US Police Clearance: FBI Processing Times

[Decoy24601]

Well, just in terms of phone plans in general, you could always buy a cheap prepaid phone and get a prepaid phone plan (I use WIND mobile, but I know that's not really available everywhere). That way you could always cancel it after a month if you need to.

Edit: You could always try using Skype or Google Hangouts to call them too.

 

[mcharade]

Those are good ideas, Decoy! Thanks! I think I'll try Google Hangouts or something tomorrow. I'll report back for everyone if I get through.

 

[Decoy24601]

No problem ;D. If google hangouts doesn't work, you can buy US calling on skype for about $5 (per month). I've used it to make calls to the US before when I was visiting last summer and didn't want to bother with a phone plan.

 

[SM205]

Hey guys,
Does anybody know which date application are being processed?
Thanks!

 

[SM205]

Can somebody share the customer service number please?
Thanks!

 

[eaforster]

I submitted my request on June 6th and I know it takes about 16 weeks to get back. I'm currently living in Canada so I put my Canadian address as the address to return the letter. Is this okay??

Should I have put down a US address? Will they mail to a Canadian address??

 

[FiveO]

I submitted my request on June 6th and I know it takes about 16 weeks to get back. I'm currently living in Canada so I put my Canadian address as the address to return the letter. Is this okay??

Should I have put down a US address? Will they mail to a Canadian address??

You can use Canadian address, that's what I used and received my clearance just fine. It will just take a few days longer to receive it.

 

[eaforster]

Thank you! Anyone have any idea what month/day they are on for processing?

 

[sawadee-eh]

Just an update for those looking at the timeline. We ended up not needing the FBI cert and already landed a month ago, but the FBI cert we requested...

Received by FBI: May 3, 2016
Credit Card processed: July 19, 2016
Date received cert: not yet

 

[mcharade]

Received my background check today, it was received by the FBI on May 11th. I have no idea when they processed the payment though because I sent a certified check. I'm living in Canada so I assume it took about a week in transit. I hope this info helps others that are waiting!

I have a question too; is it okay for me to open the background check or should I send it unopened? I would like to scan it and my Japanese background check so that if either of them are lost I can quickly prove to CIC that I sent them, however, the embassy told me not to open them. What's everyone's experiences with that?

 

[Rocky127]

Hi All

Not sure if this would be the right forum but how were you guys able to take finger prints required for FBI PCC.

I see we have some chanelers in Georgia but they only serve citizens and not visa holders.

Can someone tell me how to get fingerprints within US so that FBI PCC form can be completed?

Thank you

 

[lalicatter]

Received my background check today, it was received by the FBI on May 11th. I have no idea when they processed the payment though because I sent a certified check. I'm living in Canada so I assume it took about a week in transit. I hope this info helps others that are waiting!

I have a question too; is it okay for me to open the background check or should I send it unopened? I would like to scan it and my Japanese background check so that if either of them are lost I can quickly prove to CIC that I sent them, however, the embassy told me not to open them. What's everyone's experiences with that?

Thanks for the update on dates. Very helpful.

 

[mcharade]

Hi All

Not sure if this would be the right forum but how were you guys able to take finger prints required for FBI PCC.

I see we have some chanelers in Georgia but they only serve citizens and not visa holders.

Can someone tell me how to get fingerprints within US so that FBI PCC form can be completed?

Thank you

A lot of police stations will do fingerprinting, maybe you can call your local station and ask them if they provide the service. And also, any location that will do fingerprinting will be fine. It doesn't need to be an accredited channelers if it's just the fingerprints. Some might require you bring your own fingerprint card though. Just do a google search about fingerprinting locations in your area and you should come across a few unless it's a really rural area. The best bet might be to see if the police station will do it though.

 

[Rocky127]

Thanks, I did some research and could see below company and they are charging $55 per person.

Do you think this is reasonable?

Safe Sky, Inc.  
Fingerprinting Service
Address: 3500 Lenox Rd NE #1500, Atlanta, GA 30326

 

[sawadee-eh]

Just an update for those looking at the timeline. We ended up not needing the FBI cert and already landed a month ago, but the FBI cert we requested...

Received by FBI: May 3, 2016
Credit Card processed: July 19, 2016
Date received cert: not yet

Received the clearance letter August 4, 2016

So it was processed 11 weeks after receiving and arrived in Canada after 13 weeks. Hope that helps people waiting and wondering about timelines.