Getting a background police check is one of the most time-consuming steps of the working holiday visa application process. No matter which country you want to live and work in, a clean record is necessary before your application gets that stamp of approval.
So unless you’ve recently embezzled millions or conspired against the President (parking tickets and traffic violations tend to get overlooked), follow these steps to gain the necessary police check paperwork.
Note: All U.S. background checks – also called Criminal History Records or Identity History Summaries – are processed by the FBI. To apply for a police check from another foreign government, contact their federal police department for more information about processing requirements.
1. Plan ahead.
Send in your police check paperwork as soon as possible, because a “speedy response” in federal terms can take 12-16 weeks.
2. Complete the application form.
Download and print the Applicant Information Form from the FBI site. Currently, there is no online option to apply for a police background check – it must be done via mail. Be sure to include several types of contact details on the form, so the FBI is able to reach you if needed.
3. Get fingerprinted.
– Fingerprinting in the States: Contact your nearest police station to find out where you can get fingerprinted in your state. The police officer taking the prints will provide the proper form (FD-258) and instructions on how to complete it.
– Fingerprinting in other countries: If you’re living outside of the United States but need a US police check, you can still ink up your fingers and apply from overseas. The process is identical, except you will have to get your fingerprints taken at a police center in the country you’re currently living in. This may require a prearranged appointment time.
You will need to print out the FBI-approved fingerprints form (FD-258) on a sheet of white card stock – not normal printer paper – and bring this with. (Questions on how to fill it out? Compare your form to the help provided online). The FBI accepts both ink and live scan fingerprints.
4. Pay the processing fee.
This $18.00 fee can only be paid via credit card or money order; cash and personal checks aren’t accepted. To use your credit card, print and fill out the Credit Card Payment Form and enclose it with your paperwork. Money orders can be obtained from a post office or bank, and should be made out to the Treasury of the United States.
5. Mail in your application.
Double check the handy Request Checklist to confirm that all necessary paperwork has been included in the application. Make sure your fingerprints form is unable to be smudged or damaged in the mail. If possible, pay a bit extra for postage with a tracking number (especially if applying from overseas), so you can ensure your important parcel arrives safely at the FBI office.
And take my advice: don’t pester the agents for your results! Having applied for multiple background checks, I can promise that ringing to ask about the status of your application before at least four weeks have passed will only annoy the person answering the phone. The representatives I’ve pleaded with all suggest waiting at least six weeks before making any inquiries – and even then, you’re not guaranteed a response.
~ Until the next adventure! ~ Kelli
Photo credits: Fingerprints – Alan Levine, Flickr