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US Police Clearance: FBI Processing Times

SunnyK17

Star Member
Jan 4, 2018
114
35
Hi, may I ask, when you say we "We are submitting application next week", you mean send application after you received an ITA or the initial Express Entry?

1) If it's after you received your ITA then you are a little late since FBI takes a little over 14-16 weeks to process finger prints and provide PCC. Unless you are already an US GC holder? In that case you can receive your finger prints within 2 weeks.

2) Whatever the situation maybe, please initiate the PCC at the earliest so that way you could t least inform the Canada Immigration that the process has been initiated from your side. Canada Immigration is aware about the current processing time for the US PCC and you may get some grace period.

Good Luck and I hope I have been able to answer your question.
Hi! I am not sure I an understanding this right....
How can you receive your fingerprints withing 2 weeks if you are a GC holder?
 
Dec 22, 2017
55
17
Hi! I am not sure I an understanding this right....
How can you receive your fingerprints withing 2 weeks if you are a GC holder?
Yes, you can. Please check the below website.

What most people don't know is that if you are already a GC holder or a Citizen of the USA then it takes a maximum of only 2 weeks to get your finger prints verified since there is a special service catered for them. Look at the second link below and you will be amazed to see that some agencies also provide your finger print results within 24 hours.

https://www.fbi.gov/services/cjis/identity-history-summary-checks

https://www.fbi.gov/services/cjis/identity-history-summary-checks/list-of-fbi-approved-channelers-for-departmental-order-submissions
 

SunnyK17

Star Member
Jan 4, 2018
114
35
Yes, you can. Please check the below website.

What most people don't know is that if you are already a GC holder or a Citizen of the USA then it takes a maximum of only 2 weeks to get your finger prints verified since there is a special service catered for them. Look at the second link below and you will be amazed to see that some agencies also provide your finger print results within 24 hours.

https://www.fbi.gov/services/cjis/identity-history-summary-checks

https://www.fbi.gov/services/cjis/identity-history-summary-checks/list-of-fbi-approved-channelers-for-departmental-order-submissions
Thank you, I've seen this before but are any of them locating in Canada? Looks like they all are in the US
 
Dec 22, 2017
55
17
Thank you, I've seen this before but are any of them locating in Canada? Looks like they all are in the US
You can mail your finger print card to one of the agencies. Please read below the procedure.


How to get a Police Certificate:
If you are a citizen of United States:
If you live in United States:
Option 1:
You can download the application form from the FBI website or send a request by mail (see Special notes and considerations for complete address).

You must fill out the application form and get a set of your fingerprints.

Please mail your completed fingerprints card to the FBI along with a certified cheque or money order for the applicable processing fees, payable to the U.S. Treasury (see Special notes and considerations for complete address).

The FBI will send you a letter with the results of your record check. That letter will be your police certificate. You should send the letter and any attached documents to the office processing your file.

Option 2:
For U.S. citizens and permanent residents only:
you may apply to an FBI-approved channeler (a third party that helps deliver your information to the FBI). They will collect your application form, fingerprints, any fee(s), and give them to the FBI.

Once the FBI completes their background check, they will send the results to the channeler. The channeler will then give you your record check letter.

Please include the FBI letter with your application, and send us the complete package.

If you live outside of United States:
Option 1:
You can download the application form from the FBI website or send a request by mail (see Special notes and considerations for complete address).

You must fill out the applicant information form and obtain a set of your fingerprints.

Please mail your completed fingerprints card along with a certified cheque or money order for the applicable processing fees, payable to the U.S. Treasury (see Special notes and considerations for complete address).

The FBI will send you a letter with the results of your record check. That letter will be your police certificate. You should send the letter and any attached documents to the Citizenship and Immigration Canada office processing your file.

Option 2:
For U.S. citizens and permanent residents only:
you may apply to an FBI-approved channeler (a third party that helps deliver your information to the FBI). They will collect your application form, fingerprints, any fee(s), and give them to the FBI.

Once the FBI completes their background check, they will send the results to the channeler. The channeler will then then give you your record check letter.

Please include the FBI letter with your application, and send us the complete package.

If you are not a citizen of United States:
If you live in United States:
You can download the application form from the FBI website or send a request by mail (see Special notes and considerations for complete address).

You must fill out the applicant information form and obtain a set of your fingerprints.

Please mail your completed fingerprints card along with a certified cheque or money order for the applicable processing fees, payable to the U.S. Treasury (see Special notes and considerations for complete address).

The FBI will send you a letter with the results of your record check. That letter will be your police certificate. You should send the letter and any attached documents to the Citizenship and Immigration Canada office processing your file.

Please note that FBI-approved channeler service is only available to U.S. citizens and permanent residents.

If you live outside of United States:
You can download the application form from the FBI website or send a request by mail (see Special notes and considerations for complete address).

You must fill out the applicant information form and obtain a set of your fingerprints.

Please mail your completed fingerprints card along with a certified cheque or money order for the applicable processing fees, payable to the U.S. Treasury (see Special notes and considerations for complete address).

The FBI will send you a letter with the results of your record check. That letter will be your police certificate. You should send the letter and any attached documents to the Citizenship and Immigration Canada office processing your file.

Please note that FBI-approved channeler service is only available to U.S. citizens and permanent residents.
 

SunnyK17

Star Member
Jan 4, 2018
114
35
You can mail your finger print card to one of the agencies. Please read below the procedure.


How to get a Police Certificate:
If you are a citizen of United States:
If you live in United States:
Option 1:
You can download the application form from the FBI website or send a request by mail (see Special notes and considerations for complete address).

You must fill out the application form and get a set of your fingerprints.

Please mail your completed fingerprints card to the FBI along with a certified cheque or money order for the applicable processing fees, payable to the U.S. Treasury (see Special notes and considerations for complete address).

The FBI will send you a letter with the results of your record check. That letter will be your police certificate. You should send the letter and any attached documents to the office processing your file.

Option 2:
For U.S. citizens and permanent residents only:
you may apply to an FBI-approved channeler (a third party that helps deliver your information to the FBI). They will collect your application form, fingerprints, any fee(s), and give them to the FBI.

Once the FBI completes their background check, they will send the results to the channeler. The channeler will then give you your record check letter.

Please include the FBI letter with your application, and send us the complete package.

If you live outside of United States:
Option 1:
You can download the application form from the FBI website or send a request by mail (see Special notes and considerations for complete address).

You must fill out the applicant information form and obtain a set of your fingerprints.

Please mail your completed fingerprints card along with a certified cheque or money order for the applicable processing fees, payable to the U.S. Treasury (see Special notes and considerations for complete address).

The FBI will send you a letter with the results of your record check. That letter will be your police certificate. You should send the letter and any attached documents to the Citizenship and Immigration Canada office processing your file.

Option 2:
For U.S. citizens and permanent residents only:
you may apply to an FBI-approved channeler (a third party that helps deliver your information to the FBI). They will collect your application form, fingerprints, any fee(s), and give them to the FBI.

Once the FBI completes their background check, they will send the results to the channeler. The channeler will then then give you your record check letter.

Please include the FBI letter with your application, and send us the complete package.

If you are not a citizen of United States:
If you live in United States:
You can download the application form from the FBI website or send a request by mail (see Special notes and considerations for complete address).

You must fill out the applicant information form and obtain a set of your fingerprints.

Please mail your completed fingerprints card along with a certified cheque or money order for the applicable processing fees, payable to the U.S. Treasury (see Special notes and considerations for complete address).

The FBI will send you a letter with the results of your record check. That letter will be your police certificate. You should send the letter and any attached documents to the Citizenship and Immigration Canada office processing your file.

Please note that FBI-approved channeler service is only available to U.S. citizens and permanent residents.

If you live outside of United States:
You can download the application form from the FBI website or send a request by mail (see Special notes and considerations for complete address).

You must fill out the applicant information form and obtain a set of your fingerprints.

Please mail your completed fingerprints card along with a certified cheque or money order for the applicable processing fees, payable to the U.S. Treasury (see Special notes and considerations for complete address).

The FBI will send you a letter with the results of your record check. That letter will be your police certificate. You should send the letter and any attached documents to the Citizenship and Immigration Canada office processing your file.

Please note that FBI-approved channeler service is only available to U.S. citizens and permanent residents.
So basically what you do is the same thing but instead of FBI you send the package to the approved channeler. And they will contact FBI for you and thats how you can cut the time waiting period?
 
Dec 22, 2017
55
17
So basically what you do is the same thing but instead of FBI you send the package to the approved channeler. And they will contact FBI for you and thats how you can cut the time waiting period?
I am not a current GC holder nor a citizen of the US so don't know the process but what my friend told me who is a citizen is that the database of a GC holder and Citizen is more up-to date compared to others and their information is more handy which enables the Approved channeler to get it at the earliest. But, if you're not a GC holder then Option 1 is the only choice, which is manually submitting to the FBI.
 

oasisvip

Newbie
Jan 10, 2018
8
1
Hi all,
I sent my package via USPS, and it showed delivered on 9/28, I emailed them today, they said they are processing packages received on 9/29, unable to locate my case, and my credit card was not charged, either.
Anyone has similar experience before, appreciate the share.
And is this police certificate is a must? I had lived in 4 states, I have criminal background checks from all 4 states.
My application is currently on hold, and immigration officer told me that Jan 30 is the last day to submit police certificate.
 
Dec 22, 2017
55
17
Hi all,
I sent my package via USPS, and it showed delivered on 9/28, I emailed them today, they said they are processing packages received on 9/29, unable to locate my case, and my credit card was not charged, either.
Anyone has similar experience before, appreciate the share.
And is this police certificate is a must? I had lived in 4 states, I have criminal background checks from all 4 states.
My application is currently on hold, and immigration officer told me that Jan 30 is the last day to submit police certificate.
Sorry to hear about your situation.

So I have couple of questions and some answers as well.

First, in those 4 states you stayed, overall did you stay in the US for more than 6 months? If yes then you will have to get the finger printing done.

Yes, Police Clearance Certificate is mandatory. No exceptions.

Unfortunately, for Canada immigration, a State Police Clearance Certificate is not allowed so the only allowed PCC is the most issued by the FBI.

But I would request you to figure out how did they lose your package? Do you know the name of the person who collected the package in the FBI through the certified mail?

Ask them if they can honor your date of 9/28 if you re-submit the new sets of fingerprints.

Canada immigration is aware about the delays caused due to slowness of US PCC so it may also make sense to immediately write to the Canada Immigration explaining your current situation so they are aware about your case and should they take into consideration about your mishap with the FBI then they might give grant you some additional grace period.

I would also suggest consulting an attorney if things really get out of hand.

Good luck and god bless.
 

dhiva_p05

Full Member
Oct 19, 2017
30
1
Hi all,
I sent my package via USPS, and it showed delivered on 9/28, I emailed them today, they said they are processing packages received on 9/29, unable to locate my case, and my credit card was not charged, either.
Anyone has similar experience before, appreciate the share.
And is this police certificate is a must? I had lived in 4 states, I have criminal background checks from all 4 states.
My application is currently on hold, and immigration officer told me that Jan 30 is the last day to submit police certificate.
i am in the same boat, sent my package via USPS, application delivered to FBI on 29-Sep-17. I was told they were unable to locate as of this morning (10-Jan-18), and asked me to call and check again on Friday (12-Jan-18). It's really frustrating. We have been waiting for so long to process the application, dunno what to do now, really disappointing.
 

dhiva_p05

Full Member
Oct 19, 2017
30
1
Sorry to hear about your situation.

So I have couple of questions and some answers as well.

First, in those 4 states you stayed, overall did you stay in the US for more than 6 months? If yes then you will have to get the finger printing done.

Yes, Police Clearance Certificate is mandatory. No exceptions.

Unfortunately, for Canada immigration, a State Police Clearance Certificate is not allowed so the only allowed PCC is the most issued by the FBI.

But I would request you to figure out how did they lose your package? Do you know the name of the person who collected the package in the FBI through the certified mail?

Ask them if they can honor your date of 9/28 if you re-submit the new sets of fingerprints.

Canada immigration is aware about the delays caused due to slowness of US PCC so it may also make sense to immediately write to the Canada Immigration explaining your current situation so they are aware about your case and should they take into consideration about your mishap with the FBI then they might give grant you some additional grace period.

I would also suggest consulting an attorney if things really get out of hand.

Good luck and god bless.
Unfortunately the USPS tracking doesn't show up the signature of the person who collected the document.

However, We have a receipt issued by USPS with FBI office address captured on it, and the tracking receipt from online.

I am not sure whether this evidence is sufficient enough convince FBI to consider our new application, by retaining the original date.
 
Dec 22, 2017
55
17
i am in the same boat, sent my package via USPS, application delivered to FBI on 29-Sep-17. I was told they were unable to locate as of this morning (10-Jan-18), and asked me to call and check again on Friday (12-Jan-18). It's really frustrating. We have been waiting for so long to process the application, dunno what to do now, really disappointing.
Did you certify your mail? Because a certified mail makes your case even stronger as it definitely captures the name of the person who signed while accepting your package.

You can then definitely demand the FBI on the error occurre on their behalf and request that when you resend your new sets of finger prints, they honor the 9/29 date.

Apart from that I can only hope Canada immigration can provide some assistance in this matter.
 

dhiva_p05

Full Member
Oct 19, 2017
30
1
Hi all,
I sent my package via USPS, and it showed delivered on 9/28, I emailed them today, they said they are processing packages received on 9/29, unable to locate my case, and my credit card was not charged, either.
Anyone has similar experience before, appreciate the share.
And is this police certificate is a must? I had lived in 4 states, I have criminal background checks from all 4 states.
My application is currently on hold, and immigration officer told me that Jan 30 is the last day to submit police certificate.
was it on a USPS priority mail or priority express mail? I just learned something, USPS priority mail
Did you certify your mail? Because a certified mail makes your case even stronger as it definitely captures the name of the person who signed while accepting your package.

You can then definitely demand the FBI on the error occurre on their behalf and request that when you resend your new sets of finger prints, they honor the 9/29 date.

Apart from that I can only hope Canada immigration can provide some assistance in this matter.
The USPS receipt states that it's Priority Flat rate mail.

Do you think it will help?
 
Dec 22, 2017
55
17
was it on a USPS priority mail or priority express mail? I just learned something, USPS priority mail


The USPS receipt states that it's Priority Flat rate mail.

Do you think it will help?
Probably not! Did you pay an additional $6.65, which ideally is the cost for a 'Certified Mail Receipt'.

A Certified Mail Receipt is a guarantee that your package was rightly delivered and someone accepted it. It helps you file a case against someone in-case they claim they have lost your package so in this case you could've hired an attorney and filed a case. Not that you want to fight for money but what they'd done is process your fingerprints asap.
 

oasisvip

Newbie
Jan 10, 2018
8
1
Thank you so much for your information.
I just prepared a new set of documents (have an extra fingerprint card), will UPS or Fedex tomorrow morning.
Also I will call them see what they can do. Thanks again.

Sorry to hear about your situation.

So I have couple of questions and some answers as well.

First, in those 4 states you stayed, overall did you stay in the US for more than 6 months? If yes then you will have to get the finger printing done.

Yes, Police Clearance Certificate is mandatory. No exceptions.

Unfortunately, for Canada immigration, a State Police Clearance Certificate is not allowed so the only allowed PCC is the most issued by the FBI.

But I would request you to figure out how did they lose your package? Do you know the name of the person who collected the package in the FBI through the certified mail?

Ask them if they can honor your date of 9/28 if you re-submit the new sets of fingerprints.

Canada immigration is aware about the delays caused due to slowness of US PCC so it may also make sense to immediately write to the Canada Immigration explaining your current situation so they are aware about your case and should they take into consideration about your mishap with the FBI then they might give grant you some additional grace period.

I would also suggest consulting an attorney if things really get out of hand.

Good luck and god bless.