How to Apply for an FBI Identity History Summary Check: Complete Guide for Applicants Worldwide
Need an FBI Background Check for immigration, employment, or a visa application? Learn the step-by-step process for obtaining an FBI Identity History Summary Check and discover how Worldwide Forensic Services makes the entire process simple.
If you have lived in the United States for work, study, travel, or immigration purposes, you may be required to obtain an FBI Identity History Summary Check, commonly known as an FBI Background Check, FBI Police Clearance Certificate, or FBI Criminal Record Check.
Whether you are applying for permanent residence, citizenship, employment, a professional licence, adoption, or a visa, obtaining the correct FBI police certificate is an important part of your application.
This guide explains the application process and how Worldwide Forensic Services Inc. simplifies it by providing a complete one-stop solution.
What Is an FBI Identity History Summary Check?
An FBI Identity History Summary Check is an official criminal history record issued by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). The report is based on your fingerprints and confirms whether you have a criminal record in the FBI’s database.
The certificate is commonly required for:
- Immigration and permanent residence applications
- Foreign work permits
- Employment screening
- Professional licensing
- Adoption
- International travel
- Citizenship applications
- Visa applications
If no criminal record exists, the report will indicate that no arrest data was found.
Who Needs an FBI Background Check?
You may require an FBI Identity History Summary Check if you:
- Previously lived in the United States
- Worked in the U.S.
- Studied at a U.S. educational institution
- Held a U.S. visa
- Are applying for immigration to another country
- Need a U.S. police certificate requested by a foreign government or employer
Many immigration authorities specifically request an FBI Identity History Summary Check instead of a local police certificate.
How to Apply for an FBI Identity History Summary Check
Step 1 – Complete the FBI Application
The first step is to complete the FBI application and pay the required FBI processing fee.
Applicants can submit their request electronically or by mail, depending on their circumstances.
Step 2 – Have Your Fingerprints Taken
The FBI requires fingerprints on an official fingerprint card.
High-quality fingerprints are essential because poor-quality impressions may delay processing or result in rejection.
Worldwide Forensic Services uses experienced fingerprint technicians to capture:
- Electronic fingerprints
- Ink and roll fingerprints
- FBI FD-1164 fingerprint cards
- Digitally printed fingerprint cards
This significantly reduces the chance of fingerprint rejection.
Step 3 – Submit the Fingerprints
Depending on the application method, fingerprints are submitted according to FBI requirements.
Applicants living outside the United States often find this step confusing because mailing fingerprint cards internationally requires proper documentation and formatting.
Worldwide Forensic Services ensures that fingerprint cards meet FBI standards before submission.
Step 4 – Receive Your FBI Identity History Summary
Once processing is complete, the FBI issues the Identity History Summary electronically or by mail, depending on the application method selected.
The Best Way to Send Your Fingerprint Cards
When mailing fingerprint cards internationally, choosing a reliable courier service can help avoid unnecessary delays.
For the fastest and most secure delivery, we recommend using an international courier such as:
- DHL
- FedEx
- UPS
- Purolator (where available)
Avoid sending fingerprint cards through standard international mail whenever possible, as delivery times can vary significantly and tracking may be limited.
To protect your documents during transit:
- Use a rigid envelope to prevent bending or folding.
- Do not laminate the fingerprint card.
- Keep the fingerprint card clean and free from staples, tape, or unnecessary markings.
- Include any required application documents and your contact information.
Once Worldwide Forensic Services receives your fingerprint cards, we will verify that everything is in order before proceeding with your FBI application.
Tip: Before submitting your application, make sure your fingerprints are captured by experienced professionals using FBI-approved techniques. Poor-quality fingerprints are one of the most common reasons for processing delays or rejections. Choosing a trusted provider like Worldwide Forensic Services helps ensure your fingerprints meet FBI standards the first time, saving you valuable time and avoiding unnecessary resubmissions.
Why Many Applicants Choose Worldwide Forensic Services
Obtaining an FBI police certificate can be time-consuming, especially for applicants outside the United States.
Instead of dealing with multiple organizations, mailing fingerprint cards, and trying to understand FBI requirements, Worldwide Forensic Services provides a complete end-to-end solution.
Our experienced forensic professionals assist thousands of applicants every year from Canada and around the world.
Our One-Stop FBI Background Check Service
Worldwide Forensic Services offers everything required to obtain your FBI Identity History Summary Check in one convenient location.
Our services include:
- Professional fingerprinting by trained technicians
- Electronic Live Scan fingerprint capture
- FBI fingerprint cards
- Digital fingerprint printing
- Application guidance
- Review of documentation before submission
- Assistance for applicants living outside the United States
- Secure handling of personal information
Whether you are applying for immigration, employment, or international travel, our team ensures your fingerprints meet FBI requirements.
Common Issues Applicants Face When Applying for an FBI Background Check
Many applicants experience delays because of avoidable mistakes. Some of the most common issues include:
Poor-Quality Fingerprints
Smudged, incomplete, or low-quality fingerprints may be rejected, requiring the applicant to repeat the fingerprinting process.
Incorrect or Incomplete Application Forms
Missing information, unsigned forms, or incorrect personal details can delay processing.
Using the Wrong Fingerprint Card
Submitting fingerprints on a non-standard card or incorrectly completed FBI fingerprint card may result in processing issues.
International Mailing Delays
Sending fingerprint cards directly to the FBI from overseas can take several weeks, particularly if standard postal services are used.
Difficulty Tracking the Application
Many applicants are unsure whether their fingerprint cards have been received or whether additional documentation is required.
Authentication and Apostille Requirements
Some countries require the FBI report to be authenticated, apostilled, or legalized before it can be accepted. Many applicants discover this only after receiving their FBI report, resulting in additional delays.
Why Choose Worldwide Forensic Services?
Worldwide Forensic Services has assisted tens of thousands of clients with police certificates, FBI Identity History Summary Checks, and fingerprinting services.
Our clients choose us because we offer:
- Experienced forensic fingerprint specialists
- Fast and professional service
- High-quality fingerprint capture
- Secure handling of confidential information
- Convenient Canadian locations
- Assistance for clients worldwide
- Comprehensive document services under one roof
Our goal is to make obtaining an FBI Identity History Summary Check as simple and stress-free as possible.
Applying from Outside Canada? We Can Handle the Entire Process
If you are living outside Canada, you don’t have to navigate the FBI application process on your own.
Simply have your fingerprints taken by a qualified fingerprint agency or local police authority in your country and courier the original fingerprint cards to Worldwide Forensic Services in Canada. Once we receive your fingerprint cards, our experienced team will take care of the remaining process on your behalf.
Our one-stop FBI Identity History Summary Check service includes:
- Reviewing your fingerprint cards for completeness
- Preparing your FBI application
- Submitting your request using the appropriate method
- Monitoring your application
- Receiving your FBI Identity History Summary Check
- Securely forwarding your completed documents anywhere in the world
Whether you are in Australia, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, the Middle East, Asia, Europe, Africa, or South America, Worldwide Forensic Services can simplify the entire process and eliminate the stress of dealing directly with multiple agencies.
Frequently Asked Questions
