Mastering The FBI Background Check Process For The D7 Visa: Completed and Apostilled In One Month
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- Опубліковано 27 кві 2021
- Working on the Portuguese D7 visa and flustered by that pesky FBI background check? In this video, I walk you through how I got my background check completed and authenticated with the apostille in around one month without hiring anyone.
I discuss how to get your fingerprints done and mailed to the FBI, how to fill out the FBI background check request (including explanations of some important questions), and how to get this report authenticated. I also share some information about the costs and timeline.
Have a question about the FBI background check? Leave a comment below!
🔗 LINKS
FBI Background Check: www.fbi.gov/services/cjis/ide...
Fingerprint form (FD-258): www.edo.cjis.gov/artifacts/st...
List of USPS offices for electronic fingerprints: www.edo.cjis.gov/#/org/USPS
Fingerprint submission checklist: www.fbi.gov/file-repository/i...
Apostille info: bit.ly/3kv7REJ
Apostille DS-4194 form: eforms.state.gov/Forms/ds4194...
Support my content: www.buymeacoffee.com/juliaroc...
🎬 VIDEOS
About the D7 visa: • MOVING TO PORTUGAL MAD...
My D7 visa application: • HOW TO MOVE TO PORTUGA...
✨ SOCIAL
Instagram: / juliarochelleabroad
TikTok: / juliarochelleabroad
ℹ️ OTHER INFO
FBI Mailing Address:
FBI CJIS Division
ATTN: ELECTRONIC SUMMARY REQUEST
1000 Custer Hollow Road
Clarksburg, West Virginia
26306
Apostille Mailing Address:
Office of Authentications
U.S. Department of State
CA/PPT/S/TO/AUT
44132 Mercure Circle
P.O. Box 1206
Sterling, VA 20166-1206
DISCLAIMER: I am not an immigration attorney or professional. I am simply sharing my experiences as someone who immigrated to Portugal to help illustrate the process.
Extremely helpful! Thank you for sharing!
Oh Julia, you are the Master, thanks for your exhaustive explanation about FBI CRC. Once again, thanks!!
You're welcome!
Wow, what an amazing explanation which many others stumble. I tried to go though the FBI channelrs who do finger printing and biometrics but the issue is getting a company near where you live.. I like how you resolve and simplify the process. You would make an exceptional school teacher or a university professor!
Thanks for your help!! I'm about to start it
Thank you!
thank you so much, you're AMAZING this video helped me so much 😃
You’re welcome!
Great video. There are differences depending on where you apply but you definitely covered all the bases. I just did San Francisco and they took my unopened background check .
So glad you were able to skip the apostille!
May I ask if you got the physical copy of unopened background check from FBI directly or through a FBI approved channeler? I'm in a bit of a time crunch and considering using a channeler, but I wasn't sure if SF would take an unopened copy from a channeler.
When we get ready to apply for the D7, this will be very helpful. Thank you 😊.
You're welcome, April!
Thanks! Retired, selling house and moving to Portugal.
Regarding the apostille, it seems to be seasonal, so how long you wait depends on the time of year. We know of an apostille request submitted in January which only took 2 weeks. Our apostille request submitted in April took 6 weeks (and that's what the State Department website said to expect). Now in June the website is saying that you'll have to wait 12 weeks. So it's probably fast in the fall and winter (when fewer people are asking for them), moderately slow in the spring (when more people start to submit requests), and then they're swamped and they take forever in the summer.
Thanks for the helpful video Julia. Just an update - FBI now sends a confirmation email and ask that you include a copy of that email with your fingerprints when mailing, which has a barcode. I didn't do that yesterday, but I'm sure it just helps them match them up easier. Thanks again.
Good to know, thanks for sharing the update!
you should make a video @Trulylife
great❣
Thanks!
Applying for my austrian citizenship. This video was incredibly helpful, thank you.
You’re welcome. Best of luck!
Great video Julia! When applying online, can we get the both online-results and hard-copy?
Thank you
Hi! Thank you so much for this video it was super helpful. Do you have to know the d7 visa fbi background check the same as an au pair visa for Spain?
Hello, great video...how did you do the NIF and bank acc? Tru border?
Julia love you ur great information given thanks
I'm PRAKASH from India
Hello, the apostille requirement is not only up to the consulate in the US but is a SEF Portugal Immigration Dept.' requirement check of the authenticity of it.
Hellow Thank you for great info ! i have one questions, are you required to also put your cell phone number on the FBI background check application ??
You are gold! Many thanks.
For my case, it is tricky... because I'm out of the USA. So, doing the process living abroad.
Hi, I'm in the same situation. Were you able to do it? Did you print the fingerprint form and mail it to the U.S.?
@@TirzaCS Usually, some countries have a private business that have some partnership with companies in the US, then you can get such doc. I had luck, but it was not a cheap way since I was in a hurry.
@@TirzaCS I am doing this now from Russia lol. Will be getting my fingerprints done at KGB and then sending them to the FBI.
I got my fingerprints taken at the post office and had the email results before I left the building and the hard copy by the end of the week. And luckily San Francisco does allow the unopened report without an apostille.
Amazing!
Does it say that on their website or did you call and ask?
When you mailed the fingerprint card to the FBI was there anything else in the envelope? THX
Amazing information! Thanks! May I suggest that you do a video on filing income taxes (US and Portugal) in order to legally avoid double taxation. If you do, please include information specifically for expats receiving US government pensions (Social Security as well as pension based on government employment. ) THANKS!
Yes I was hoping to do a tax video this year. We’ll see. I’ll have to bring in someone else about the pensions because unfortunately I’m not yet retired
We miss you!!! 🙁
gracias
Thank you Julie for such helpful video!
Can you please let me know if I can include 3 different needing to be Apostilled documents in one envelop? Such as Birth Certificate, Marriage Certificate and FBI Background Check? Thanks ton!
Hi Julia, thanks for your help. Do you know an American that has done the fingerprints done in Portugal? And where? Thank you!
Please, how to get a prepaid envelope from USPS in Vienna? Thank you!
Great content. 4194 is not intuitive in that it never mentions the word "apostille",... only "authentication". Liked and subbed.
1st half is done online, get the code, go to post officer, then get your fbi check
Thanks for the video! I'm about to start my application process, and now my only real concern is whether they care about credit history or defaulted student loans. It hasn't been an issue so far, but I can see them thinking I might be trying to skip out on loans if I haven't kept up on my payments in the past. I know other countries don't care as much about credit scores as the States, but when the FBI's involved, I wouldn't be too surprised to see it come up.
Hi Max, there’s no requirement to report any loans that you have. If it’s not submitted, I’m not sure how they would find out about it, much less consider it
Credit ratings are not requested for your visa. In truth, no one knows your credit history as its protected by the Credit Act. Only you can provide such authority when you apply for credit. I would not worry about your FICO score in Portugal.
New Subscriber. Looking to move to Portugal. Trying to hang on.
Hi Julia - Thank you so much for your great content. I am in Portugal now on a tourist visa. I have obtained a NIF and will be opening a bank account most likely with Millenium (unless you would recommend a different one?) within the next day or so. While I am still here in Portugal, I suppose that I could get the private health insurance but It seems a little weird to me to do so at this point since I need to go back to the USA to get the FBI background check and make the application for the D7. What do you recommend? Would the consulate grant the D7 visa and issue me the permit to enter the country for 120 days without me first getting the private health insurance? Or is it a requirement to have the private health insurance in place and submit proof of that with my D7 application? From watching your videos, I take it that you would also recommend that I fund the Portuguese bank account with the minimum 16,000 Euro prior to making the application for the D7? Thanks so much for your help!
Hi Jeffrey, yes you need health insurance and a funded bank account. The minimum is closer to 8000 euros if you're going alone. About the timing with private health insurance, I just bit the bullet and paid for a few of months before I moved, but it wasn't so bad because the monthly fee was lower than in the states
Hi Julia! What kind of envelope did you use to send the fingerprints to the FBI? I am looking on the FBI website and it says not to mail the fingerprints by self-adressed envelopes, which includes pre-paid Priority Mail, FedEx account numbers, United Parcel Service. Also, did you send it while living in Portugal?
I believe that you can get your summary emailed to you now as well as getting a printed copy. I'm wondering if one should do a "test" first to see if there's anything in the report that needs correcting BEFORE using the final fbi report in the application?
Hi! Tha ks for this video! Do you have to get fingerprints done at your local police station or can it be any police station in the US? For example, I am spending the week in another state right now, and wondering if I can just get my fingerprints done here.
You can get them done anywhere as long as they are done on the right form and are legible.
Thank you for this Info. I am having a hard time finding that editable DS-4194. I need to know my options on "document type" but I do not know where to find that for to fill out online. Please help... T. T
Thanks for this amazing video. I’m wondering if I send multiple documents can I just include 1 self-addressed envelope or does it need to be multiple envelopes?
That’s a good question. I’m really not sure since I only had my documents. I don’t see why not. You might want to get in touch with them just to be sure
FBI background check how long takes the hard copy? and for Aposilled how long takes apostille?
Hi Julie, thanks for this very informative video🙏🏻 One ask: can I print and send off the PDF for apostille to the U.S. office of authentications instead of the original one?
Yes, you can. The printed one can be apostilled and it went super fast. It only took 7 business days for me.
great info, thank you. I will start the process for D7 visa, question: how long it took you to obtain D7, l will have to use the San Francisco Portuguese
Hi Consuelo, best of luck! I was approved 5 weeks after I submitted my application in 2019. I’m not sure it the timing changed and I didn’t apply through San Francisco. I would suspect around 2 months but I can’t be certain
Extremely helpful Thank you. Note, y background check was electronic and email from FBI. does this need apostilled???
Yes
Hello, Julia, I wanted to ask you if the Portugal consulate in Washington asked you to have it apostilled? she did not accept the criminal record without opening the envelope?
I had it apostilled before they permitted the closed envelope, so I'm guessing they accept the closed envelope now.
Hello Julia I do have a questions what are the fee , the payments I have to sent them ? I have here 20 $ and also 8$ , do I have to sent to money orders or just one with 20 $? Thanks in advance
Hey, this was super helpful. I just started my process and actually got my fbi report 3 days after it was delivered. I expected it to be way longer now with all thr delays. Anyways, it needs the apostille. I am in Europe, so i am having a friend in US, send the print out form to DC. What i wanted to know is when that file does come back to her, is it possible for her to scan it and send the pdf file that i can print here? Or is it very different from background check and i need hard copy?
Hi @GlowingAprilSky - I assume that you got your fingerprints done in the USA prior to leaving for Europe? I am in Portugal now and wondering if I can somehow get the fingerprints done in Portugal ... but that doesn't make sense to me.
@@jwlee4925 you can probably get them in a local police station, that's what i did. Though my situation is different, i am not an US citizen, so i took fingerprints in my country.
@@GlowingAprilSky Thanks so much for your kind and helpful reply. All the best!
Hello, how did you do your NIF and bank acc? Thanks
Ones I get the card, I just send the fingerprint card n that’s it? Or do I have to included other things?
Wow this video is super helpful. Is there a way to pay for a consultation call to help more and walk me through the process?
Currently I don’t offer this service but maybe someday!
Thanks for the video, really helpful! I mailed my card already. How can I request my hard copy?
You’re welcome, Isabel! You need to fill out an application on the fbi background check website www.fbi.gov/how-we-can-help-you/more-fbi-services-and-information/identity-history-summary-checks#Mail
Hello,
So nothing needs to be notarized for the apostille? Just the form, the actual background check and the prepaid envelope?
Hi, did you figure out this problem? I'm at the same stage.
the department of state website says that they only apostille documents that have been notarized and certified. Was the hard copy FBI check you sent them notarized? I only got an electronic one and it's not notarized.
Did you figure out this problem? I'm at the same stage.
Hi there! Thanks for your video, it was very informative and well made. I was actually wondering if you could assist me a bit with my FBI procedure if you don’t mind. I am living in Spain at the moment, but I too am from the United States. I came here to Spain to study a semester abroad, but I really enjoy my time here in Spain and want to continue my studies (and hopefully life) here in this country. As such, I am currently in the process of renewing my student visa for this upcoming academic year (fall 2023-spring 2024), and one thing that I am not entirely sure about is of course the FBI background check. Since I am currently not in the USA, I have some worries and concerns about how to get this portion taken care of. Do you think you can assist me a bit with whatever knowledge you have about this process? I honestly don’t even know where to start since I am not in my home country. I have tried to ask my academic professor back in the States on a bit more information regarding the FBI background check, but I was told that due to liability issues she could not give me much info. Thank you and I hope I get to hear back from you soon!
Hi there, have you tried reaching out to the US embassy? Maybe they have some resources for you and/or could even do your fingerprints. The rest is by mail.
I heard you have to also notarize your background check document and it has to be stamped by county clerk before you send it for apostille. Is it so? Or you some how were able to skip this steps?
Did you figure out a solution for this? I am at the same stage.
What date will the fbi background check have on it when you receive it? The date of when you submitted the request or the date of when they actually did it after they receive your fingerprints?
Hi Simply Kendra, good question. It has the date it was processed, so sometime between when you submit the request and receive the hard copy.
You never mentioned who to make the check out to when paying the Dept. of State
Thanks for this very helpful video! I’m a nurse & have done finger prints a few years ago. If I use the same, should I contact FBI background check? Is the website listed here? Thank you very much!
The link for the background checks is in the description and I'll leave it here for you: www.fbi.gov/services/cjis/identity-history-summary-checks
You'll need a copy of the fingerprints, and I'm not sure how recent they must be, so I suggest reaching out to the contact on the site to confirm.
@@JuliaRochelleAbroad thank you, so much Julia!🙏🏽
Hi. Is the FBI background the same as love scan or just the fingerprint card?
The fingerprinting can be done on a hard copy or live scan. The FBI background check is then processed with these prints
I got the check done via online ($18) and went to the USPS and got fingers electronically submitted for $50. Within 10 minutes of submitting my fingerprints I was emailed my background check. Waiting for the hard copy in the mail
Question, on the state department's website they have all this jargon about getting your background check notarized and authenticated by your secretary of state and all this stuff. Do I need to do this?
Dont worry I will be making a youtube video about this once I find this out bc it pisses me off how many people made videos about this process and left this key confusing detail out and then proceed to not respond to comments 🙄 im going through this process now and once I find the an answer I will be making a video
@@JayJay-iz6io Did you find out a solution? I'm exactly at the same stage.
We’re looking at moving from U.S. to Porto next year, as digital nomads. Since we enjoy traveling, we don’t want to pay much for rent. Could you do a video on cheap apartment hunting in Porto, or other walkable cities (we don’t wish to have a car).
This is a good idea. I'm not exactly sure how to tackle it, but I'll brainstorm a little. Thanks for the suggestion!
@@JuliaRochelleAbroad Interview a realtor, maybe?
@@rebeccagutierrez1960 Yes, I would like to do this, but I don't know any yet.
Me too... been traveling 6 years and now D7
Julia- please consider
trying SAVVY CAT realty/relocation who'd be
(I think) great for you to partner/collaborate
with-IMHO!
Hi, How can I pay for apostille service if I am not US citizen, and living in Iceland which the banks here do not use CHECK or MONEY ORDER? I found NO answer at all on their website.
I plan to get a VISA to a different country. I need to do the FBI record and fingerprints. So my question is, if I get my fingerprints and FBI records to the proper authorities to be notarized, aufenticsted etc, how long is it good for? For example if I get the papers noterised, authenticated etc
, in January, could I hold onto them till Augest. Or even next January. But no longer than that.
I think the FBI background check is only valid for 6 months. That is what a channeler I did mine with told me.
How long does it take to arrive?
Hi Julia
Can I know how do I come as a student to Portugal? I am LLB graduate. I want to do my masters in Portugal. Can you give me any details
The FBI website says they require the fingerprints on a FD-1164. Your video says FD-258. Has it then changed, or have they always accepted both.
You are right! The website now says another form. I'm not sure if it's a different form or just a different name but use the form on the website. Honestly though the place I went to had the form so I didn't use mine
They rejected my moms fingerprint card. Due to confusing instructions from FBI, I'm going to have to call them tomorrow and get clarification. Their printout said I would need to REAPPLY. That makes NO SENSE!
Quick question. When you received the hard copy, what was the difference between the .pdf version and the hard copy? It is just a print of your pdf file in one A4 sheet? Did they send it to you in one big envelope?
The hard copy was the same and it was folded in a small envelope
Hi Julia, where did you read that you can only get the hard copy apostilled? I was hoping to send just print the results from my email. Thanks for clarifying!
@@JayJay-iz6io That works as well. They don't send hard copy at all. But, make sure that the doc is color and laser printed.
Advice I got from Americans & FriendsPT. Also the general rules of the apostille process
Whatever I received in the mail looked the exact same as the e-copy I printed so this makes sense to me
Hi! My FBI Background Check envelope was opened.Would that be an issue when sending it for Apostille
No, I sent mine like this
Hi, your apostille was translated to portuguese language or they accept in english?
It was English only
I used a local place to get an fbi check electronically. I got the results via email, which gave me 24 hours to use the link. Is this the same, or do I need to go through the fbi site as you did? The letter/email is from the fbi, so I’m confused as if it is acceptable or not!
Did this electronic FBI report work out for you, or did you have to get it apostilled by DOS?
Is there a number to call to track the apostille process? It's been sent two weeks ago and USPS tracking number shows it's not in the system... I need this document urgently, what should I do now?
These governmental agencies do not talk to people, even though we pay their salaries. Good luck with that!
I'll be applying for the D7 visa in Spain on a tourist visa. I can't come back to the US for this process. Do you know if there's any road blocks I'll run into while doing this? I see that I can get my fingerprints done in Madrid but it says if it needs to be apostilled that has to be done in the US. Any info on how to do this all from the EU?
Thanks so much! Our situation is a bit crazy and needing to do all this happened suddenly so I really appreciate any help you can give or direction :)
Hi Greg, you have to apply through the Portuguese consulate associated with your residence. I'm guessing in the US based on your comment. You can do a lot of the paperwork while in Spain, but depending on the state you lived in, you may have to return for an appointment.
@@JuliaRochelleAbroad Thanks! I actually found out you can apply for a 2 year digital nomad residency for Greece while inside Greece on a tourist visa, so I did that and now we are living in Chania on Crete for 2 years! :)
We'll be in Portugal for my girlfriends sisters wedding soon though so excited to see it.
Chania is amazing though so no complaints! :)
Glad it worked out for you! Greece sounds lovely
Did you have to translate it?
I am not an american ( I am brasilian ) but I have lived in US, and beacuse of that i also habve to get the FBI background check my question is , in the REASON FOR REQUEST what the best answer will be in my case : 1-Challenge information on your record 2 - Personal review ? could you give a tip ?
There should be an option like travel or live in a foreign country
I have received the electronic copy then I apostilled it, will they admit that during the interview?
did you get it apostilled through a channeller?
Do they have access to my emails and text messages
I got this: You are accessing a U.S. Government information system, which includes this computer, this computer network, all computers connected to this network, and all devices and/or storage media attached to this network or to a computer on this network. This information system is provided for U.S. Government-authorized use only. Unauthorized or improper use of this system may result in disciplinary action, and civil and criminal penalties. By using this information system, you understand and consent to the following: You have no reasonable expectation of privacy regarding any communications transmitted through or data stored on this information system. At any time, the government may monitor, intercept, search and/or seize data transiting or stored on this information system. Any communications transmitted through or data stored on this information system may be disclosed or used for any U.S. Government-authorized purpose - is it normal? Don’t wanna go to jail on accident lol
Can plz send me the complete guide step by step how to start process from Pakistan
Hi there, I didn't move to Portugal from Pakistan, so I'm probably not the best to guide you step by step through the process. I would suggest looking for Facebook groups or a Google search of moving to Portugal from Pakistan. You can also try contacting the Portuguese consulate nearest you for instructions.
@@JuliaRochelleAbroad thank you 🙏 for your reply but I think the process will be the same because it is not possible that Portuguese immigration has different rules for different countries, it should be the general process
@@deebagemsminerals3357 They have different rules in the USA depending on which consulate you have to apply to so a different country could be quite different.
My fingerprints were done electronically...no ink at all.
Did you need apostilled?? as its just email from fbi, no hard cc mail.
😅😅
Do not open the FBI document!
$8 in 2021? It's $20 in 2022.
Yes, unfortunately the price has gone up 😕 You can still save money doing it on your own instead of hiring a handler. Also, if you don't open the envelope, you no longer need the apostille, so that's great news!
@@JuliaRochelleAbroadif the FBI background check is still in the sealed envelope, it can be turned in without the apostille with the visa application for any country?