USA Immigrant: Police Certificates

[TravisK]

Hi all,

I have two questions regarding the police certificates required for the permanent residency application from spousal sponsorship.

The first is regarding the fingerprinting. When I download all the document requirements from the CIC and the FBI the main thing I don't understand is how I obtain a copy of my fingerprints.
"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"

I'm not sure from where am I supposed to obtain my fingerprints. Can I just fill out the form properly, take my own prints, and send in the application? Or do I need to go to a special place to have them taken (mounties, notary public, etc.)?

Second, from what I can tell this process takes quite a while, 10-14 weeks in most cases. I understand that I can submit my application without the police certificates, with a note indicating that the request was sent and the process is in motion. I was thinking of including in my PR application a copy of the application, copy of the prints, and possibly a copy of the first class mail receipt. If there is some delay in processing my PR application, I am ok with that, but I don't want the application to be rejected on these grounds. Do you guys have any information on this?

Thanks much!

 

[Ponga]

1. Download (and print) at least one copy of the FBI fingerprint card (FD-258...I think). Take that to a place that offers fingerprinting services (this is where Google really becomes your friend). I suggest having at least two sets of prints taken (so, you'll need two FD-258 cards), because if there are problems with the first set...you would have provided a second set, just in case. The difference in price (to the technician) will be nominal and money well spent, IMHO. Make sure to indicate to the Channeler (or the FBI if you go direct) that you do NOT want a second letter; the second card is only to be used if needed.

2. You don't state if you are a U.S. citizen or not, but if you are...you should consider using one of the FBI approved third-party Channelers. It will cost a bit more, but you'll have your letter in a matter of days (or a week or two), as opposed to ordering directly from the FBI.

 

[TravisK]

Thank you for the quick reply. This site is truly amazing with how quickly people get back to you with good information.

Ok, I thought there must be places where they take your fingerprints professionally. I'll look it up.

I am a US citizen, living and working legally in Canada. I'll get in contact with a channeller and see what the prices are. I didn't know they can work that much faster, that's very interesting. I just need the FBI certs right? Not state by state?

Do you, or others, have any information as to whether or not the application would be rejected if it were sent without the certificates?

Thanks again, truly appreciated.

 

[KastaJav]

I am an American and just went through this process and was told that 3rd party channelers for FBI backgrounds were not accepted. Official FBI documents come on a blue watermarked thick piece of paper. CIC looks for this. 3rd party channelers dont have this paper or watermark. Dont waste your money on the 3rd party channelers until you get more facts. It took me 9 weeks to get my official report back from the FBI and had to go to a local police station in the USA to get my fingerprints scanned. It cost 25 dollars

 

[KastaJav]

Also to answer another one of your questions, I sent in my spousal sponsorship without my police certificate. You just have to make sure to send it ASAP the day you get the certificate. For saftey, my wife and I sent the police certificate request to the FBI 2 weeks before we sent in the PR papers. Then sent it express the to CIC the day we got it

 

[Ponga]

CIC started allowing Channeler letters a couple of months ago.

Ironically, even the FBI now issues the IHSR letters on plain, white paper with no security features.

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

I don't believe that Channeler's will mail the letter to an address outside of the U.S., so you'll have to have it sent to someone there who can then forward it to you in Canada. If you order directly from the FBI, they will mail it to you in Canada...but why wait?!

Since the PCC is a required `piece of the puzzle', per the Document Checklist, not including it with the application will, at the very least, add delays to your processing time.

You do NOT need a state level PCC unless CIC asks for you specifically. Same goes for a Canadian PCC...only if they ask for one.

 

[Ponga]

I am an American and just went through this process and was told that 3rd party channelers for FBI backgrounds were not accepted. Official FBI documents come on a blue watermarked thick piece of paper. CIC looks for this. 3rd party channelers dont have this paper or watermark. Dont waste your money on the 3rd party channelers until you get more facts. It took me 9 weeks to get my official report back from the FBI and had to go to a local police station in the USA to get my fingerprints scanned. It cost 25 dollars

Ok...here are `more facts':

http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/information/security/police-cert/north-america/united-states.asp

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.

 

[KastaJav]

Oh man! they probably allowed it the day after I sent mine to the FBI lol. My luck lol

 

[Ponga]

Oh man! they probably allowed it the day after I sent mine to the FBI lol. My luck lol

Probably.

They were allowing Channeler letters briefly back in 2015 (for about 6 weeks ~ March, I believe), then slammed the door!

 

[KastaJav]

Hey Ponga, you seem on top of immigration. Maybe you could help me with my current situation?

My wife and I have applied for family class sponsorship and have received the email stating we should now apply for our CSQ. She is Canadian and I am American by the way. About a week after we sent our CSQ application in, I received my open work permit from CIC. My question is, can I now apply and start working in Quebec before I receive my CSQ approval or do I have to wait for the CSQ approval?

 

[Ponga]

First mistake may have been submitting an Inland application, right? Was it the lure of the almighty OWP that hypnotized you?

Don't feel bad, since you're not alone. I still say that many people IN Canada do not [clearly] understand that they can, and often should, submit an OUTLAND application; especially Americans.

Sorry, but I can't help you with issues regarding Quebec's rules.

 

[KastaJav]

Yeah the allure of the OWP did suck me in. But I did get approval for it and recieved it. As long as I can work while waiting for PR status, the length of time to recieve it didnt bother my wife or I. Hence us going inland. Thanks for the reply though

 

[TravisK]

First mistake may have been submitting an Inland application, right? Was it the lure of the almighty OWP that hypnotized you?

Don't feel bad, since you're not alone. I still say that many people IN Canada do not [clearly] understand that they can, and often should, submit an OUTLAND application; especially Americans.

Sorry, but I can't help you with issues regarding Quebec's rules.

I have to ask though, is it really that much better?

I'm a US citizen, living with my wife and with a valid work visa in canada (for now, will have to be renewed if I change projects within my company). If I apply outland, I understand that I can live with my wife still, but current processing times are at 14 months now from the US. I can't be out of work for 14 months. I can, however, wait 4-6 months for an OWP.

I haven't read anywhere that says that I can't leave Canada for vacations, or for work, or whatever, as long as I don't violate the conditions of my application, and that I am still eligible to return to canada when I head back from the trip. So is the real downside of the inland application (for me) just the wait time and me being unable to accept work in the US for extended periods of time? I'm confused...

 

[danawhitaker]

I have to ask though, is it really that much better?

I'm a US citizen, living with my wife and with a valid work visa in canada (for now, will have to be renewed if I change projects within my company). If I apply outland, I understand that I can live with my wife still, but current processing times are at 14 months now from the US. I can't be out of work for 14 months. I can, however, wait 4-6 months for an OWP.

I haven't read anywhere that says that I can't leave Canada for vacations, or for work, or whatever, as long as I don't violate the conditions of my application, and that I am still eligible to return to canada when I head back from the trip. So is the real downside of the inland application (for me) just the wait time and me being unable to accept work in the US for extended periods of time? I'm confused...

The current processing time of 14 months is highly inaccurate for US applicants. Several people from the June thread just got approval today.

 

[TravisK]

Ok, that's good to know; still a little concerning. I have a valid work permit now, and can remain as a visitor as required.

Does the fact that I currently have a valid work permit (specific permit, not OWP) change my eligibility to apply outland?

I'm still having trouble with the risks of inland application...as a US citizen, and assuming I get an OWP, if I apply inland where does the CIC website say that I cannot leave, say for work or vacation? All I've seen is that if I'm not allowed back in (because, say, my visitor visa expires, or whatever) then I will be considered to have abandoned my application. Even if I lose my job and work permit, I can always enter as a visitor, no?

I'm not set on sending the inland application, I'm just curious as to what the risk is for a US citizen as the CIC information doesn't make it sound as bad as some folks here do... I'm sure it is inaccurate, but 14 months listed is still scary.