Things to Know When Applying for a USA Background Check from India

If you are in India and need a US criminal record check, for a visa, a job, or university admission, you've probably realized it's not a simple online form. You need fingerprints. You need the right card. And you need to get everything to the FBI without mistakes that could reset your timeline.

This blog covers every method, what to prepare, and what to avoid when applying for a USA background check from India.

A USA background check or an FBI background check is a report issued by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) that contains information maintained in the FBI's Identity History Summary record, which may include:

• Arrest information;
• Criminal charges;
• Or dispositions reported to the FBI by participating law enforcement agencies.

The USA criminal record check is required for various purposes such as immigration, visa application, employment, education, legal purposes, etc. This check requires the applicant's fingerprints to find accurate details from the Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) database.

Here are different ways to apply for the FBI identity history summary check while staying in India.

Option 1: Applying by Mail

You can apply directly to the FBI via mail by following these steps.

1. Have Your Fingerprints Professionally Taken: To have your fingerprints taken properly, visit a fingerprinting provider in India. Use the FD-258 or FD-1164 card and ensure that the fingerprints meet the standards set by the FBI.
2. Fill Out the Application Form: Complete the FBI application form with accurate personal information and pay the fees.
3. Mail Your Documents: Mail your application form, fingerprint card, and payment documents to the following address:

FBI CJIS Division – Summary Request

1000 Custer Hollow Road

Clarksburg, WV 26306, USA

Option 2: Applying Online Directly

Another way to apply for an FBI background check is to use the FBI's Electronic Departmental Order (eDO) system by following these steps.

1. Create an Account: Visit the website www.edo.cjis.gov and create an account to start applying.
2. Fill Out the Form: Provide accurate information about yourself while filling out the form and pay fees online.
3. Submit Fingerprints: Once the form is completed online, you will receive instructions on how to mail your fingerprint card through a confirmed email. Retain a copy of this email for tracking your application status.
4. Receive Results: Your USA background check results will be sent to you through your selected mode of result delivery (PDF form or by courier).

Note: The FBI's eDO electronic submission system requires electronic fingerprint capture which is only available within the United States. Applicants in India must submit ink fingerprints on official FD-258/FD-1164 cards.

Option 3. Using a Third-Party Service Provider

Third-party providers handle submission and tracking for a smoother experience. Globeia offers an online platform for applicants in India:

1. Complete the Application and Pay Online: Start with Globeia’s SmartForm. Fill out your information accurately and submit your secure payment.
2. Get Fingerprinted at Your Doorstep: Schedule an appointment through our system. A trained Globeia associate will travel directly to your home or office in India for a mobile fingerprinting appointment.
3. Mailing Your Application: Globeia India securely mails your completed fingerprint cards to Globeia Inc. in the USA, where they are processed and submitted to the FBI on your behalf.
4. Receive Results: Once submitted, U.S. citizens and Green Card holders may receive their digital results in 1-3 days, while non-U.S. citizens may get it after 2-3 weeks. Mailing time is additional, and the processing timeline completely depends on the FBI.

Note: These are just estimated turnaround times. FBI processing times vary based on workload and submission type. Electronic submissions through eDO may be faster than mail.

If you already have your fingerprints on an FBI-compliant card, you can mail them to our US office after completing our online form. Globeia’s SmartPortal allows real-time application tracking so you always know the status of your application.

FBI Fees and Payment Options

The FBI charges a processing fee for each Identity History Summary request. Currently it is $18 but it can change over time, so always check the official FBI website before submitting your application.

Depending on how you apply, accepted payment methods may include:

• Credit card
• Money order in U.S. dollars
• Certified check drawn on a U.S. bank

If you are applying from India, avoid using payment methods that may not be accepted internationally. Always verify the current payment requirements before mailing your application.

If you use a third-party provider, their service fees will be separate from any fees charged by the FBI.

Helpful Tip: Check the FBI's official Identity History Summary page immediately before applying, as fees and payment instructions may change.

A fingerprint card alone doesn't prove who took your prints or whether your identity was checked beforehand. Because identity fraud is a growing concern, some embassies, immigration authorities, and employers may request additional evidence regarding how fingerprints were obtained and whose identity was verified during the fingerprinting appointment.

Every appointment with Globeia includes something local providers in India don't offer: a Letter of Identity Verification.

This QR-authenticated document serves as a confirmation that:

• Your identity was verified against your original international passport before any biometrics were captured.
• Your prints were professionally taken by a trained Globeia associate following strict FBI quality and alignment guidelines.
• The session can be verified through a unique encrypted QR code. It allows recipients to independently verify the authenticity of the document through Globeia's verification system.

For applicants in India, this can be a valuable detail. Global immigration offices want confidence that fingerprints were captured by a verified professional, not just anyone with an ink pad.

Note: It is not an FBI-issued document, and the acceptance of that letter (or QR verification) is at the discretion of the destination authority (visa office, employer, university).

Before starting your application, make sure you have:

• A valid passport.
• An FBI-compliant fingerprint card (FD-258 or FD-1164).
• A completed FBI application.
• Access to a reliable courier service if mailing documents internationally.

When attending a fingerprint appointment, bring your original passport. Some fingerprinting providers may also keep a copy of your identification for record-keeping purposes. Keeping photocopies of all submitted documents is recommended.

Whether an apostille is required depends on the authority requesting your document. Many authorities in India and abroad require an apostilled FBI background check for official use. Always confirm the apostille requirement with the requesting authority before starting the process.

What Is An Apostille?

An apostille is a certificate that verifies the authenticity of a document for use in another country. Because both India and the US are members of the Hague Apostille Convention, an apostille is all you need. You don't need further legalization from the embassy or consulates.

How It Works

1. Receive your FBI Identity History Summary.
2. Obtain any required certified copy or certification.
3. Submit the document for apostille through the appropriate U.S. authority.
4. Receive the apostilled document.
5. Submit the apostilled document to the requesting authority in India.

The exact procedure can vary depending on the document format and the requirements of the receiving authority.

Important: Always confirm the apostille requirements with the organization requesting your document before starting the process.

If your receiving authority asks for an apostille, Globeia can assist with coordinating the apostille process from India.

The FBI rejects thousands of international fingerprint cards every year simply because the ink lines are smudged, too light, or blurred.

If your fingerprints cannot be processed, you may need to provide new fingerprints. Government fees and courier costs are generally non-refundable.

To ensure your biometric lines are crisp and readable, follow this preparation routine 24 to 48 hours before your fingerprinting session:

• Hydrate Your Skin: Drink plenty of water and use a heavy, non-greasy moisturizer the night before your appointment to plump up your fingerprint ridges.
• Avoid Harsh Chemicals: Do not use heavy hand sanitizers, rubbing alcohol, or harsh dish soaps for 24 hours before your session. These strip the natural oils from your skin and dry out your ridges.
• Cool Down Warm Hands: If you are traveling through Indian summer heat to your appointment, your hands will likely be warm and slightly sweaty. Sweat causes ink to bleed, turning distinct lines into a solid black smudge. Wash your hands with cold water and dry them completely right before sitting down to get printed.
• Let the Professional Guide You: The biggest mistake applicants make is trying to help the professional by pushing their own fingers onto the paper. Keep your hands completely limp and relaxed. Let the professional control the roll; any resistance causes the paper to slip and smudge the ink.

There’s no guaranteed timeline for getting a USA background check from India. For international applicants, the complete process may take anywhere from several days to several weeks. Processing times vary depending on:

• The submission method.
• Fingerprint quality.
• Courier transit times.
• FBI workload.
• Public holidays and peak periods.

Because timelines can change, it is best to apply well before any visa, immigration, employment, or education deadline.

As a general guideline, starting the process at least 6–8 weeks before you need the document can help reduce stress and avoid last-minute issues.

Here is a list of things that must be avoided while applying for an FBI background check from India.

No, a Social Security Number is not required for an FBI Identity History Summary request. If you have been issued an SSN, including it may help identify your records more accurately.

If you were in the U.S. on a temporary visa where you did not qualify for an SSN, such as a tourist or certain student visas, you can safely leave this field completely blank.

The FBI processes thousands of international applications daily using only your legal name, date of birth, place of birth, and physical fingerprint lines as core identifiers.

If the FBI cannot process your fingerprints because of poor image quality or missing information, your application may be delayed or returned.

Common reasons include smudged fingerprints, incomplete fingerprint cards, incorrect personal details, and damaged fingerprint cards. If a rejection occurs, you may need to submit a new fingerprint card and restart part of the process.

To reduce the risk of rejection:

• Use a professional fingerprinting provider.
• Verify all personal information carefully.
• Follow FBI fingerprinting standards.
• Consider submitting backup fingerprint cards when appropriate.

Applying for a USA background check from India is manageable when the correct steps are taken to apply. Whether you decide to apply via mail, online from eDO’s platform, or through a third-party platform, ensure that you follow the right steps. Consider apostille service too if required. Globeia offers an online platform designed to simplify the process for applicants in India. Apply today using Globeia’s online service to secure your USA Criminal Record Check smoothly.