How Much Does a US Criminal Record Check Cost in Australia?

If you need a US Criminal Record Check in Australia, one of the first questions you'll probably ask is, "How much will it cost?" The answer depends on how you apply. While the FBI charges a fixed government fee, your total cost may also include fingerprinting, international courier charges, and, in some cases, an apostille or professional application service.

This guide breaks down every possible cost so you know what to budget before you start your application.

The cost of a US Criminal Record Check in Australia is not a single figure. It is a combination of separate services, each with its own price.

The components most applicants pay for are:

FBI government application fee: This is the only fixed cost. Every applicant pays USD $18 (approximately AUD $28) regardless of where they apply from or which submission method they use.

Fingerprinting in Australia: You need your prints taken on an FBI-approved card before you can apply. This happens in Australia at a police station, private provider, or through a mobile fingerprinting service. The cost depends on which option you choose and which state you are in.

International courier charges: If you submit directly to the FBI, your documents travel from Australia to the United States and back. Both directions require tracked international shipping, which you pay for separately.

FBI apostille: For most Australian visa and immigration applications, the Department of Home Affairs requires your FBI criminal record check to carry an apostille from the US Department of State before it will be accepted. This is an additional cost on top of the FBI fee.

Professional service fee: Some applicants choose a provider like Globeia to manage the full process. This covers fingerprinting, submission, tracking, apostille coordination, and delivery in one application. It is optional but reduces the risk of errors that add cost and delay later.

Not every applicant needs every service. Whether you need an apostille depends on what the authority requesting your document has asked for. Confirm this before you start.

Yes. Many Australians choose to submit their application directly to the FBI. This option usually costs less because you only pay the government fee, fingerprinting, and courier charges.

However, you'll be responsible for:

• Completing the application correctly.
• Meeting FBI fingerprint requirements.
• Arranging international shipping.
• Tracking your application.

If you're applying under a tight deadline or want extra support, using a professional service may save both time and money. Many providers review your documents before submission, helping reduce the risk of rejected fingerprint cards or incomplete applications. This can prevent additional costs associated with re-fingerprinting, resubmitting paperwork, or paying for another courier shipment.

The FBI application fee is only one part of the total cost of getting an FBI criminal record check in Australia. Many applicants do not consider the additional expenses that can occur if something goes wrong during the process.

Rejected Fingerprints

Poor-quality fingerprints are one of the most common reasons FBI applications are delayed. If your fingerprint card is rejected due to smudged prints, unclear patterns, or incorrect fingerprinting techniques, you may need to pay again for fingerprinting and send a new application.

Wrong Fingerprint Card

The FBI only accepts specific fingerprint cards, such as the FD-258 and FD-1164. Using an incorrect card format, a photocopy, or an outdated fingerprint card can result in your application being returned without processing, causing additional fingerprinting and courier costs.

Incomplete Application

Missing information, incorrect details, or unsigned forms can stop the FBI from processing your request. You may need to correct your documents and resubmit them, adding extra time and possible shipping expenses.

Missing Payment

Direct FBI applications require the correct payment method and amount. If payment is missing or completed incorrectly, the FBI will return your application, and you may need to resend the complete package.

Currency conversion fees

The FBI fee and any US-based service fees are in USD. Australian bank conversion fees add AUD $10 to $25 across all transactions.

Resending Documents Internationally

If your application package is lost, damaged, or returned, you may need to pay again for international courier services from Australia to the United States.

Preparing your application carefully before submission helps reduce unnecessary costs, avoid delays, and complete the FBI criminal record check process smoothly the first time.

You can reduce unnecessary expenses and avoid delays by preparing your FBI criminal record check application carefully. A few simple steps can help you complete the process correctly the first time.

Confirm apostille requirements before starting

This is the most important cost-saving step available. Discovering the requirement after receiving your FBI document adds weeks and AUD $130 to $210 in unplanned costs.

Compare fingerprinting providers by state

Fees range from AUD $40 to $125 at police stations across Australia. Call ahead and confirm whether they have FBI-approved cards before attending.

Use tracked courier only

Standard mail costs AUD $15 to $20 less per direction. A lost application costs the full process again. Always use tracked, insured international shipping.

Choose digital results where accepted

If your visa authority accepts a digital PDF of your FBI criminal record check, choosing digital delivery eliminates return courier costs and saves several business days.

Apply the first time correctly

Blank fields on the application form, incorrect payment format, and damaged fingerprint cards all cause applications to be returned. Read the FBI submission requirements before assembling your package.

The US Criminal Record Check cost in Australia is manageable when you plan for the full process rather than just the FBI fee. Budget AUD $200 to $600, confirm all requirements upfront, and start early.

The total timeline is 7 to 18 weeks depending on your submission method. Globeia's full-service option covers fingerprinting, submission, and delivery for Australian residents and reduces the total timeline significantly compared to self-managed applications.