US Citizen - FBI / POLICE CLEARANCE

[Taliyai]

* ATTN: Citizens of USA who have successfully obtained police clearance from FBI.

I have an Express Entry Profile and my attorney believes I'll receive an Invitation to Apply for PR within the next month. I have all my documents taken care of, EXCEPT the Police Clearance. My lawyer advised me to wait until right after I receive an ITA to obtain them, as they are only valid a year and who knows what could happen (perhaps I WON'T receive an ITA soon).

1) WHEN did you get your finger prints taken?
- While waiting for your ITA? (then immediately send to FBI for police clearance?)
- Right after receiving ITA?

2) If you got them while you were waiting for the ITA, do you know how long they are valid for? That is, how long can I have them in my possession before mailing to FBI?

3) Did you send in live-scan fingerprints or ink/rolled? It appears FBI site says both are valid, but continues to reference ink finger print cards.

Thank you so much!

 

[mgnlky]

As an US citizen, unless you have a complex case, save yourself the money and do not use an attorney. There's no need for one as EE is pretty straightforward.

Don't worry about the time it takes for standard FBI processing. You are a US Citizen so you can go with an FBI-approved channeler with live-scan fingerprints & you'll get your background check literally within seconds. (The fact your lawyer did not advise you for this makes me want to suggest you fire them and either go it on your own, or hire a new lawyer who's familiar with EE.)

 

[Taliyai]

As an US citizen, unless you have a complex case, save yourself the money and do not use an attorney. There's no need for one as EE is pretty straightforward.

Don't worry about the time it takes for standard FBI processing. You are a US Citizen so you can go with an FBI-approved channeler with live-scan fingerprints & you'll get your background check literally within seconds. (The fact your lawyer did not advise you for this makes me want to suggest you fire them and either go it on your own, or hire a new lawyer who's familiar with EE.)

Thank you. My partner and I do have complex case, which is why we've chosen to work with a reputable attorney.

Further, although I can do live scan through a 3rd party, my partner cannot.

Is the check you receive "within seconds" the same thing as the FBI police clearance that CIC requires?

If so, does this live scan mean nothing needs to be mailed to the FBI at all (for me, not my partner)? I have read about live scan on certain sites but given it's not discussed on CIC site I've been nervous to move forward with that route.

My above questions (first post) still stand, should anyone have any thoughts or first hand experience!

Thank you!

 

[mgnlky]

Ah, you didn't specify your partner's situation; the "US Citizen" in your post implies that the FBC background check is for a US Citizen. Anyways...

Yes, the background check you get from a 3rd party "within seconds" is the same CIC requires. If it wasn't, then CIC would not allow US Citizens to go that route.

Live scan is basically digital fingerprints immediately transferred electronically to the FBI. Which is why you get the results quickly. It's also better, in my opinion, because if your fingerprints aren't done well, you can easily redo them rather than wait 3 months to find out the FBI rejected the paper prints.

Regarding your partner's situation:

How many points do you guys have? Answers will depend on that. If you have enough points to meet the current trend, it wouldn't hurt to go ahead and start the process for your partner. When it comes down to it, it's a case of personal preference. Obviously if you get an ITA, there is the chance the application is put on hold while awaiting the FBI check if you do not already have it.