status information weekly, so don't check more often than that.
Third-party services usually provide a tracking system and email updates about your application status.
Remember the timing challenge: direct FBI checks take months while third-party services deliver results in days. Since France wants background checks issued within 90 days, plan accordingly.

Once you receive your FBI background check, you need to get it apostilled by the U.S. Department of State. The apostille certifies your document's authenticity for international use, making it legally valid in France and other Hague Convention countries.

Fill out the DS-4194 form.
The DS-4194 form is the official authentication request form required by the U.S. Department of State. Complete this form accurately because errors or omissions are the most common reasons for rejected applications. Here's what you need to do:

• Type or print legibly using black ink only
• List "France" as the country where you'll use the document
• Make no corrections on the form – if you make a mistake, start over
• Complete one form per individual or company

The form asks for basic information about you and your document. Specify that you need an apostille (not authentication) since France is a Hague Convention member. Pay the processing fee and attach the receipt with the document, regardless of whether your application is approved or rejected.

Mailing instructions and processing time
For standard processing, mail your package to:
U.S. Department of State Office of Authentications 44132 Mercure Circle P.O. Box 1206 Sterling, VA 20166-1206
Standard processing takes approximately 7 business days, though the total turnaround time including mailing can extend to 2-3 weeks. If you're traveling within 2-3 weeks, you can drop off your materials in person for faster service:

• Drop-off location: 600 19th Street NW, Washington, D.C. 20006
• Drop-off hours: Monday through Thursday between 7:30 a.m. and 9:00 a.m.

Your package must include:

1. Completed DS-4194 form
2. Original FBI background check
3. PaymentSelf-addressed, pre-paid return envelope (use USPS or UPS, not FedEx)

Always use trackable mail and keep your tracking numbers. Once delivered to the Sterling facility, your documents will be forwarded to Washington D.C., where processing officially begins.

Using a third-party apostille service
You can hire a third-party service like Globeia to handle the entire apostille process. These services typically:

• Complete all necessary paperwork on your behalf
• Hand-deliver documents to the U.S. Department of State
• Provide faster processing (often 4-5 business days)
• Offer tracking and status updates
• Ship documents directly to your international address

Third-party services can save you considerable time and money compared to traveling to Washington D.C. yourself, which could cost upwards of $1,000. Most services accept both digital (PDF) and hard copy background checks.
Processing times with third-party services typically range from 4 business days to 2 to 3 weeks, substantially faster than handling everything independently. For Americans living abroad, these services are particularly helpful since they eliminate the need for you to be physically present in the United States during the apostille process.

Once you have your apostilled FBI background check, the next step is getting it translated into French. French authorities require certified translations of all foreign-language official documents, including your FBI background check.
Most French government agencies, educational institutions, and employers require certified translations of all foreign-language documents. A certified translation includes the original document translation plus a signed statement from the translator confirming their qualifications and the accuracy of the translation. Always choose certified translation services when preparing documents for immigration purposes.
Select translation services that offer:

• Native French-speaking translators with strong English fluency
• Experience translating background check terminology
• Knowledge of French legal requirements
• Certification processes accepted by French authorities

You'll need certified translations of your FBI background check for various purposes beyond visa applications:

• University and college admissions
• Legal procedures and court cases
• Marriage registration with French citizens
• Employment applications, especially for teaching positions
• Green card and citizenship processing
• International travel documentation

Your translated document must maintain the precise meaning of the original. Legal terminology varies significantly between languages, making professional translation essential for avoiding complications with your immigration process. Accuracy is particularly important when translating sensitive personal information contained in background checks.
Many translation services offer digital delivery via PDF, allowing you to review and approve the final translation before proceeding. Some provide physical copies with notarization options if required for your specific situation.

Getting your FBI background check and apostille right the first time saves you months of delays. Even small errors can cause rejections that push back your entire France timeline.

Watch Your Document Expiration Dates
FBI background checks stay valid for only 6 months from their issue date. France typically wants background checks issued within the past 90 days. This creates a tight timeline that requires careful planning.
Keep track of these processing times:

• Standard FBI processing: up to 16-18 weeks
• Apostille processing: approximately 2-3 weeks
• Visa processing: generally 10-15 working days, but potentially up to 45 days in complex cases

Never Make These Document Mistakes
The Federal Authentications Office rejects scanned versions of FBI background checks. Only submit printed PDF versions issued directly by the FBI or an approved channeler.
Follow these rules to avoid rejections:

• Never notarize your FBI background check before sending it for apostille - any additional stamps will invalidate the document
• Submit only complete application forms - incomplete submissions cause considerable delays
• Use correct payment methods - personal checks and cash are unacceptable for mail applications

Get Extra Copies and Track Everything
Request multiple sets of fingerprints initially since rejections due to unclear prints are common.
For shipping your documents:

• Use USPS 1-Day Priority Mail Express for sending to the authentications office
• Include a return shipping label with your submission
• Keep digital backups of all documents
• Maintain records of all tracking numbers

Schedule Your Visa Appointment Early
The visa application process at French centers takes approximately 20 minutes. However, getting appointments requires advance planning.
Prepare for your appointment:

1. Confirm whether biometric data collection is required (you may be exempt if fingerprints were collected within the previous 59 months)
2. Bring all required documents, including CERFA forms and receipts
3. Prepare for visa fees plus potential service provider fees 
4. Allow ample time between document processing and your appointment

Following these guidelines helps you avoid the most common reasons for delays and rejections in your French immigration process.

Moving to France requires proper documentation, and FBI background checks with apostilles are essential for every American visa application. This guide has walked you through each step of the process, from understanding why France requires these documents to getting them properly certified.
Timing is the most important factor in this process. FBI background checks expire after 6 months, and France typically requires documents issued within the past 90 days. This tight timeline means you need to plan carefully and start early.
The process involves several steps: gathering your documents, submitting fingerprints, choosing between direct FBI submissions, obtaining the apostille, and getting a certified French translation. Each step has specific requirements that must be followed exactly.
Start this process 4-6 months before your planned move to France. This timeline accounts for potential delays while ensuring your documents remain valid when you submit them to French authorities.
Globeia can handle the entire FBI background check and apostille process for you. We ensure everything meets French requirements and deliver your documents on time, making your move to France much easier.