International adoption is one of the most rewarding journeys a family can undertake – and also one of the most document‑intensive. Before a foreign country will allow you to adopt a child, and before USCIS will approve that child's immigration to the United States, you must clear a criminal background check. For U.S. citizens, that means the FBI Identity History Summary – a fingerprint‑based federal criminal record check that covers your entire history across all 50 states and federal jurisdictions. This document is not optional and cannot be substituted with a state police certificate. This guide explains everything you need to know about obtaining your FBI background check for a foreign adoption in 2026, including the USCIS process, the separate country‑specific requirements, fingerprinting, apostille, translation, and the critical validity periods that can make or break your adoption timeline.
Hague vs. Non‑Hague Adoptions – Two Different USCIS Processes
Your adoption path determines which USCIS form you file and how the background check process flows. Understanding this distinction is the first step to getting your documentation right.
Hague Convention Adoptions – USCIS Form I‑800A: If you are adopting from a country that is a member of the Hague Convention on Intercountry Adoption – which includes China, Colombia, India, the Philippines, Ukraine, Bulgaria, Ethiopia, and many others – your adoption follows the Hague process. You file Form I‑800A (Application for Determination of Suitability to Adopt a Child from a Convention Country). Under this process, USCIS conducts FBI fingerprint checks on all household members aged 18 and older as part of the home study approval. USCIS submits your fingerprints to the FBI directly through their own channels – you do not submit the FBI check yourself for the USCIS portion of the process.
Non‑Hague Adoptions – USCIS Form I‑600A: If you are adopting from a country that is not a member of the Hague Adoption Convention – including many African nations, some Asian countries, and others – you follow the non‑Hague process using Form I‑600A (Application for Advance Processing of an Orphan Petition). The FBI fingerprint requirement applies here as well, with USCIS conducting the checks through their own process.
Two separate FBI checks – do not confuse them: USCIS fingerprinting (I‑800A/I‑600A process) is conducted by USCIS at an Application Support Center. This is the government‑to‑government check and cannot be substituted with a private channeler submission. However, the birth country may also independently require an apostilled FBI background check as part of their documentation package – separate from the USCIS process. This is especially common in Colombia, the Philippines, and several Eastern European countries. Confirm with your adoption agency and the country's adoption authority which – or both – apply to your specific case.
Who Must Be Fingerprinted for an International Adoption?
USCIS requires fingerprint‑based background checks for all adult members of the prospective adoptive parents' household – not just the adoptive parents themselves. This means:
- Both adoptive parents (if married) – both parents are required
- Any other adult (age 18 or older) living in the household
Children under 14 are not required to be fingerprinted. The home study preparer must also include an assessment of any household member's criminal background in your home study.
For the USCIS process, you will receive a biometrics appointment notice (Form I‑797C) with the date, time, and location of your nearest Application Support Center (ASC). You cannot walk in without an appointment – you must attend on the scheduled date with your notice and a valid government‑issued photo ID.
Step‑by‑Step Process for Obtaining Your FBI Background Check
The process differs depending on whether you are completing the USCIS biometrics appointment or obtaining a personal FBI Identity History Summary for the birth country. Below are the steps for each.
For USCIS Biometrics (I‑800A or I‑600A – Scheduled by USCIS)
- File your application. Submit Form I‑800A (Hague) or I‑600A (non‑Hague) with the appropriate filing fee.
- Receive your biometrics appointment notice (Form I‑797C). This notice will include the date, time, and location of your nearest Application Support Center (ASC).
- Arrive at the ASC on the appointed date. Bring your appointment notice and a valid government‑issued photo ID (passport, driver's license, or green card).
- Complete the Live Scan fingerprinting process. A USCIS officer will take your digital fingerprints, photograph, and signature. The process takes about 10‑15 minutes.
- Wait for processing. USCIS submits your fingerprints to the FBI, and results are typically returned within 24‑72 hours. The FBI fingerprint check results are valid for 15 months from the date of collection.
For the Birth Country's FBI Background Check Requirement (Personal Request)
If your child's birth country requires a separate, apostilled FBI Identity History Summary, follow these steps:
- Get fingerprinted. You have two options:
- Live Scan (digital) – if you are in the U.S.: Visit an FBI‑approved Live Scan provider (often found at UPS Stores, post offices, or private fingerprinting centers). Digital fingerprints are transmitted electronically to the FBI.
- Ink fingerprint card (FD‑258) – if you are abroad: Visit a local police station for ink fingerprints on the standard FD‑258 form. U.S. embassies and consulates do not provide fingerprinting services for this purpose.
- Submit your request. You can apply directly to the FBI or through an FBI‑approved channeler. Channelers offer significantly faster processing – typically 24‑72 hours for expedited service – because they submit fingerprints electronically to the FBI.
- Receive your FBI Identity History Summary. If submitted through a channeler, you will receive a digital PDF of your report via email, typically within 5‑7 business days (standard) or 24‑72 hours (expedited). Direct mail to the FBI takes 6‑16 weeks.
- Obtain a federal apostille. For use in Hague Convention countries, you must obtain an apostille from the U.S. Department of State Office of Authentications in Washington, D.C.. The FBI background check apostille can only be issued by the U.S. Department of State – not by any state Secretary of State. Standard processing takes 8‑12 weeks by mail; expedited services can reduce this to 2‑3 weeks.
- Get a certified translation (if required). Most countries require a certified translation of the apostilled FBI report into the local language. Translations must include a signed statement from the translator attesting to accuracy.
Validity Periods That Can Impact Your Adoption Timeline
Timing is critical in international adoption. Missing a validity window can force you to redo your background check and delay your entire adoption. Here are the key dates to track in 2026:
| Document / Check | Validity Period | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| USCIS FBI Fingerprint Check | 15 months from collection date | Must be valid when USCIS adjudicates your I‑600 or I‑800 petition. |
| USCIS I‑800A / I‑600A Approval | 15 months (Hague) / 18 months (non‑Hague) | Eligibility expires if not used within this window. |
| FBI Identity History Summary (for birth country) | 3‑6 months (most countries) | Most foreign governments require the report to be issued within 3‑6 months of submission. Check your specific country's requirement. |
Because the FBI report for the birth country must typically be 3‑6 months old or less at the time of submission, you should time your request carefully. Ordering the report too early can result in it expiring before you submit it to the adoption authority.
Which Countries Require an Apostilled FBI Background Check?
Requirements vary significantly by country. Below is a general overview of where apostilled FBI checks are commonly required in addition to the USCIS process:
| Country | FBI Check Required? | Apostille Required? | Translation Required? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Colombia | ✅ Yes | ✅ Federal apostille | ✅ Spanish translation |
| Philippines | ✅ Yes | ✅ Federal apostille | ❌ Not required |
| China | ✅ Yes | ✅ Federal apostille | ✅ Chinese translation |
| Ukraine | ✅ Yes | ✅ Federal apostille | ✅ Ukrainian translation |
| Ethiopia | ✅ Yes | ✅ Federal apostille | ✅ Amharic translation |
This is not an exhaustive list – always confirm with your adoption agency and the specific country's adoption authority. If your destination country is not a member of the Hague Apostille Convention, you will need consular legalization instead of an apostille – the report goes from the U.S. State Department to the destination embassy for additional authentication.
Estimated Fees, Processing Time & Expedited Options
Understanding the costs and timelines helps you plan your adoption budget and schedule.
| Service | Typical Processing Time | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|---|
| USCIS Biometrics (Live Scan at ASC) | Appointment: 10‑15 min; results: 24‑72 hours | Included in I‑800A/I‑600A filing fee |
| FBI Check (direct mail) | 6‑16 weeks | $18 + mailing costs |
| FBI‑approved Channeler (standard) | 5‑7 business days | $40‑$100 + $18 FBI fee |
| FBI‑approved Channeler (expedited) | 24‑72 hours | $50‑$120 + $18 FBI fee |
| Federal Apostille (standard mail‑in) | 8‑12 weeks | $20 per document |
| Federal Apostille (expedited courier) | 2‑3 weeks | $150‑$350 |
| Certified Translation | 1‑3 business days | $30‑$100 (varies by language) |
If you choose an expedited bundle through a channeler – including FBI submission, apostille, and translation – the total turnaround can be as little as 2‑3 weeks from fingerprinting to receiving your apostilled, translated FBI report. This is significantly faster than the 14‑20 weeks required if you handle each step separately by mail.
Common Mistakes That Can Derail Your Adoption Background Check
Many adoptive parents encounter unnecessary delays because of these frequent errors. Avoid them to keep your adoption on track.
- Confusing the USCIS fingerprint check with the country‑specific FBI check. These are two separate requirements. USCIS conducts their own check internally. The birth country may require you to obtain, apostille, and translate your own FBI Identity History Summary. Confirm with your adoption agency which applies.
- Assuming the USCIS check covers the birth country's requirements. It does not. Many countries require a separate, apostilled FBI report submitted directly to their adoption authority.
- Waiting too long to check the validity window. Most countries require the FBI report to be issued within 3‑6 months of submission. Ordering it too early can result in expiration.
- Not allowing enough time for the apostille. Standard mail‑in apostille processing takes 8‑12 weeks. Many applicants forget to factor this into their timeline and miss their adoption deadline.
- Submitting poor‑quality fingerprints. Smudged, incomplete, or poorly rolled ink prints are a common reason for FBI rejection. If using ink cards, have them taken by a trained professional and check the quality before leaving.
- Assuming the U.S. embassy can take your fingerprints abroad. U.S. embassies and consulates do not provide fingerprinting services for FBI background checks. You must use a local police station or private service.
- Not checking if a translation is required. Most countries require a certified translation of the apostilled FBI report into their official language. Missing translations are a common reason for rejection.
By being proactive and understanding the requirements, you can avoid these pitfalls and keep your adoption process moving forward.
Related Guides
- What Shows Up on an FBI Identity History Summary?
- How to Get a US Background Check While Living Abroad
- How to Get a Background Check Translated for a Foreign Consulate
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do both adoptive parents need an FBI background check for an international adoption?
A: Yes. Both parents are required to undergo fingerprint‑based FBI background checks. Additionally, any adult household member aged 18 or older must also be fingerprinted.
Q: How long is an FBI fingerprint check valid for adoption purposes?
A: For USCIS purposes, fingerprint check results are valid for 15 months from the date of collection. For the birth country's separate FBI report requirement, most countries require the report to be issued within 3‑6 months of submission.
Q: Can I use a state police certificate instead of an FBI background check for adoption?
A: No. The FBI Identity History Summary is required because it covers all 50 states and federal jurisdictions and is fingerprint‑based. A state police certificate covers only that state's records and is not sufficient.
Q: Do I need an apostille for my FBI background check for adoption?
A: Yes, if the country you are adopting from is a member of the Hague Apostille Convention (125+ countries). The FBI background check apostille can only be issued by the U.S. Department of State in Washington, D.C..
Q: Can I get an FBI background check for adoption while living abroad?
A: Yes. You can complete the entire process remotely. You will need to get fingerprinted at a local police station on FD‑258 cards and submit your request through an FBI‑approved channeler that offers remote services.
Q: What if my FBI background check has an error?
A: You must file an Identity History Summary Challenge (Form I‑783) with the FBI's CJIS Division. Provide certified court records showing the correct disposition. Processing can take 4‑8 months, so check your report early.