Steps for Requesting a USA Criminal Background Check from Israel

If you are in Israel and are preparing for immigration, employment, or legal procedure, you may be required to apply for a USA criminal background check. In this blog, we will learn about this check, different ways to apply for this background check, useful tips to prepare for the application, and mistakes that must be avoided.

A USA criminal background check, officially called an FBI Identity History Summary, is a report that shows your criminal record history in the United States. It is commonly required for visa applications, residency permits, adoption procedures, and certain legal matters.

The report is issued by the FBI's Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) division. It uses your fingerprints to search the FBI's central database for arrests, charges, convictions, and court orders linked to your identity.

The most common pain point for applicants in Israel is finding a reliable fingerprinting provider. The FBI accepts fingerprints rolled on a standard FD-258 or FD-1164 card. If the ink is smudged or uneven, the application may get rejected.

Currently, the U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem does not provide fingerprinting unless they require it for consular services. You have a few local options:

Private Companies

Specialized agencies in major cities like Tel Aviv and Jerusalem have professionals trained to meet strict FBI compliance standards.

Mobile Fingerprinting Services

If visiting a fixed location during business hours doesn't work for your schedule, a mobile service is the most practical alternative.

Globeia offers mobile fingerprinting across Israel. A trained associate comes to your home or office anywhere in Israel and captures your prints on the spot. Once your prints are captured, we can mail them to our US office for submission to the FBI.

Aliyah Organizations

If you are moving through a guided immigration pathway, look out for dedicated fingerprint services provided by organizations like Nefesh B’Nefesh.

Israel National Police

You may request a fingerprint service at select local Israeli police stations. But keep in mind their internal systems are primarily designed for domestic clearance, you must bring your own printed copies of the FBI-compliant fingerprinting card.

Choose a suitable application method for an FBI background check.

Via eDO Portal

You can opt to apply digitally by using the FBI’s electronic departmental order portal. Follow these simple steps.

1. Register on the eDO Portal: Visit the official eDO portal website (www.edo.cjis.gov) and register your account.
   Provide Personal Details: Complete the application by adding correct information about yourself including your name, date of birth, address, etc.
2. Complete the Payment: Pay the applicable fees through the eDO portal by using a preferred payment method such as a credit card.
3. Send Fingerprints: When you complete the application, you will receive an email with instructions to mail your fingerprint card to the address mentioned in the email. You are suggested to retain a copy of this email to track your application status. 

Important: The FBI's eDO portal requires electronic fingerprint capture which is only available at authorized collection sites within the United States. Israel-based applicants cannot submit fingerprints electronically through eDO and must collect rolled ink fingerprints on official FD-258/FD-1164 cards and mail them. The eDO portal can be used for payment and application initiation only.

Via Mail

You can also choose to apply for a USA criminal background check by mailing your application to the CJIS division of the FBI.

1. Fill Out the Form: Fill out the application form by adding all the relevant and accurate information about yourself such as your name, birth date, gender, address, etc.
2. Pay the Applicable Fee: Pay the charges for the FBI background check by using a suitable payment mode such as a credit card, money order, or certified check. Please refrain from paying the charge through personal check or cash.
3. Submit Documents: Mail your application form, fingerprint card, and supporting documents to this address:

FBI CJIS Division – Summary Request

1000 Custer Hollow Road

Clarksburg, WV 26306, USA

Using a Third-Party Agency

You can also apply by using the service of a reliable third-party agency such as Globeia. By using Globeia’s online service for the USA criminal background check, you can apply hassle-free. Here are the steps involved in applying using Globeia’s platform.

1. Visit the Platform: Visit Globeia’s platform and create an account.
2. Complete the Application: Complete the application by adding accurate details such as your name, birthdate, address, etc., and uploading the required documents.
3. Make Payment: Pay the application charges by selecting a preferred payment method and adding your billing information.
4. Mail Original Fingerprint Card: Mail your original fingerprint card to Globeia Inc. in the USA. Globeia’s team will initiate the USA background check process.
5. Get the Result: For US citizens or green card holders, the USA criminal background check result may be received in PDF form within 1-3 days. If you are a non-US citizen, you may get the result in 3-4 weeks.

Note: These timelines are estimates only. Processing times are determined solely by the FBI and may vary depending on workload, fingerprint quality, and other factors. Mailing time is additional. No third-party provider, including Globeia, can guarantee or expedite FBI processing.

Here is the list of dos and don’ts to remember when you are preparing to apply for the USA Criminal Record Check in Israel.

Dos

• Arrange Documents: You are suggested to arrange the required documents before completing the application form. Make sure the documents are eligible for submission.
• Provide Accurate Information: Add accurate information in the application form. Double-check the information added.
• Take Fingerprints Properly: Fingerprint submission is an essential part of the USA criminal background check process. Have your fingerprints taken through a local police station or fingerprinting service agency. Use the FD-258 Card/FD-1164 Card and go through Globeia’s fingerprinting guide.
• Apply Early: In case you have to meet any deadline, you are suggested to apply early.

Don’ts

• Don’t Submit Incomplete Applications: It is important to submit a completely filled application with accurate details. You must review the entire application before submission to ensure no column is left blank.
• Don’t Pay Using Unapproved Methods: If you are applying through the mail, you must avoid paying the charges through an unapproved method such as personal check or cash.

If you require the FBI background check in Israel, you may also be required to have your FBI background check apostilled for use. The apostille is issued by the U.S. Department of State because FBI reports are federal documents. An apostille helps in verifying the authenticity of the document for use in foreign countries which are part of the Hague Apostille Convention.

Since both Israel and the United States are part of the Hague Apostille Convention, you don’t have to apply for authentication and legalization of the FBI identity history summary. If you want to apply online and have your document apostilled, use Globeia’s FBI apostille service.

You will receive your FBI Identity History Summary in English. But the uncertainty here is that some Israeli authorities and employers may accept it as-is, while others may not. If the recipient requires the document in Hebrew, you will need a certified translation.

Who Typically Asks for a Hebrew Translation?

Many authorities require a notarized or certified Hebrew translation. You can find certified translators through the Israel Translators Association.

If you have a criminal record in the United States and are applying for Aliyah under the Law of Return, don't try to hide it. The Israeli government's primary concern is whether you pose a threat to public safety.

Minor offenses

Misdemeanors and minor traffic violations are generally not a barrier to Aliyah, as long as they are disclosed upfront.

Serious offenses

If your FBI identity history summary shows a major criminal record, such as violent crimes or major fraud, the Ministry of Interior will review your case individually.

You may need to provide certified court records detailing the outcome of each case, official translations if the documents are not in English or Hebrew, and evidence of rehabilitation.

Every case is decided on its own facts. An experienced immigration lawyer familiar with the Law of Return can advise you on your specific situation.

Note: Admissibility decisions are made case-by-case by Israeli authorities.

Applying for a USA criminal background check in Israel can be very easy when you follow the correct procedure. Apply for apostille service timely if required for your purpose. Globeia’s platform is built with modern technology for fast and efficient service. Apply now using Globeia’s SmartForm and we ‘ll help you get your USA FBI identity history summary check from Israel.