US Police Clearance: FBI Processing Times

[Ponga]

Thanks for the replies.

The paper is a secure page and you can see 'void' in the paper.

That could be the problem. It shouldn't have `void' on it anywhere, unless it is a photo copy (or scan) of the original.

 

[Majromax]

WTF is wrong with CIC, this is the dumbest rule yet. the FBI says it's ok but Canada is too dumb to realise that it's the same database that this info is coming from?

Not all channelers are created equal, when it comes to delivering a paper copy of the report for CIC's use. I suspect that CIC's flirtation with channelers was undone when a wide variety of these reports started arriving.

If you want a dumb system, I'd recommend beginning with the channeler process in the first place. Since the FBI itself needs to do the record check, there's no gain from having some applications flow through entirely separate and private agencies.

 

[Ponga]

Since the FBI itself needs to do the record check, there's no gain from having some applications flow through entirely separate and private agencies.

According to at least one spokesperson from the FBI, the approved channelers are able to run reports directly, since they have `read only' access to their database.

 

[Aquakitty]

Not all channelers are created equal, when it comes to delivering a paper copy of the report for CIC's use. I suspect that CIC's flirtation with channelers was undone when a wide variety of these reports started arriving.

If you want a dumb system, I'd recommend beginning with the channeler process in the first place. Since the FBI itself needs to do the record check, there's no gain from having some applications flow through entirely separate and private agencies.

Actually the channelers do the record checking, not the FBI, they have special access to the database.
The gain is that the FBI is behind and is taking extraordinarily long periods of time for a simple record check that can be done in a minute. I assume that is the point of the channelers, they have access to the information.

I understand though if these channelers are printing out record checks that look different it might seem suspicious, as someone could theoretically photoshop and print out something that looks just like it. Though if the FBI stopped using secure paper as someone mentioned then what is the difference? The channelers should be ordered to print out documents identical to the FBI, really, and that would solve this issue.

Aquakitty, did you submit only the clearance paper itself, or did you also submit any letters etc that came with it from the channeler?

Just the paper, all that came with it was a receipt from the company. But, there was no "void" on it anywhere, that is likely the problem. What channeler did you use?

From the website of the channeler I used: "Following FBI guidelines, your FBI Criminal Report will be printed on copy-proof paper to prevent changes or modifications. One printed copy of your personal criminal history report is included with each order. For a small fee, additional copies can be requested when you place your order."

So ya that's kind of vague, I think I might email out of curiosity and ask if the report is still identical to the one from the FBI.

 

[YAM123]

It doesn't have distinctly visible VOID on the paper, but as you move it, the light catches the security feature on the paper.
We used myfbireport.com by National Credit Reporting at LiveScan centre.

Do you or anyone else have a copy of the format your letter came in just to compare?

 

[Aquakitty]

Well here is the answer from the channeler we used (myfbireport.com)

"There are some differences to the look of the report.

We still print the FBI Report on tamper proof paper. Also, the FBI seal is very large on the report that we provide."

So that's that. It is different and I guess he got his in in just before they clamped down on the rules. This is really unfortunate.

 

[YAM123]

What are the chances that sending in the most recent channeler document as a 'placeholder' for an official FBI copy to come in another 6 weeks (hopefully) will be an issue for the CIC? There is not a chance we will get and FBI version before the 90 days CIC has given for a response to their request...

 

[ChellyCat]

FINALLY the madness has ended xD

Prints received by FBI: April 20
Card charged: June 29
Report Received: July 15

Total wait time: 12 weeks

And that's that! Will be sending it over to Ottawa tomorrow. I was expecting something fancy though? Thick paper, or a holographic seal or something? It's literally just printed on plain computer paper lol.

 

[LN13]

They received ours April 27, card charged sometime last week and got it in the mail today.

I'm crazy relieved it went through as my husband does manual labour and his finger prints aren't in the best shape most of the time!

I might ask elsewhere but is the general consensus to send it in now or wait until they ask? We are currently between the AOR and the sponsorship approval if that makes any difference.

Hope that timeline helps anyone else with the stress of waiting.

 

[SuiGeneris]

Anyone call them lately? Are they checking Apr 30/May 1 fingerprints yet?

 

[VatoQChopeful]

I read on another forum that they started working on May 1 requests last week.

 

[SuiGeneris]

Hey guys, I called today!

I sent in my request either on Apr 30 or May 1st, can't remember. The guy said, today they're checking requests for May 4th and to call back on Thurs or Fri for mine.

 

[SuiGeneris]

Hope that helps someone

 

[tom_from_sk]

Just an update on timing...

We sent our prints in the mail on April 30th. They received them May 5/6th.

We received our background check today in the mail in Canada (August 5th).

 

[Snowisland]

Do you call to see when received or rely on the postal tracking? My postal tracking shows delivered July 8th. I sent five sets of fingerprints. Lol. Trying to decide if I should get medical soon or wait until I get background check in the mail first.