FBI Fingerprinting for Immigration and Travel Abroad
For many international travel, immigration, residency, dual citizenship, work visa, and overseas employment processes, obtaining an FBI background check is one of the most important requirements. In many cases, foreign governments specifically require a federal-level criminal history report issued by the Federal Bureau of Investigation rather than a state-level background check.
At FBI Apostille Los Angeles, proudly operated and administered by Anshin Mobile Notary and Live Scan, we regularly help clients obtain FBI background checks, federal apostilles, fingerprint cards, and certified translations for international use.
Our clients include professionals relocating abroad, individuals applying for residency or citizenship, executives serving on international corporate boards, entertainers traveling internationally, and families navigating complex immigration requirements.
Why Many Countries Require FBI Background Checks
Many foreign governments want to confirm whether an applicant has a criminal history in the United States before issuing residency permits, visas, citizenship approvals, teaching credentials, immigration approvals, or work authorization.
In practice, most countries require a federal FBI background check because it reflects nationwide criminal history information rather than only records from one individual state.
Some countries may additionally request a state background check, but in many cases, the FBI report is considered the primary document.
Federal vs. State Background Checks
This distinction is extremely important and often misunderstood.
An FBI background check is considered a federal document. Because of this, it must receive a federal apostille from the U.S. Department of State in Washington D.C. A California apostille or other state apostille cannot be used for an FBI report.
We regularly help clients understand the difference between:
- California DOJ Live Scan background checks
- FBI Identity History Summary checks
- State apostilles
- Federal apostilles
Many clients initially attempt to obtain the wrong apostille type before realizing their destination country specifically requires federal authentication.
How to Obtain an FBI Background Check
There are generally two main ways to obtain an FBI background check:
1. Electronic FBI Submission
Electronic FBI submission is often the fastest option. In many cases, results may become available the same day or within a short period after submission.
Very few mobile fingerprinting operators offer true FBI electronic submission services. Our team regularly assists clients throughout Los Angeles with professional FBI electronic fingerprinting appointments.
We also offer mobile service for electronic FBI background checks, which are critical for professionals or others with strict timing requirements.
Unlike many providers, we utilize professional scanning systems and barcode-based identification workflows that help reduce data entry errors and improve efficiency.
2. Fingerprint Cards (FD-258)
Clients located abroad — or those unable to access electronic fingerprinting — may still obtain an FBI background check using traditional FD-258 fingerprint cards.
We frequently help clients:
- Complete FD-258 fingerprint cards
- Understand how to fill out card information correctly
- Prepare fingerprints for FBI processing
- Navigate international mailing and courier requirements
For clients overseas, fingerprint cards are often the only practical solution.
Our mobile service for FBI background checks conducted using fingerprint cards are required by some applicants who face unique circumstances.
FBI Fingerprinting While Living Abroad
Many U.S. citizens living abroad are surprised to learn they can still obtain an FBI background check without returning to the United States.
In many situations, applicants can:
- Obtain fingerprints locally overseas
- Mail FD-258 cards for processing
- Receive FBI results electronically
- Obtain a federal apostille afterward
We regularly assist clients located in Europe, Asia, South America, Canada, Australia, and other international destinations.
Federal Apostille Requirements for FBI Background Checks
Once the FBI report is issued, many countries require the document to receive a federal apostille before it can be legally recognized abroad.
This process is handled through the U.S. Department of State.
Common situations requiring FBI apostilles include:
- Residency applications
- Immigration processing
- Dual citizenship applications
- Studying or Teaching abroad programs
- International employment
- Marriage abroad
- Visa applications
- Foreign corporate compliance
We regularly help clients coordinate both the FBI report and the apostille process together.
Certified Translation Services After Apostille
Many countries additionally require certified translations after apostille processing is completed.
At FBI Apostille Los Angeles, administered by Anshin Mobile Notary and Live Scan, we also assist clients with international document translation support for immigration and overseas document submission.
Depending on the country, translated documents may need to accompany:
- FBI background checks
- Birth certificates
- Marriage certificates
- Corporate documents
- Immigration filings
- Residency applications
Most countries do not require the original translation and a digital file is sufficient.
Some countries may require certified, sworn, or officially recognized translations depending on their local laws and immigration requirements.
Translation requirements vary significantly by country, agency, and application type. In some situations, a simple certified translation is sufficient, while other jurisdictions may require translations performed or validated by court-approved or government-recognized translators.
Entertainment Industry and Executive Clients
Los Angeles presents unique international-document situations that many ordinary fingerprinting providers rarely encounter.
We frequently assist entertainers, executives, touring professionals, athletes, producers, and international corporate personnel who require discreet, professional handling of FBI fingerprinting and apostille services.
In some cases, our team travels directly to:
- Homes
- Studios
- Hotels
- Production facilities
- Corporate offices
- Private locations
Some clients additionally require NDAs or confidential handling procedures due to the nature of their work or travel requirements.
International Corporate and Board-Level Requirements
We also assist corporations whose executives or board members require FBI background checks and apostilles for offshore corporate compliance, international licensing, financial-sector approvals, or foreign regulatory filings.
These situations often require professional handling, careful timing coordination, and accurate preparation of federal documentation.
Common Mistakes People Make
- Obtaining a state apostille instead of a federal apostille
- Getting background checks done too early and having to reapply
- Waiting too long before international deadlines
- Submitting poor-quality fingerprint cards
- Using providers unfamiliar with FBI electronic submissions
- Failing to confirm translation requirements
- Assuming all countries have identical document rules
Why Experience Matters
International document processing is often far more complicated than people initially expect.
Our team has extensive experience helping clients navigate FBI fingerprinting, federal apostilles, fingerprint cards, certified translations, and international document preparation workflows.
Because FBI Apostille Los Angeles is administered by Anshin Mobile Notary and Live Scan, clients also gain access to a broader network of practical resources, educational articles, and operational support relating to fingerprinting and international document authentication.
Additional Resources
- FBI Background Check Information
- Fingerprint Cards (FD-258)
- FBI Background Check Apostille Abroad
- Apostille Services
- International Document Translation Services
Frequently Asked Questions
Do most countries require an FBI background check?
Many countries require an FBI background check for immigration, residency, work visas, teaching programs, dual citizenship, or overseas employment applications.
Can I get an FBI background check while living abroad?
Yes. Many applicants abroad obtain FBI background checks using FD-258 fingerprint cards and international mailing procedures.
Does an FBI background check require a federal apostille?
Yes. Because the FBI report is a federal document, it requires a federal apostille issued by the U.S. Department of State.
Can a California apostille be used for an FBI background check?
No. California apostilles apply to state-level documents, not federal FBI reports.
Do I need translation services after apostille?
Some countries require certified translations after apostille processing. Requirements vary depending on the destination country and immigration process.
This article is part of Moving Abroad: Where to Start, where we start from the destination and the requesting authority rather than from the apostille.
Also in this section: They Told Me I Need an FBI Background Check. What Happens Next?, My Checklist Says “Police Clearance.” Does That Mean an FBI Check? and Thailand: State Record or FBI?.