How to Request USA Criminal Record Check in Colombia

Even when you are living in Colombia, it is entirely possible to get your USA Criminal Record Check for specific purposes. An American expat or a foreign national who has spent time in the States, currently in Colombia, may require this background check when applying for a work visa, residency, or employment. In this blog, we will explain to you about the USA background check, how to apply, and things to consider while applying.

A USA Criminal Record Check is a background check that discloses information about an individual’s American criminal history. This comprehensive check is carried out by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and is also referred to as FBI Identity History Summary or FBI background check. Fingerprints are mandated to search precisely for relevant criminal records. FBI checks are requested for various objectives including immigration, citizenship, legal formalities, etc.

Colombia has a significant and growing community of American expats, US-linked professionals, and returning migrants who regularly require FBI Identity History Summaries. Americans living in Bogotá, Medellín, Cartagena, and Cali for work, study, or retirement frequently need FBI background checks for European or Latin American residency applications, Colombian work visa requirements, or US-linked employment contracts. 

Professionals working with multinational companies including ExxonMobil, Chevron, Amazon, and international NGOs operating across Colombia regularly require FBI clearance as part of pre-employment screening or contract compliance. Colombian nationals who have previously lived or studied in the United States and are now applying for Canadian immigration, European residency, or international employment are also among the most frequent applicants, as foreign immigration authorities require a criminal record check covering every country where the applicant has lived for six months or more.

There are different modes to apply for a USA criminal record check in Colombia. Use a suitable method of submitting your application.

Option 1: Direct Mail-in

You can choose to complete your application physically and then mail it to the FBI along with your fingerprints to the address:

FBI CJIS Division - Summary Request

You will be required to complete the fee payment using a credit card, money order, or certified checks. It is suggested that you avoid paying via cash or personal check. Ensure to review the materials before submitting your application so that there is no delay or rejection. If more than one individual such as a family member wants to apply collectively, separate application forms will have to be submitted with complete details. You will receive one sealed response of which you can make additional copies if required for certain situations.

Option 2: Apply Online

You can also directly apply online by visiting www.edo.cjis.gov. Complete your application online along with payment. Payment can be carried out via different modes such as Credit Card, PayPal, or even Amazon account. You still have to mail your fingerprint card to the address listed on the confirmation email received during the commencement of your online application process.

After completing your payment, you will be sent an email. It is suggested that you keep a copy of the confirmation email. This email will help you to track the status of your application. You can receive your FBI background check in Colombia through the option you choose for result delivery.

Option 3: Using Services of Third-Party Service Agencies

You can use the fingerprinting and document support services of agencies like Globeia Colombia to capture your fingerprints anywhere in the country. After an immediate quality check, they courier your completed fingerprint cards to Globeia Inc. in the USA, where they are processed and submitted to the FBI on your behalf. 

When you apply for an FBI background check from Colombia, you must take note of the following things.

1. Understanding the Reason for Your FBI Background Check

It is important to understand the reason for applying for an FBI background check. You may be required to mention your purpose of application when you apply.

2. Arranging Fingerprints

You have to arrange your fingerprints for submission. You will be required to get your fingerprints professionally taken using  FD-258/FD-1164 fingerprint cards. You can reach out to the local police department to carry out the fingerprinting procedure or apply via a trusted fingerprinting agency. Ensure that your fingerprints are legible without any smudges. You can understand the fingerprinting guidelines more comprehensively using our guide about fingerprinting for FBI background checks.

3. Understanding the Fee Structure

When you apply for a USA Criminal Record Check, it is important to understand the fee structure used by the mode of application that you will choose. If you choose to mail your application, you may be required to pay a fee of $18. You can request a waiver in case you cannot afford to pay the fee. A waiver request must have a claim or proof of indigence. Please note that the FBI does not provide expedited services and thus there are no associated additional charges.

When you apply using a third-party company, you are recommended to go through their fee structure to ensure transparency and a complete understanding before you apply. Certain service providers may charge extra additional services such as international courier, FBI apostille, etc.

4. Understanding the Processing Timeframes

5. Updating Changes and Requesting Additional Services

6. Staying Updated with the Validity Period

Given the number of steps involved, many applicants choose to use a professional fingerprinting and coordination service to help ensure accuracy at each stage. It’s not just about fingerprinting; the FBI background check process also requires couriers, tracking, and staying updated on system changes. 

Globeia Colombia collects ink fingerprints and mails completed cards to Globeia Inc. in the USA for processing and submission to the FBI. Where apostille is required, Globeia coordinates this through the US Department of State in Washington D.C. on your behalf. This means that you don’t even have to leave your house at any point, and you’ll get your FBI background check delivered professionally and securely.

This how the process works with Globeia:

Step 1: Book Online Appointment

You start by filling out the FBI application via Globeia’s online SmartPortal. Before your fingerprinting appointment is confirmed, you will complete a Face ID verification through their portal. This digital check links your identity to the request and protects against unauthorized submissions.

If you already have your fingerprint cards taken by a local police department or another service provider, you can choose Globeia’s submission coordination and doorstep delivery services for the subsequent steps. 

Step 2: Fingerprinting Associate Comes At Your Doorstep

A trained fingerprinting associate travels directly to your home or office in Colombia. They bring the exact, official FBI FD-258/FD-1164 ink cards, professional ink, and a documentation checklist.

They capture your prints using the rolled-print technique (nail edge to nail edge) required by the FBI. This drastically cuts down the risk of the FBI rejecting your prints for being smudged or incomplete.

Step 3: Letter of Identity Verification

Before leaving, the associate double-checks the print quality. They will also verify your physical government ID. Once confirmed, Globeia issues a Letter of Identity Verification, which is a tamper-proof document certifying that your prints were captured following strict security protocols. 

Step 4: Submission Coordination with Globeia USA

Your physical fingerprint cards are securely couriered from Colombia to Globeia’s processing headquarters in the USA. You don’t need to submit ink prints directly to the FBI, Globeia handles this. Their US team reviews the physical documents and submits them directly to the FBI CJIS for verification and issuance of your background check. You can track everything online using Globeia's real-time tracking feature and notification updates.

Step 5: Apostille Support (Optional)

If you are getting this background check because you are applying for a visa or residency in a third country part of the Hague Convention, or even the Colombian one, your document must be Apostilled (officially legalized by the US Department of State) to be legally recognized.

Step 6: Official Results Delivered Back To You

Please note that Globeia does not directly apostille official government documents and does not perform apostille services on behalf of any government authority. All apostille and authentication requests are submitted by our company to the designated competent government authority on your behalf. 

Obtaining a USA Criminal Record Check while living in Colombia is simple with a variety of application methods to select from such as mail, online portal, or via third party service providers. Each method involves certain steps and advantages. With thorough awareness of each step and things to consider while making your application, you can easily complete the whole procedure to request an FBI background check without any hassle. You can use Globeia’s efficient services and begin your application process in Colombia now for a smooth submission journey.