How to Get an FBI Background Check in the UK?

“How to get an FBI background check in the UK?” – this is perhaps the first question that will strike your mind if you are residing in the United Kingdom and require an FBI Identity History Summary check from the USA for work, study, or immigration purposes. The process can cause a lot of confusion and stress, especially if you are a U.S. citizen or green card holder taking advantage of a tourist/work visa and living in the U.K. Fortunately, you can seek help from reliable agencies like Globiea, which can guide you at every step of the below given process. 

There may be several reasons why you may need to submit an FBI background check when living in the UK. For example, you are applying for certain jobs like that of an English teacher in the United Kingdom. In such a case, you will need to submit a US criminal record check. You may also need a background check for immigration or legal purposes like setting up a new business venture in the UK. 

Once you determine the purpose, apply from the official website of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Duly fill up the form providing all details accurately and process the payment  

Next, download and print the FD-258/FD-1164 fingerprint card to record your fingerprints. You may use a local police station in the UK or a fingerprinting agency to record your fingerprints if you are wondering “How to get an FBI background check in the UK.” Make sure the fingerprint card is duly filled up with your personal details and includes the signature of both you and the personnel completing your fingerprints. If the card is not filled properly or the fingerprints are not recorded carefully, there is a high chance that your application might get rejected.  Using a trustworthy agency like Globeia can be a smart choice to avoid any pitfalls. 

There are two ways you can submit your application to the FBI:

• Digitally: If you are inside the USA, you can visit FBI-authorized locations to complete the fingerprinting and submit the fingerprints electronically. 
• Via Mail: Alternatively, if you are outside the USA, you need to send the payment confirmation and the completed fingerprint card to the FBI’s mailing address. 
• Through Third-party Agencies: You can get in touch with renowned agencies such as Globeia to guide you throughout the submission process.  
   

To process your request for an FBI background check, you need to pay a fee of $18 per person during the online application with the FBI. You would be required to pay an additional fee if you use an agency to guide you with FBI fingerprinting and submission. This may vary from $90 to $250 based on various factors.  

The turnaround time to receive your background check is 3-5 days for electronic submissions. For mailed requests, the processing time may take several weeks. You may consider working with a dependable agency like Globeia that can help you fastly navigate the process and get you the background check faster.  

You may receive your FBI criminal background check electronically on your email or via first-class US Postal Service mail, depending on a request submitted during the application process.

For certain purposes, such as employment, visa or business, you may need an apostille for the FBI check from the US Department of State. 

Being in the UK, it can be intimidating to get an FBI background check. While the process can be handled directly, small mistakes can greatly affect the timelines. It is recommended to seek the assistance of an agency that is experienced in handling these requests and processing them efficiently. You can consider consulting a trustworthy agency such as Globeia for a streamlined and expedited FBI background check experience. We specialize in a broad range of services, from background checks to authentication to apostille.