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In an increasingly interconnected world, identity verification through biometric processes has become a fundamental requirement for numerous procedures. From visa applications and immigration documentation to professional licenses and other permits, many official and private entities require a reliable fingerprint record to ensure the security and authenticity of the information. The FD-258 fingerprint card has been established as the official document for the FBI criminal record application. However, its use is not limited only to this organization. Many institutions accept it as part of their requirements for various legal and administrative procedures.
Although the FD-258 is widely recognized, it is not automatically valid for all procedures or countries. That is why it is essential to know in which cases and before which entities it can be used. At expatgroup.co, we developed a specialized fingerprinting service with a high-precision scanner, which verifies and captures biometric information immediately and prints it on the FD-258 card. Many of our clients have successfully used this service for different international proceedings.
In order to provide clear and helpful information, we have created this guide to the global procedures for which it is possible to present the FD-258 fingerprint card. As new entities adopt its use, we will update this list to ensure you always have the most relevant and up-to-date information.
What is the FD-258 fingerprint card?
The FD-258 Fingerprint Card is the official form used by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) to collect and record fingerprints for criminal background checks. It serves as a key document in the FBI Background Check process, certifying whether an individual has a record in the agency’s criminal database.
This biometric form must be completed with clear and accurate fingerprints, either captured electronically or taken with ink and printed on the card. The fingerprints must meet the FBI’s quality standards and submission guidelines to ensure acceptance.
Although the FD-258 is specifically required for the FBI Criminal Records, its format and structure have been adopted in the American territory and some other procedures at the international level, which is why its use has been extended in different legal and administrative processes.
Fingerprint Card FD-258 for US procedures
Naturalization of foreign-born spouses in the USA
USCIS (U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services) requires Form FD-258 for specific immigration processes, such as naturalizing foreign-born spouses. Fingerprints must be taken on Form FD-258 and not on a foreign card, as the USCIS will not accept fingerprints on foreign documents.
Local Police Departments
Many local police stations in the U.S. offer fingerprinting services using the FD-258 form for a variety of purposes, including background checks for employment or licensing. For U.S. nationals or residents wishing to file a form with these agencies from abroad, it is often possible to do the process via email or certified mail. The NYPD , Chicago, and San Francisco are some examples of entities that handle this type of document for local background checks, medical licenses, and attorney licenses.
Money Transmitter Licenses
It is a mandatory regulatory permit for companies operating money transfers, electronic payments, and remittance services, both domestically and internationally. This license ensures that the company complies with financial and money laundering prevention regulations set by state and federal authorities in the United States. In many states, criminal background checks and fingerprinting of the company’s owners and officers are required as part of the evaluation process. This is usually done by submitting fingerprints on an FD-258 card for persons outside the country, which is sent to the state authority or the FBI for a criminal background check.
Nursing licenses
Under the Nurse Practice Act, the applicant must provide a complete set of fingerprints for state and federal criminal background checks if applying for a license, registration, or permit. If you are out of the state and don’t plan to travel there before obtaining your license, you may opt for the manual fingerprinting method with an FD-258 card. This process is very common in California and Texas.
Organizations wishing to be part of the HeadStart program
HeadStart is a U.S. government program designed to provide early education, nutrition, medical care, and support to low-income families with young children. To become a U.S. Head Start program, an organization must meet certain requirements and obtain funding from the federal government through the Office of Head Start (OHS). One of the requirements is a federal background check, which is conducted repeatedly at least 4 times before and after acceptance into the program.
Licenses for handling firearms and explosives
These licenses are issued at federal and local levels and regulated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). And while each region has its own processes, most of these licenses have the FD-258 requirement as a biometric verification document. It is important to note that some states do not require fingerprint verification.
Fingerprint Card FD-258 for US procedures
Background check processes and immigration authorities in various countries, such as the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and members of the European Union, each have their own biometric verification methods. And while the FD-258 form is primarily used for U.S. citizens and residents, it is also utilized in some international contexts, even though these countries do not yet accept it.
Visa applications for U.S. citizens and residents
In Colombia, as in other countries, it is a common requirement to provide an updated FBI Background Check when applying for a visa. The FD-258 fingerprint card is required for this procedure. Although many people decide to do it by themselves, it is best to use certified fingerprinting services that allow prior verification to avoid printing errors and ensure the protection of your personal data.
At expatgroup.co, we help you get your FBI background check from Colombia processed quickly and securely. Click the bottom and get the digital background certificate for American citizens that is valid before the Colombian government for visa applications, including fingerprinting, apostille and translation services
Professional licenses and certifications abroad
Various organizations responsible for regulating the practice of many professions require background checks on new applicants from abroad. U.S. citizens must often provide this documentation at the time of application.
Applications for employment or residency in countries such as Canada, Spain, Australia, and other countries
Some foreign authorities require a criminal record certificate from the FBI as part of their immigration or employment processes, as they usually require a clean U.S. record to grant permits.
International Adoption Processes
Adoption agencies may request an FBI background check to ensure the suitability of adopters, regardless of their nationality. This is to protect the integrity of the children from any life-threatening situation.
Step by step to complete the FD-258 Fingerprint Card in Colombia with expatgroup.co
For the FD-258 card to be valid, it is essential that the personal data and fingerprinting be completed accurately and following official guidelines. Learn how to access this process from Colombia.
Step 1: Click on the button below link and request an appointment for fingerprinting in Medellín.
In case you are outside of Medellin or cannot travel, you can access our traditional fingerprinting service with ink and paper in the cities of Bogota and surroundings, Santa Marta, Cartagena, Cali, Bucaramanga, Armenia, Pereira, Palmira, Ibague, Manizales, and Villa de Leyva.
Step 2: Attend the expatgroup.co office in Poblado on the selected date and time.
Step 3: Our specialized consultant will guide you through the process, verifying the accuracy of the digital fingerprints in real-time.
Step 4: We will take your personal information to complete the FD-258 form and print the FD-258 card on letter size paper with a specialized printer.
To sum up
To ensure that any application is valid, it is essential to comply with the specifications required by each entity and to ensure that the prints are taken as accurately as possible. The quality of the print and the correct completion of the form can make the difference in the acceptance of the documents and avoid delays in the process.
If you need to process your FD-258 fingerprint card, at expatgroup.co we offer a professional service with digital fingerprinting and high precision printing, ensuring that your application meets the required standards. We have experience in issuing this document for various international applications.
Contact us today and make sure your process goes smoothly.
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