How Long Does a USA Criminal Record Check Take from New Zealand?

Obtaining a USA criminal record check while based in New Zealand involves multiple steps, and the time it takes to receive results can vary for several reasons. This blog breaks down exactly what controls the timeline, how long each stage realistically takes, and the practical decisions that can help you avoid unnecessary delays, along with a list of dos and don'ts to help you steer clear of common errors.

One of the biggest reasons applications from New Zealand are delayed is requesting the wrong document.

A "USA criminal record check" can refer to several different records, each issued by a different authority and used for different purposes.

For most applicants applying from New Zealand for immigration, employment, or licensing purposes, the required document is the FBI Identity History Summary.

Confirming the correct document before you begin is one of the easiest ways to avoid adding weeks to your overall timeline.

Also Read FBI Background Check From Auckland For Visas, Work And Immigration

Rather than looking only at FBI processing times, it's helpful to consider the complete journey from New Zealand.

Note: Processing times are subject to change and are controlled entirely by the FBI. The estimates above are provided to help applicants plan their overall timeline from New Zealand and should not be interpreted as guaranteed turnaround times.

Which Courier Service Can Save You Time?

One of the biggest timeline differences applicants can control is how fingerprint cards are sent to the United States.

Express courier services such as DHL Express, FedEx International Priority, and UPS Worldwide Saver generally deliver fingerprint cards to the United States within 2-5 business days, depending on the destination. When booking your shipment, choose a fully tracked express service rather than economy international post. The additional cost is usually small compared with the time lost if your documents spend another week in transit.

Can Electronic Delivery Reduce the Overall Timeline?

Yes, provided the organisation requesting your criminal record check accepts it.

Applicants using the FBI's Electronic Departmental Order (eDO) system can usually receive their FBI Identity History Summary electronically once processing is complete. This removes the need to wait for a paper copy to be mailed internationally.

Before selecting electronic delivery, confirm that the receiving authority accepts a digital FBI report. Some organisations still require an original paper document or an apostilled copy.

Are There Any Expedited Options for US Criminal History Checks for NZ Residents?

No. There is no way to bypass or accelerate the FBI's own background check once your application has been received. But applicants can reduce avoidable delays by:

• booking fingerprinting as early as possible
• ensuring fingerprints are clear and complete
• choosing an international express courier
• checking every application detail before submission
• responding promptly if additional information is requested
• confirming whether electronic delivery is acceptable

Planning ahead is usually far more effective than trying to expedite the process later.

Most delays occur before or after the FBI processes your application rather than during the criminal record search itself.

Poor-Quality Fingerprints

Smudged or incomplete fingerprints are one of the most common reasons an application takes longer than expected. If the fingerprints cannot be read clearly, you'll need to submit a new set.

Using an experienced fingerprinting provider can significantly reduce this risk.

Check Fingerprinting in Auckland: How to Get It Done in New Zealand

International Courier Transit

International shipping affects the timeline twice if you've requested a paper FBI report:

• once when sending fingerprints to the United States; and
• again when the completed document is returned. 

Applicants who can use electronic delivery avoid this second international mailing altogether.

Applying for the Wrong Document

Requesting a state criminal history check when an FBI Identity History Summary is required, or vice versa, usually means starting the application process again.

Missing or Incorrect Information

Incomplete personal information, missing signatures, or payment issues can all delay processing if the FBI needs clarification before continuing.

Waiting Until the Last Minute

Many applicants only begin the process after receiving an employment offer or visa instructions. Because fingerprint quality, courier transit, and FBI processing are outside the applicant's control once the application has been submitted, leaving little buffer significantly increases the risk of missing a deadline.

Rather than asking, "How long does a USA criminal record check take from New Zealand?", work backwards from the day your completed document must be submitted.

For example, imagine your employer, licensing authority, or immigration office needs your FBI Identity History Summary by 30 September.

This example assumes everything goes according to plan. If your fingerprints need to be retaken or additional information is requested, the process can take longer.

What Happens If Your Fingerprints Are Rejected?

An illegible fingerprint submission doesn't necessarily mean there's a problem with your application. It simply means the fingerprints couldn't be read clearly enough for processing.

If this happens, you'll usually be asked to provide a new set of fingerprints before the application can continue.

To reduce the likelihood of this:

• use an experienced fingerprinting provider
• avoid fingerprinting if your fingertips are cut or heavily damaged
• check that all required personal information has been completed before leaving the appointment

Planning tip: If your document will be used for immigration or employment overseas, check whether the receiving authority also requires an apostille or certified translation. These are separate services completed after the FBI background check is issued and should be factored into your overall timeline.

Also Check How to Get a USA Criminal Record Check in New Zealand

For some applicants, yes. If the organisation requesting your FBI Identity History Summary also requires it to be apostilled, you'll need to allow additional time after the FBI issues your report.

An apostille is issued by the U.S. Department of State's Office of Authentications, not by the FBI. This means obtaining your criminal record check and obtaining the apostille are two separate processes with separate processing times.

Whether you need an apostille depends on where the document will be used:

• Countries that are parties to the Hague Apostille Convention generally require an apostille certificate.
• Countries that are not parties to the Convention generally require an authentication certificate instead.

If you're unsure, check with the authority requesting your criminal record check before submitting your application.

Typical U.S. Department of State Processing Times

Because most applicants applying from New Zealand use the mail-in service, it's sensible to assume at least five additional weeks if an apostille is required.

Planning Tip for Applicants in New Zealand

If your FBI Identity History Summary will ultimately need an apostille, don't treat it as a last-minute extra. Instead, build both processes into your timeline from the beginning.

For example:

• Weeks 1-5: Complete fingerprinting, submit your FBI application, and receive your FBI Identity History Summary.
• Weeks 6-10+: Submit the FBI report to the U.S. Department of State for an apostille (if required).
• Final step: Send the completed apostilled document to the requesting authority.

Starting the FBI application early gives you enough flexibility to complete both stages without rushing.

Note: Because the U.S. Department of State cannot apostille an FBI report that hasn't yet been issued, these two stages are generally completed one after the other rather than simultaneously.

Applying for a USA criminal record check from New Zealand is a series of connected steps. Managing each stage separately often creates unnecessary delays.

Globeia brings these stages together into one coordinated workflow, helping applicants move efficiently from fingerprinting to a submission-ready document.

Here's how the process works:

1. Start with One Online Application

Complete your details through Globeia's secure SmartForm. You also complete Face ID verification which links your unique ID to your application to help prevent identity fraud.

2. Fingerprinting at Your Location

Rather than travelling to a fixed office, a trained Globeia associate visits you for a mobile fingerprinting session. We bring the required FD-258 and FD-1164 cards along with required fingerprinting equipment and materials. All you need to do is have your identification ready for the appointment. 

3. Quality Review Before Submission

Your fingerprint card and supporting documents are reviewed on-the-spot for obvious issues such as incomplete information, missing signatures, or fingerprint quality concerns that could result in avoidable delays or resubmissions.

4. International Submission Coordination

Instead of arranging overseas handling yourself, Globeia coordinates the secure transfer of your application through its U.S. office (Globeia Inc.) for submission to the FBI. This simplifies the international part of the process.

5. Track Progress Along the Way

Application updates are available through SmartPortal. Monitor your request as it moves through each stage instead of wondering where your documents are.

6. Plan for the Next Step Before You Need It

If the receiving authority also requires a U.S. federal apostille, authentication and legalization, or certified translation, these can be coordinated as part of the same workflow. No need to organise them separately after the FBI report arrives. 

7. Receive Your Completed Documents

Once your FBI Identity History Summary has been issued, and any additional document services have been completed, your documents are delivered securely, ready for submission to the requesting authority.

Already Have Your Fingerprints?

If you've already had your fingerprints taken on a suitable FBI fingerprint card and they're still clear and usable, you may not need another fingerprint appointment. Globeia can review your existing fingerprint card and, if it's suitable for FBI processing, coordinate the remaining stages of your application without requiring you to start over.

We’ve guided enough applicants through this process to know that the waiting is often harder than the paperwork. The timeline can feel completely out of your hands once the envelope leaves New Zealand, but here’s what you should know: many of the delays that applicants can actually control happen before the FBI ever touches the application. Poor fingerprints, the wrong document, a form left unsigned, or a slow courier choice do more damage than the FBI’s actual workload ever will.

When you treat the whole thing as one coordinated workflow rather than a series of separate tasks, planning becomes far more predictable. You know what’s happening next, and you’ve already accounted for it. That’s the approach we follow here at Globeia.