If you are planning to immigrate to another country, whether for work, family reunion, or permanent residency, you will almost certainly be required to submit a no criminal record certificate—often called a police clearance, certificate of good conduct, or criminal background check. This document proves to foreign immigration authorities that you have not been convicted of a crime in the United States. As of July 2026, the standard document for this purpose is the FBI Identity History Summary, which is a fingerprint‑based federal background check that covers all 50 states. However, some countries still accept state‑level checks, and the requirements for translation, apostille, and validity can vary widely. Knowing exactly how to obtain this certificate—and how to authenticate it for overseas use—is essential to avoid delays or rejection of your immigration application.
Key Rule: The most widely accepted document for a no criminal record certificate for immigration is the FBI Identity History Summary, which must be issued within 6 months of your application and apostilled by the U.S. Department of State. If your destination country is not a member of the Hague Convention, you will need embassy legalization instead of an apostille.
What Is a No Criminal Record Certificate and Why Is It Required?
A no criminal record certificate is an official document issued by a law enforcement agency that confirms you have no criminal history—or that lists any offenses you may have on your record. For immigration purposes, this certificate serves as proof of your good character and is a mandatory part of most visa, residency, and citizenship applications. It allows the receiving country to assess whether you pose any security risk or whether you have convictions that would disqualify you under their immigration laws.
In the United States, the most comprehensive and widely accepted version of this document is the FBI Identity History Summary, which is a fingerprint‑based check of the FBI's national criminal database. Some countries accept state police certificates instead, but the FBI check is the gold standard and is required by the majority of immigration authorities worldwide.
Step‑by‑Step Process to Obtain Your No Criminal Record Certificate
The most efficient way to obtain your FBI Identity History Summary for immigration purposes is through an FBI‑approved channeler. The direct mail method is cheaper but significantly slower. Follow this detailed workflow to ensure you get the correct document.
- Determine which certificate type is required. Check the document checklist on the embassy website of the country you are applying to. If it says "FBI background check" or "federal police certificate," you need the FBI Identity History Summary. If it says "state police certificate," you will need a state‑level check.
- Choose your submission method. For the FBI check, you can either use an FBI‑approved channeler (recommended for speed) or mail your request directly to the FBI. Channelers can return results in 2–9 business days; direct mail takes 6–8 weeks.
- Complete the applicant information form. Fill out all required personal details, including your full name, date of birth, Social Security number, and contact information. Ensure everything matches your passport exactly.
- Get your fingerprints taken. Use an FD‑258 fingerprint card for mail‑in requests or visit a Live Scan location for electronic submission. Make sure your prints are of high quality—smudged prints are the most common reason for rejection.
- Submit your request and pay the fees. If using a channeler, they will submit electronically and collect the $18 FBI fee plus their service fee. If mailing directly, send the completed form, FD‑258 cards, and a check for $18 payable to the "U.S. Treasury" to the FBI CJIS Division in Clarksburg, West Virginia.
- Receive your certificate. Channelers will email you a PDF copy of your Identity History Summary, or you can download it from their portal. Direct mail returns a paper certificate. Verify that all information is correct.
- Obtain the apostille or legalization. For the FBI check, you must send the original document to the U.S. Department of State Office of Authentications in Washington, D.C. to have an apostille attached. This is required for use in all Hague Convention countries. For non‑Hague countries, contact the embassy for legalization instructions.
- Translate if required. If the destination country does not use English, have the document and apostille translated by a certified translator.
Required Documents and Specifications for a No Criminal Record Certificate
To avoid rejection, ensure you have the following items prepared before you submit your request. Missing any of these can result in significant delays.
- FBI Applicant Information Form – completed and signed.
- FD‑258 Fingerprint Card – rolled impressions of all ten fingers. The card must be the official FBI version.
- Payment – $18 check or money order payable to the "U.S. Treasury" (if mailing directly to the FBI).
- Self‑Addressed Return Envelope – with sufficient postage and tracking (for direct mail requests).
- Government‑Issued Photo ID – required for fingerprinting appointments.
- Channeler Authorization (if applicable) – some channelers require a signed authorization form.
If you are using a channeler, they will provide you with specific instructions and often supply the fingerprint cards for you.
Estimated Fees, Processing Times, and Expedited Options
The total cost and timeline depend on your chosen method. The table below provides a realistic breakdown for a typical FBI clearance with apostille, as of July 2026.
| Step | Estimated Cost | Estimated Time |
|---|---|---|
| FBI Background Check (Channeler, Live Scan) | $48 – $93 | 2 – 9 business days |
| FBI Background Check (Direct Mail) | $28 – $43 | 6 – 8 weeks |
| Apostille (U.S. Department of State) | $20 | 6 – 8 weeks (mail) / 7–10 days (courier) |
| Translation (per page) | $25 – $50 | 2 – 5 business days |
| Total (Channeler + Apostille + Translation) | $93 – $163 | 3 – 6 weeks (with expedited apostille) |
If you need the certificate urgently, consider using an FBI‑approved channeler that offers expedited processing (often 48 hours) and a professional courier service for the apostille. These services cost more but can dramatically reduce your timeline.
Translation, Apostille, and Legalization Requirements for Immigration
A no criminal record certificate from the U.S. is not automatically accepted abroad. You must complete the authentication process to make it legally recognizable in your destination country.
Apostille: If your destination country is a member of the Hague Apostille Convention, you need an apostille from the U.S. Department of State (for FBI checks) or the Secretary of State of the issuing state (for state checks). The apostille is a certificate attached to the document that validates the official signatures and seals.
Legalization: If your destination country is not a member of the Hague Convention, you cannot use an apostille. Instead, you must go through the legalization process at the country's embassy in the U.S. This is typically more time‑consuming and may involve multiple steps, including translation and authentication by the embassy.
Translation: Many countries require the apostilled document to be translated into their official language. The translation must be done by a certified translator and often must include a notarized statement of accuracy. Always check the embassy's specific translation requirements.
Common Mistakes That Lead to Rejection of Your Certificate
Even a small oversight can cause your no criminal record certificate to be rejected by the foreign immigration authorities. Here are the most frequent errors and how to avoid them.
- Submitting a state check when the FBI check is required. Some countries specify "FBI" on their document checklist. Submitting a state certificate will result in an immediate rejection.
- Ordering the certificate too early. Most countries require the certificate to be issued within 6 months of the application date. If you order it too far in advance, it will expire before you submit your file.
- Forgetting the apostille or legalization. An un‑apostilled background check is not accepted internationally. Foreign authorities have no way to verify its authenticity without the apostille.
- Not translating the document. Some embassies reject documents that are not translated into the local language, even if the officer can read English. Always confirm the translation requirement.
- Using a non‑certified translation. Translations done by friends or online tools are rarely accepted. Use a professional translator who can provide a certificate of accuracy.
- Submitting a damaged or altered document. Any tears, stains, or attempts to modify the document can lead to rejection. Keep your certificate in a protective sleeve.
Related Guides
- How to Get an FBI Background Check for Immigration Purposes
- How to Get a Background Check Apostilled for Overseas Use
- State vs Federal Background Check: Which One Do You Need?
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is a no criminal record certificate called in the U.S.?
A: In the U.S., the most common no criminal record certificate for immigration is the FBI Identity History Summary. It is also referred to as an "FBI background check" or "FBI police clearance." State‑issued equivalents are called "state police clearances" or "criminal history records."
Q: How long does it take to get a no criminal record certificate from the FBI?
A: If you use an FBI‑approved channeler with Live Scan, you can get the certificate in 2–9 business days. The direct mail method takes 6–8 weeks. The apostille adds an additional 6–8 weeks by mail, or 7–10 business days via courier.
Q: Does a no criminal record certificate expire?
A: The FBI Identity History Summary itself does not have an expiration date printed on the document. However, most immigration authorities require the document to be issued within 6 months of the application date. Always check the specific validity requirement of your destination country.
Q: Can I get a no criminal record certificate if I have an arrest but no conviction?
A: Yes, the certificate will show the arrest record if the FBI has it on file. You must disclose the arrest on your immigration forms, even if it did not result in a conviction. You should also provide court documentation showing the final disposition (e.g., "dismissed" or "not guilty") to give context.
Q: Do I need a no criminal record certificate if I am a U.S. citizen applying for a visa?
A: Yes, most visa types—especially work visas, student visas, and permanent residency—require a criminal record certificate from the applicant's country of citizenship and from any country where the applicant has lived for more than 6 months. As a U.S. citizen, you will need the FBI Identity History Summary.
Q: Can I use a local police department "good conduct" letter instead of the FBI check?
A: Almost never. Local police department letters are name‑based and limited to a single city or county. Immigration authorities require a fingerprint‑based federal or state check. The FBI check is the standard and the only document accepted by most embassies.