FBI Background Check
for United Kingdom

Do I Need an FBI Background Check for the United Kingdom?

U.S. citizens applying for certain visas, residency permits, or immigration processes in the United Kingdom may be required to submit an FBI fingerprint-based background check, also known as an FBI Identity History Summary.

UK immigration authorities may request this document to verify that the applicant does not have a criminal record in the United States as part of the visa or long-term immigration application process.

This requirement commonly applies to individuals seeking employment visas, residency permissions, or other long-term immigration authorizations in the United Kingdom.

Short-term travel to the United Kingdom for tourism or business purposes generally does not require an FBI background check.

Applicants should confirm the specific requirements with the UK embassy, consulate, or immigration authority handling their visa or residency application.

Document Requirements and Validity

When an FBI background check is required for use in the United Kingdom, additional authentication steps may be necessary before the document can be accepted by UK authorities.

The United Kingdom is a member of the Hague Apostille Convention, which means the FBI background check may need to be apostilled by the U.S. Department of State before it can be recognized by certain UK government agencies or institutions.

In most cases, translations are not required because English is the official language used for government documentation in the United Kingdom.

UK authorities may require the FBI background check to be recently issued, often within three to six months of submission, although document validity requirements may vary depending on the visa or residency category.

Applicants should confirm apostille and document validity requirements with the UK embassy or immigration office processing their application.

How to Apply

Certifix offers nationwide electronic enrollment for FBI fingerprint-based background checks used for United Kingdom visa and immigration applications.

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

During online enrollment, applicants can also 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 UK immigration requirements may vary depending on the visa category, applicants should confirm whether apostille and document validity requirements apply before submitting their application.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

• Does the United Kingdom require an FBI background check for visa or immigration applications?

  Yes. U.S. citizens applying for certain long-term visas or immigration permissions in the United Kingdom may be required to submit an FBI fingerprint-based background check. This document helps UK immigration authorities confirm that the applicant does not have a criminal record in the United States.

• Does the United Kingdom require an apostille for an FBI background check?

  In some cases, yes. The United Kingdom is a member of the Hague Apostille Convention, which means the FBI background check may need to be apostilled by the U.S. Department of State depending on the requirements of the requesting authority.

• Does the United Kingdom require a translation of the FBI background check?

  Generally, no. English is the official language used for government documentation in the United Kingdom, so translations are typically not required.

• How recent must the FBI background check be for the United Kingdom?

  UK authorities commonly require the FBI background check to be issued within three to six months of submission, although the exact validity period may vary depending on the visa or immigration category.

• Is an FBI background check required for UK work visas or residency permits?

  Yes. Applicants applying for certain work visas, residency permissions, or long-term immigration programs in the United Kingdom may be required to provide an FBI background check.

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

  No. UK authorities generally require a federal FBI background check rather than a state or local police clearance certificate.

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

  Processing times vary depending on how fingerprints are submitted. With Live Scan digital fingerprinting, the FBI report is often processed faster than traditional fingerprint card submissions.

• Can I apply for an FBI background check online?

  Yes. Applicants can enroll online through Certifix to request an FBI fingerprint-based background check and then visit a participating location for Live Scan fingerprinting.

• Can Certifix handle the apostille for the United Kingdom?

  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.