FBI Background Check
for Colombia

Do I Need an FBI Background Check for Colombia?

U.S. citizens applying for certain visas, residency permits, or immigration processes in Colombia are commonly required to submit an FBI fingerprint-based background check, also known as an FBI Identity History Summary.

Colombian immigration authorities use this document to confirm that applicants do not have a criminal record in the United States as part of the visa or residency review process.

This requirement typically applies to migrant visas, work visas, residency applications, and other long-term immigration categories. Short-term tourist visits to Colombia generally do not require an FBI background check.

Applicants should confirm the specific requirements with Migración Colombia or the Colombian consulate handling their application.

Apostille, Translation, and Validity Requirements

When an FBI background check is required for use in Colombia, additional steps are usually necessary before the document can be accepted.

Colombia is a member of the Hague Apostille Convention, which means the FBI background check must be apostilled by the U.S. Department of State before it can be legally recognized by Colombian authorities.

Colombian immigration authorities may also require the document to be translated into Spanish. When required, translations are typically completed after the apostille is issued and may need to be certified depending on the immigration office or consulate handling the application.

Colombian immigration authorities often require the FBI background check to be issued within 90 days of submission, although validity requirements may vary depending on the visa category.

Applicants should confirm apostille, translation, and document validity requirements with Migración Colombia or the Colombian consulate processing their application.

How to Apply

Certifix offers nationwide electronic enrollment for FBI fingerprint-based background checks used for Colombian visa and residency applications.

Applicants can enroll online in just a few minutes, then visit a participating Certifix location for Live Scan digital fingerprinting. Fingerprints are securely transmitted to the FBI for processing, allowing the FBI Identity History Summary to be generated electronically.

During online enrollment, applicants can select the apostille service add-on, allowing Certifix to coordinate authentication of the FBI report with the U.S. Department of State once the report is issued.

Because Colombian immigration requirements may vary depending on the visa category, applicants should confirm whether apostille, translation, and document validity requirements apply before submitting their application.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

• Does Colombia require an apostille for an FBI background check?

  Yes. Colombia is a member of the Hague Apostille Convention, which means an FBI background check must be apostilled by the U.S. Department of State before it can be legally recognized by Colombian authorities.

• Does Colombia require Spanish translation of the FBI background check?

  Yes. Documents submitted to Colombian immigration authorities typically must be translated into Spanish. In many cases, the translation must be completed by a certified translator and may need to be presented together with the apostilled document.

• Is an FBI background check required for Colombia visas?

  Yes. Certain visa categories in Colombia require applicants to submit a federal FBI background check as part of the visa or residency application process.

• How long is the FBI background check valid for Colombia immigration?

  Colombian immigration authorities commonly require the document to be issued within 90 days of submission, although validity requirements may vary depending on the visa type.

• Which Colombia visa types require an FBI background check?

  An FBI background check may be required for migrant visas, work visas, residency visas, and other long-term immigration categories. Requirements can vary depending on the specific visa program.

• Do tourist visa applicants need an FBI background check for Colombia?

  No. Short-term tourist travel to Colombia generally does not require an FBI background check. The requirement typically applies only to long-term visas or residency applications.

• Can I use a state background check instead of an FBI background check?

  No. Colombian immigration authorities typically require a federal FBI background check, not a state or local police clearance certificate.

• How long does it take to receive an FBI background check?

  Processing times vary depending on fingerprint submission. With Live Scan digital fingerprinting, results are often processed faster than traditional methods.

• Can I apply for an FBI background check online?

  Yes. Applicants can enroll online through Certifix and then visit a participating location for Live Scan fingerprinting, where fingerprints are transmitted electronically to the FBI.

• Can Certifix handle the apostille for Colombia?

  Yes. During online enrollment, applicants can select the apostille service add-on, allowing Certifix to coordinate authentication of the FBI report with the U.S. Department of State once the report is issued.