When to apply for FBI background check.

[jeff198901]

How long before you apply for PR should you send in for an FBI background check? Also, how long is it valid for?

Thank you!

 

[jeff198901]

Anyone?

 

[VermiciousKnish]

Although they say it takes about 3 months to process, it typically takes around 4-5 months until you actually receive the certificate. You should apply to FBI well before you plan to apply for PR so you can include it with your original application. You can still submit the clearance certificate after your sponsorship application has been submitted but then you will most likely have to submit it to visa office processing your application and not Mississauga.

Typically valid for 1 year.

 

[jeff198901]

Anyone else? I have heard 3 months, 6 months and now one year?!

Can someone please tell me how long an FBI background check is valid for after I get it?

I am trying to figure how many months before my wedding I should request it

 

[canuck_in_uk]

Anyone else? I have heard 3 months, 6 months and now one year?!

Can someone please tell me how long an FBI background check is valid for after I get it?

I am trying to figure how many months before my wedding I should request it

Don't apply directly to the FBI. As an American citizen, you can apply through a chaneller and have the PCC within a few weeks.

 

[jeff198901]

Don't apply directly to the FBI. As an American citizen, you can apply through a chaneller and have the PCC within a few weeks.

You can do that?! I thought it had to be done directly through the FBI!

 

[canuck_in_uk]

You can do that?! I thought it had to be done directly through the FBI!

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

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.

 

[jeff198901]

Thank you both!

I don't know how I missed that during all my research! Do you know how long it takes with a channeler?

 

[jeff198901]

It could be three days to two weeks or three, but not more than a month, I suppose. Do research on the approved list and select the best. It might cost a bit more but at least you can get it faster than the usual route. Good luck.

I don't mind paying a little more if it gets my background check a lot faster!

Do you know how they get them so quick?

Thanks again for the help!

 

[Ponga]

I don't mind paying a little more if it gets my background check a lot faster!

Do you know how they get them so quick?

Thanks again for the help!

This is one of those on again-off again parts of the process, where CIC waffles...or so it seems.

Yes, CIC is [currently] accepting the FBI IHSR letters from approved Channelers. These companies have access to the same FBI database and have been authorized by The FBI to run reports. These companies will only mail the letter to a U.S. address (family or friend, if you're out of the country).

They charge more (~$50 USD, if I recall), but you can have the results in a week or so, plus mailing time. You can also get it sent via pdf (email), but CIC will need the original letter that is mailed to you.

I strongly suggest sending the Channeler two FBI FD-258 fingerprint cards, just in case there is an issue with one, or more, of the prints on the first card. Make sure to tell them that you are sending the second card `just in case' they need it; you do NOT want two separate searches performed.


Good luck!

 

[jeff198901]

I just read that you can not use an FBI channeler for a permanent residency application, is this true?

 

[jeff198901]

Where have you read that?
Of course, you can.

http://www.duicanadaentry.com/criminal-inadmissibility-fbi-channeler-information/

Second paragraph from the bottom!

 

[Ponga]

http://www.duicanadaentry.com/criminal-inadmissibility-fbi-channeler-information/

Second paragraph from the bottom!

Uh...are you aware that the website that you found this on deals with those that are criminally inadmissible to Canada?

For those that are inadmissible, I suspect the Channeler letter would not be accepted, but if you have no criminal history (or other reasons to be deemed inadmissible), you'll eligible.

 

[canuck_in_uk]

http://www.duicanadaentry.com/criminal-inadmissibility-fbi-channeler-information/

Second paragraph from the bottom!

Why are you looking up random websites when I've already provided the link to the official IRCC website stating that they are accepted?

 

[jeff198901]

I hope I will still be able to use a channeler come march! Does CIC give warning if they are going to stop allowing channeler a to be used?