How to Get a USA Police Clearance in Canada

This blog will provide the necessary steps to acquire a USA police clearance if you currently live in Canada. Seeking a USA police clearance is often required for employment, immigration, education, and other official purposes but it can be very challenging when seeking it from outside the country. However, when you are aware of the procedure to apply, you can easily submit your application from Canada and receive your results. This guide will help you understand the steps involved and suggest some important things to take into account.

 

A police clearance certificate from the United States reveals an extensive history or absence thereof on the criminal records of the individual in the country. This record, which is referred to as an Identity History Summary Check by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and as an FBI background check more simply, is provided by the FBI. If you are in Canada and have to get a USA background check for employment, immigration, or any legal matter, it is important to follow the right procedure to get it done efficiently and fast.

 

If you are residing in Canada and want to apply for an FBI criminal background check, follow these steps.

 

1. Identify the Purpose of the USA Police Clearance

First, make sure you identify the reason why you are applying for the USA police clearance. Different reasons (work, immigration, etc.) might have different requirements in terms of the papers and when they should be sent. It is better to have this information beforehand so that you can avoid any prolongation of the application process.

2. Collect Required Documents

When you apply for an FBI criminal background check, you will require - two forms of government-issued IDs and fingerprints that should be professionally taken by a fingerprinting technician on specific card FD-258/FD-1164. Ensure that the IDs that you choose to submit are eligible for submission.

3. Choose Your Application Method

There are different ways of applying for a USA police clearance from Canada, - directly with the FBI or through an FBI-approved channeler. Channelers are third-party agencies that are approved by the FBI to carry out the USA criminal record check application procedure. Using FBI approved channeler such as Globeia, you can easily receive your results in 1 or 2 days as a green card holder or US citizen while living in Canada. However, the process may take longer time in case you are not a citizen or a green card holder from the United States.

4. Complete the Application and Pay the Fees

After the completion of your papers, you must fill in the application form. Fill in your right details such as your legal name, address history, birthplace and birthdate details, SIN, etc. There is a fee charged for the USA police clearance application, which will vary depending on whether you apply personally at the FBI or through a channeler. If you are applying directly through the FBI, you must avoid paying fees via business or personal checks or even cash for a Departmental Order (DO) request. FBI channelers accept different modes of payment. 

 

5. Submit Fingerprints

To obtain an FBI clearance, it is important to use the correct fingerprint card (FD-258/FD-1164) which is specific to the FBI during the submission of fingerprints. Usually, certified fingerprinting agencies in Canada tend to give these cards out. Make sure the fingerprints are legible and clear, and that they are taken using ink. In case the prints are blurry or illegible, they could complicate the processing time or even lead to disapproval.

6. Receive Results

Once your application has been processed and the results are ready, the FBI will mail them. You can receive your results as per your choice of result delivery. 

 

There are certain things that should be taken into account when you apply for a USA Police Clearance from Canada.

1. Ensure Accuracy in Documentation

When applying for a police clearance certificate from the USA, accuracy is of utmost importance. Confirm and validate all the personal details such as your legal name and date of birth, to avoid mistakes. Mistakes can cause postponements, which may necessitate a re-application or seeking an explanation from the FBI office.

 

2. Consider Processing Time

The duration of processing may differ with the method you pick. Direct applications to the FBI can take anywhere from one to three months, whereas when seeking the services of FBI channelers, it is usually quicker, often within two working days for US citizens. However, certain circumstances such as an increase in backlogs at the FBI or application mistakes can lead to more delays in processing. When your application is submitted, keep in contact with relevant agencies to get a timely update on the status of your application.

 

3. Choosing the Right Channeler

When you plan to apply via an FBI-approved channeler, it is important to choose the right one carefully. Go through the testimonials, understand their services, learn about the fee structure to check for any hidden fees, and the working hours before you begin your application process. It is important to apply via a trusted and experienced third-party platform such as Globeia which provides seamless and advanced services to carry out the process smoothly. Also, it is suggested that you decide on the type of result delivery you prefer and learn about any additional services you may require along with an FBI background check before you begin to apply.

 

If you need to get a police clearance for the USA while residing in Canada, it is quite easy to achieve as long as the right procedure is followed. This is because this clearance is necessary for almost everything ranging from employment, immigration, and even volunteer work. After organizing the needed paperwork, utilizing good quality and clear fingerprint cards, and also selecting an efficient way of applying (either directly or through an FBI channeler), your USA background check can be done smoothly. Use Globeia’s online services to begin your application process from Canada today.