How to Get an FBI Background Check from Mexico?

Wondering how to get an FBI background check from Mexico? Many Americans like you often decide to extend their stay in Mexico and find out that they must submit a U.S. criminal record check along with their visa application. This is pretty common with those who arrive in Mexico on a digital nomad or tourist visa and end up falling in love with the country. 

Applying from within the United States is easy as you only need to submit an Fd-258 form and your background check will be issued by the FBI. The application process becomes a bit lengthy when international borders are involved. 

We have compiled this blog to be your quick guide with step-by-step instructions, to help you apply for your FBI background check without being present inside the United States. Understanding the process will help you complete your application whether you need the background check done for Mexican residency, employment, or a visa application. By the end of this article, you will have an idea of the steps that you need to take to complete your application without encountering any hiccups along the way. 
 

The first step is completing the FD-1164 and the I-783 forms. While the FD-1164 is used for fingerprinting outside the US, the I-783 form is called the Identity History Summary Request Form and must be submitted along with your fingerprints. Here is a breakdown of the steps that you must follow for each.

FD-1164 Form

• Download the FD-1164 form from the FBI’s website.
• Locate a fingerprint agent or visit your local police station in Mexico for proper fingerprint capture. They will assist with completing the form and taking your fingerprints using ink impressions.
• Double-check all information entered on the form for accuracy, including your name, date of birth, and social security number (if applicable).
• Write your address and add your signature to the form in the designated blocks.

The Globeia team recommends using a fingerprinting specialist to capture your fingerprints. This will ensure proper capture for accurate results as opposed to pre-filling the form yourself. 

I-783 Form

• Get an official copy of the I-783 form.
• Carefully review the form and add your details such as date of birth, country of residence, and country of citizenship. 
• Complete all sections of the form by including your personal information, address history, and last four digits of your social security number.
• Double-check the accuracy of all information before submitting the form.
• Pay the $18 fee for the background check using one of the available methods mentioned at the end of the form.

Now that you understand the FD-1164 and I-783 forms, it is time to take a look at how to submit your request to the FBI. You can submit the completed I-783 form and the FD-1164 fingerprint card either by mail or through an authorized channeler.

Direct Mail Submission

Direct submission is the cheapest option to get your FBI clearance certificate in Mexico. You can simply mail your two completed forms to the following address:

FBI CJIS Division – Summary Request
1000 Custer Hollow Road
Clarksburg, WV 26306

While the overall cost for direct submission is pretty low, the time that it takes to hear back from the FBI is usually longer than 6 weeks. This is in part due to international mail delays and also inaccurate details in some cases.

Professional Service Submission
You are responsible for completing the FBI checks forms accurately when applying through the previously mentioned option. Using the services of an experienced FBI background check company gets you expert assistance with form completion and submission. This translates to faster processing times and there is a very low chance of your request being rejected by the FBI.

Using an FBI fingerprinting company can make getting your background check from Mexico much easier. We recommend going with a company that has experience in handling international FBI check applications from Mexico smoothly.

The Globeia team understands the FBI’s requirements and checks each part of your application for common mistakes. We have years of experience handling FBI background checks requests from all around the world including Mexico. The Globeia online portal is another step in the direction towards making international document verification easier for international clients like yourself. 

  
Log on to our FBI check application portal now to easily download the required forms for your request. We offer a convenient way of getting access to all of the required resources so that you can get started right away. Our goal is to make this process as stress-free as possible, allowing you to focus on what matters most.
 

Many Mexican employers in fields like finance, healthcare, or education are increasingly requesting FBI checks for new hires from the US. This ensures they choose reliable candidates who meet their security standards. Applying for Mexican visas, especially permanent residency or work permits, also involves submitting an FBI check. 

Your US criminal record check helps Mexican authorities confirm your criminal history and suitability for living and working there. Couples adopting a child in Mexico must submit background checks from their respective countries. This means that you will need to submit your FBI clearance certificate if you are an American citizen or have lived here in the past.