Fingerprinting for USA immigrant to Canada

[armh1313]

Hi there! So I'm a bit confused about who can do the fingerprints I have to submit with my application to the FBI for a the "police certificate" that I need from the US for my application to be a permanent resident and live with my husband. For example can any licensed police officer do it, or do I have to go to an FBI office to have them done. I had them done at the police station that's on campus (staffed by actual police officers), but I don't want to submit something that has the potential to be rejected. Thank you!

 

[CDNPR2014]

you can go to any police station. it does not need to be specifically an fbi office. technically you can even do them yourself, though it's not recommended because the system is very finicky and will bounce back prints if not done correctly. best to get 2 batches just in case. the ones you have will be fine.

 

[bluecanary]

you can go to any police station. it does not need to be specifically an fbi office. technically you can even do them yourself, though it's not recommended because the system is very finicky and will bounce back prints if not done correctly. best to get 2 batches just in case. the ones you have will be fine.

Do you know if the fingerprinting has to be done in the US? Can it be done in Canada too?

 

[Ponga]

you can go to any police station. it does not need to be specifically an fbi office. technically you can even do them yourself, though it's not recommended because the system is very finicky and will bounce back prints if not done correctly. best to get 2 batches just in case. the ones you have will be fine.

Actually, that may not be true. The FBI instructions say that you need to have them taken by a trained technician:

Where can I get my fingerprints taken?

If submitting directly to the FBI, your local, county, or state law enforcement agencies may take your fingerprints for a fee. Also, some printing companies offer this service; check the yellow pages in your telephone book or search online.

I suspect that this is to guarantee not only the quality of the prints, but perhaps more importantly, confirmation of the identity of the person requesting the prints. Otherwise, a friend (with no record) could have their prints taken and then given to the applicant, who then submits them to the FBI under their name. You can see how that would be a problem.

 

[krishnalynn]

Do you know if the fingerprinting has to be done in the US? Can it be done in Canada too?

It can be done in Canada.

 

[bluecanary]

Thanks, krishnalynn

 

[CDNPR2014]

Actually, that may not be true. The FBI instructions say that you need to have them taken by a trained technician:

Where can I get my fingerprints taken?

If submitting directly to the FBI, your local, county, or state law enforcement agencies may take your fingerprints for a fee. Also, some printing companies offer this service; check the yellow pages in your telephone book or search online.

I suspect that this is to guarantee not only the quality of the prints, but perhaps more importantly, confirmation of the identity of the person requesting the prints. Otherwise, a friend (with no record) could have their prints taken and then given to the applicant, who then submits them to the FBI under their name. You can see how that would be a problem.

this is directly from the instructions on the site:
https://www.fbi.gov/about-us/cjis/identity-history-summary-checks/submitting-an-identity-history-summary-request-to-the-fbi

Step 2: Obtain a set of your fingerprints.

Your fingerprints should be placed on a standard fingerprint form (FD-258) commonly used for applicant or law enforcement purposes. The FBI will accept FD-258 fingerprint cards on standard white paper stock.
You must provide a current fingerprint card. Previously processed cards or copies will not be accepted.
Your name and date of birth must be provided on the fingerprint card.
You must include rolled impressions of all 10 fingerprints and impressions of all 10 fingerprints taken at the same time (these are sometimes referred to as plain or flat impressions).
If possible, have your fingerprints taken by a fingerprinting technician. This service may be available at a law enforcement agency.
Fingerprints taken with ink or via live scan are acceptable.
To ensure the most legible prints possible, refer to the Recording Legible Fingerprints brochure. If fingerprints are not legible, the fingerprint card will be rejected. This could cause delays in processing and could also result in additional fees.
The name on your response letter will match the name indicated on the fingerprint card.
If the last four digits of your social security number are needed on your response letter, then please ensure your full nine-digit social security number is on the fingerprint card when submitting your request.

even looking at the guide and FAQ section for doing the fingerprints, the website doesn't suggest it's required for it to be done by an authority. it's suggested in order to reduce risk of mistake. and it's obviously the smarter choice.

5. Where can I get my fingerprints taken?

If submitting directly to the FBI, your local, county, or state law enforcement agencies may take your fingerprints for a fee. Also, some printing companies offer this service; check the yellow pages in your telephone book or search online.

If using the Channeler option, please contact the FBI-approved Channeler for information on how to get your fingerprints taken.

6. What if my fingerprints are continuously rejected?

You should have multiple sets of fingerprints taken, preferably by a fingerprinting technician. (This service may be available at a law enforcement agency). Mail all fingerprint cards to the CJIS Division with your request. For more information on taking legible fingerprints, refer to the Recording Legible Fingerprints brochure.

 

[fstrdeb749]

This might be a stupid question but here it goes. When submitting the application ,do you include fingerprinting then or do you get a notice when they are received to have them done and sent in?