Fingerprinting in Lima for International Background Checks: What to Know Before You Book

Fingerprinting for an international application comes with different guidelines that you must follow for a successful and rejection-free submission. However, finding a reliable provider who understands these requirements is where most of the applicants make mistakes. One wrong detail on the fingerprinting card, and you will have to repeat the process once again. The first challenge that Lima applicants face is searching where to go for fingerprinting? Many applicants choose the wrong fingerprinting provider who is not suitable for their particular application and later deal with rejections and delays. Read this guide to know international fingerprinting options in Lima and choose the right provider, such as Globeia.

You need to be confident about the international background check you need because it affects the fingerprinting rules:

Read Fingerprint Background Check vs Name-Based Check to understand the difference between the two.

You need a provider who along with capturing your fingerprints also follow the complete guidelines of the respective authority. Here are the fingerprinting options available in Lima as well as the routes you should avoid:

US Embassy and Other Diplomatic Missions

The US Department of State states that US embassies and consulates abroad do not provide fingerprinting services. The RCMP also excludes Canadian embassies and consulates from its list of authorised agencies abroad for fingerprinting.

Peruvian Police

Peruvian police services primarily handle fingerprinting for domestic procedures. Therefore, you have to confirm whether it will complete your specific fingerprint card for an international application.

Private Fingerprinting Offices

There are many private providers in Lima that assist fingerprinting in Lima and help you complete cards for international background checks.

Mobile Fingerprinting in Lima

A mobile fingerprinting provider in Lima, such as Globeia, sends an associate to your home, workplace or another agreed location. This can save the time spent on traveling across Lima.

Remember to Confirm This Before Booking a Fingerprinting Provider in Lima

In order to avoid any issues later, confirm these points with your provider:

1. Which card will they use? Confirm that it matches the requirements of the FBI, RCMP or other receiving authority.
2. Will you check the impressions? Ask whether unclear prints can be retaken during the appointment.
3. Will you get the completed card ready for submission? Confirm how the collecting official's signature, agency name and address will be recorded where required.
4. Who handles submission for RCMP? For an RCMP Criminal Record Check, confirm how the original card will reach an RCMP-accredited company in Canada for electronic submission.
5. Will I receive identity verification documentation? Ask what proof you will receive after the fingerprint collection.
6. Can you come to my location? Check whether your district is covered by the provider and whether a travel surcharge applies to the services.

The right preparation before your fingerprinting appointment helps prevent incomplete forms, unclear impressions and delays with your international background check.:

Prepare Your Identification Document

Bring identification proof, including at least one government-issued photo ID with your signature. If you plan to use your DNI or carné de extranjería, confirm with your provider whether it meets the requirements for your specific application. 

Check Your Name and Personal Details on All Documents

The name you mention on your fingerprint card and application form must follow the receiving authority's instructions and match your identity documents. For instance, the FBI FD-258 card uses a last, first and middle-name format and includes a separate field for other names used. If you have two surnames, ask your provider how to enter them consistently on the card and application form.

If you are applying for an RCMP Criminal Record Check, you need to disclose all names you have used previously, including former and maiden names.

Bring the Correct Form or Card 

Although the provider you have chosen for your fingerprints should arrange the right background check card for your fingerprints. But it is always better to confirm the requirement before the appointment to avoid wasting the valuable time. Apart from the background checks, FINRA uses its own approved hardcopy card. You need to coordinate with your registration team to get the correct card before the appointment.

Tell Your Associate About Worn or Difficult-to-Print Fingertips

Having any cuts or worn out ridge patterns? Mention this to your provider beforehand. Although no provider can guarantee if your impressions will be accepted, an experienced provider, like Globeia, takes the right measures required to capture the impressions correctly.

Choose a Suitable Location

If you have opted for mobile fingerprinting, you need to choose a location with adequate lighting, a clean, stable surface and enough room to complete the fingerprint cards.

Plan for Lima's Weather and Courier Conditions

If you are attending a fingerprint appointment during rainy or humid conditions, keep your hands clean and dry before fingerprinting. Avoid applying greasy creams immediately beforehand, as they can affect handling and print quality.

Note: If you need to send the completed card yourself, protect it from moisture and bending with a rigid mailer.

Confirm the Next Step Before Your Appointment

Ask whether your booking covers fingerprint collection only or includes card handling and submission. If you are responsible for mailing the card, confirm the destination, packaging requirements and courier arrangements in advance.

Here is why international applicants choose Globeia for their fingerprinting and application coordination requirements across the world:

Book Your Appointment and Track Your File

You begin with providing details about your fingerprinting requirement and mention the preferred appointment location in Lima. Choose a suitable time and pay online. Globeia sends your confirmation, your associate's details and tracking information.

Identity Verification Before Fingerprinting

When the associate arrives, they present Globeia identification and verify your identity using Face ID and a government-issued ID. These steps take place before your fingerprint collection.

Ink Fingerprinting and Card Review

The associate takes your fingerprints in ink using the card required for your application. The appointment usually takes about 15 to 30 minutes, and the associate reviews the completed impressions before leaving your place.

Note: For full-service applications, Globeia coordinates the subsequent handling and submission of the fingerprint card.

Receive Your Letter of Identity Verification

You get a Letter of Identity Verification at the end of the appointment. It records the details, like who was fingerprinted, when the appointment took place and who collected the impressions.

The letter is issued by Globeia, not by a government authority. It does not replace the official criminal record check or guarantee acceptance by any authority.

You can access Globeia's verification portal to check eligible documents.

Choose Fingerprinting Only or Full-Service Support

• Fingerprinting only: Globeia collects your fingerprints on the required card and provides your Letter of Identity Verification. You or your representative handles courier arrangements, submission, apostille or other authentication, and translation as needed.
• Full-service support: Globeia coordinates the subsequent steps for your selected check. For an FBI application, the fingerprint card and application documents are sent to Globeia Inc. in the United States for submission coordination. For an RCMP application, the original card is sent to Globeia Incorporated in Canada, where the accredited company digitises the prints and submits them electronically to the RCMP's

Canadian Criminal Real Time Identification Services (CCRTIS).

If your final document needs an apostille, authentication or Spanish translation for use in Peru, Globeia can coordinate the relevant additional services. The required steps depend on the document and the receiving authority's instructions. You get the live updates of your application through Globeia's SmartPortal.

Globeia offers its professional mobile fingerprinting services across Lima, including the areas listed below:

Central Lima

San Isidro, Miraflores, Surquillo, San Borja, Jesús María, Lince, Magdalena del Mar, Pueblo Libre, San Miguel, Cercado de Lima and La Victoria. Appointments are also available at hotels near Miraflores Malecón and the city centre.

Southern and South-Eastern Lima

Barranco, Chorrillos, Santiago de Surco and La Molina.

Northern Lima and Callao

Los Olivos and Callao.

Areas Served by Arrangement

Chaclacayo, Punta Hermosa and Ancón are covered by arrangement. Confirm availability when booking.

Group and Workplace Appointments

Need to complete fingerprinting for several people at the same address? Globeia can arrange that as well. Appointments can take place at your office or home. HR departments, relocation firms and immigration advisers can also arrange on-site bulk fingerprinting for teams and onboarding. Talk to Globeia about a group booking.

The type of your application affects the complete cost of the fingerprinting. The below table mentions an estimated cost for different applications that you can consider to plan the budget:

Note: These are indicative estimates, not fixed rates across Lima. For a more accurate estimate of your fingerprinting requirement in Lima, contact Globeia. 

For a more detailed overview of the fingerprinting cost and what factors may affect it, read - How much does fingerprinting cost?

Fingerprinting in Lima takes minutes, but the decisions around it are worth a moment’s thought. A clear plan for your appointment can save time and help you avoid unnecessary repeat visits.

Work with a professional to avoid any unnecessary hurdles. Globeia takes care of your fingerprints as well as the submission to authorities, like FBI and RCMP, so that you can focus on your preparation with no headache.

Book your international fingerprinting appointment in Lima.