What You Need to Know About an FBI Background Check from Brazil

Planning to work, study, or immigrate abroad from Brazil and need to prove your criminal history status? Then you’ll likely need an FBI background check from Brazil - a key document used to verify your record with U.S. law enforcement. Whether you’re an American citizen, a green card holder, or a non-U.S. citizen with a history in the United States, this background check is often mandatory for visa applications, employment, and residency procedures.

In this blog, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about obtaining your FBI Background Check without leaving Brazil - from understanding what it is and how to apply, to avoiding common mistakes and even getting it apostilled for use in Brazil and abroad.

An FBI background check - often requested by individuals applying for visas, employment, or immigration abroad, is an official U.S. criminal record check that reviews your fingerprint data against the FBI’s national database. It provides verified information about your criminal history in the United States, including arrests, charges, or convictions, if any.

The process is managed by the Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), making it one of the most reliable and widely accepted forms of background verification worldwide.

If you are an American citizen, green card holder, or a foreign national who has lived, worked, or studied in the United States, you may need this report for purposes such as:

• Immigration or permanent residency applications
• Employment background screening
• Visa or work permit processing
• Legal and adoption procedures
• University admissions or study abroad programs

Obtaining an FBI background check from Brazil ensures that your record is recognized by U.S. authorities and accepted internationally.

In case your goal is to get the US criminal record check for Brazil or any third country for immigration, job, or visa applications, there are three options to do so - by mail, online through eDO portal, or via a reliable third-party agency like Globeia. If you are patient and meticulous in the following steps and the ensuring of fingerprint submission meeting the FBI's specifications, the process is simple.

Option 1: Apply via Mail

If you want to do it the classical way, the FBI could receive your request for a criminal record check by ordinary mail sent directly to their headquarters in the US. The following is what you have to do:

• Get the FBI Application Form, Print and Fill it: Download the FBI Identity History Summary Request form from the official website. Fill it out slowly and take care not to make errors in any of the information you provide.
• Prepare Your Documents: Gather all required documents, including proof of identity and supporting paperwork.
• Capture Your Fingerprints: Visit a professional fingerprinting agency or local police department to have your fingerprints taken on an FBI-approved card (FD-1164 or FD-258).
• Make the Payment: Pay the processing fee using a certified check, money order, or credit card authorization form. Avoid sending cash or personal checks.
• Mail Your Application Package: Send your completed form, payment, and fingerprint card to:
  FBI CJIS Division - Summary Request
  1000 Custer Hollow Road,
  Clarksburg, WV 26306, USA

Once received, your application will be processed, and you’ll get your official FBI background check report by mail or email.

Option 2: Apply Online via the eDO Portal

The Electronic Departmental Order (eDO) system allows you to complete your FBI background check from Brazil entirely online. It’s faster and more convenient, ideal for individuals who prefer digital applications.

• Access the eDO Portal: Visit www.edo.cjis.gov and create your secure account.
• Complete the Application: Enter all details carefully and upload the required documents.
• Pay Online: You can pay the applicable fees instantly using a credit card or PayPal.

Submit Fingerprints: Once payment is done, you’ll receive a confirmation email with instructions on mailing your fingerprint card to the FBI’s official address.

Option 3: Apply Through a Trusted Third-Party Agency (Recommended)

For applicants who want a hassle-free and completely guided process, partnering with an experienced third-party agency like Globeia Brazil is the best choice. They offer an easy, step-by-step online process to complete your FBI background check from Brazil without dealing with complex paperwork.

Here’s how to apply with Globeia:

Step 1: Start your application online on Globeia’s secure portal.

Step 2: Pay using your preferred online payment option.

Step 3: Get fingerprinted by trained mobile associates at a convenient location anywhere in Brazil.

Step 4: Original fingerprint cards are couriered to Globeia’s U.S. office for processing and submission to the FBI.

Step 5: Receive your results electronically or by secure courier within 1-3 days (for U.S. citizens or green card holders) or within 2-3 weeks (for non-citizens).

Globeia Brazil also coordinates FBI apostille and translation service requests through relevant government authorities, ensuring your documents are ready for official use abroad - whether for immigration, work visas, or legal purposes.

When applying for your FBI background check from Brazil, paying attention to small details can save you time, money, and unnecessary delays. Below are the key dos and don’ts to ensure a smooth and successful application process.

Dos - What You Should Always Do

• Ensure Complete Accuracy: Double-check every section of your FBI background check form. Any incorrect personal detail, such as name or date of birth, can delay your application.
• Use High-Quality Fingerprints: Make sure your fingerprints are taken clearly by a professional using an FBI-approved fingerprint card (FD-1164 or FD-258). Smudged or incomplete fingerprints can cause rejection.
• Plan Ahead for Apostille Services: If you intend to use your FBI background check for Brazil visa or residency, ensure the document is apostilled under the Hague Convention for legal acceptance.
• Track Your Application: Whether you apply by mail or online, use a secure courier or trackable mailing service to monitor your submission until it reaches the FBI or your authorized agency.
• Apply Early: Start your application well in advance, especially if it’s for a Brazilian visa, residency permit, or employment process, to avoid last-minute stress.
• Choose a Trusted Agency: Working with an FBI-compliant company like Globeia ensures faster results and error-free processing.
• Keep Digital Copies: Always save scanned copies of your fingerprint card, payment receipt, and FBI report for future use or reissuance.

Don’ts - Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Don’t Submit Incomplete Applications: Missing information, documents, or signatures can lead to immediate rejection. Always review your checklist before sending your application.
• Don’t Use Suspicious or Unverified Agencies: Submitting your fingerprints or documents through unverified sources can result in invalid or unrecognized background checks.
• Don’t Ignore Translation Requirements: If you plan to present your FBI report to a Brazilian authority, make sure to have it professionally translated into Portuguese by a certified translator.
• Don’t Send Poor-Quality Fingerprints: Prints with smudges, double impressions, or faded ink will likely be rejected and cause delays.
• Don’t Forget Payment Rules: The FBI and most authorized agencies accept only specific payment methods (e.g., certified checks, credit cards, or PayPal). Avoid personal checks or cash.
• Don’t Overlook Processing Times: Depending on your citizenship status, results may take a few days to several weeks. Factor this into your visa or residency timeline.
• Don’t Skip Apostille Verification: Without apostille legalization, your FBI background check won’t be valid for use in Brazil. Always confirm your report is apostilled before submission.

Pro Tip: The easiest way to avoid these common mistakes is to apply through Globeia, which coordinates everything - from fingerprint verification to FBI apostille services in a single workflow, ensuring your FBI background check from Brazil is accepted without delays.

Globeia operates as an independent mobile fingerprinting and document support service provider across Brazil, seamlessly coordinating with their international offices and specialized teams to secure your FBI Criminal Record Check. Having already assisted over 30,000 clients across 100+ countries worldwide, Globeia eliminates the stress that comes with cross-border paperwork.

Here’s why people frequently choose Globeia Brazil:

Service	How Globeia Helps
SmartForm Technology	It replaces complex government paperwork and catches data entry mistakes before submission, which minimizes the risk of the FBI rejecting the file due to manual errors.
Mobile Fingerprinting Across Brazil	Eliminates the need of finding specialized ink-rolling facilities or local police offices. Highly trained associates travel directly to your home or office in major hubs to capture professional fingerprints.
Fingerprint Card Review	Globeia’s trained associates review the physical cards immediately after capturing to ensure clarity, preventing common rejections caused by faint or smudged print ridges.
Exclusive Letter of Identity Verification	Provides a unique, QR-coded security standard for fingerprinting appointments. This certificate officially confirms that your prints were properly captured by a trained Globeia officer following strict international identity verification protocols.
Direct FBI Submission Coordination	Globeia acts as a bridge between Brazil and the USA, securely couriering the physical fingerprint cards to their processing office in Washington DC, USA, for direct submission into the FBI CJIS system.
Secure Delivery of Official Results	Globeia delivers the official results securely via their online portal in PDF format with options for tracked, secure international courier delivery for hard copies.

Check Out Canadian Criminal Record Check from Brazil

If you are applying for an FBI background check from Brazil, the likelihood is that you will require extra services to make sure your document is accepted for official use by local or foreign authorities. 

Apostille for FBI Background Check in Brazil

One of the most common requirements is getting an apostille on your FBI background check. An apostille is a certificate that the document is valid for international use and at the same time, it is a proof of authenticity, which is very important for immigration, employment, or legal applications in Brazil or other member-countries of Hague Apostille Convention.

Because the background check is a federal U.S. document, the US Department of State (USDOS) Office of Authentications in Washington, D.C., is the only authority permitted to issue this apostille. If your background check lacks an apostille, it could be rejected or delayed by international authorities.

Translation of FBI Background Check in Brazil

To use your US criminal record check for Brazilian visa or residency applications, the entire document, including the federal apostille, must be translated into Portuguese. This must be completed by a certified Sworn Translator (Tradutor Público Juramentado). If you are using the document to move from Brazil to another destination, such as Spain, Italy, or France, you will similarly need a sworn translation completed by a translator registered with that specific nation's embassy or ministry. 

Where to Get Apostille and Translation of FBI Background Checks in Brazil

The USDOS direct application for an apostille is often time-consuming and not straightforward. Furthermore, finding a verified, legally registered sworn translator within Brazil can be quite frustrating.

Globeia is there to help you with the whole process. They coordinate both the federal apostille and certified translation services through the appropriate government channels and accredited professionals simultaneously. By handling the submissions on your behalf, Globeia ensures your final document package arrives fully compliant, translated, and ready for official use in Brazil or anywhere else abroad.

Also Read How to Request USA Criminal Record Check in Colombia

Acquiring an FBI background check in Brazil is a must for criminal record verification in the US, for immigration, employment, visa applications, or residency reasons among others. Furthermore, in many instances, the FBI apostille service could be a requirement to make the document recognized by the Brazilian authorities. Knowing the application procedure, steering clear of typical errors, and employing trustworthy providers can help you save time and ensure you get the right document.

If you would like to avoid the trouble that comes with the application, you can easily apply online via Globeia. It’s a highly reputable agency with a team committed to offer convenience, safe handling, and professional assistance for your fingerprinting, FBI background check support, and apostille requirements.