How to do a FBI identity history check as UK resident?
Posted by geetree107@reddit | AskUK | View on Reddit | 5 comments
Hi all,
I am starting a new job and they want an overseas criminal check because I lived in the USA for 4 months where I did a semester abroad type of thing. The UK gov website says the US will only provide this if you have lived there for a minimum of 12 months. I rang the FBI helpline and they said it would be fine if it was less - the standard procedure for them is getting fingerprints taken then sending them off, the process seems very complex or I'm just being thick. Has anyone had any experience with this? Is it as complicated as they make out? Might be a very drawn out start to a new job and I really need the money.
Autofish@reddit
Does it definitely need to be the FBI? That’s the equivalent of asking MI5 for a background check. Would the police force where you lived over there be a better bet?
ambadawn@reddit
An MI5 check is part of all UK vetting clearances.
malumfectum@reddit
A better equivalent to the FBI would be the NCA, which sounds less weird.
Suitable-Order6753@reddit
In USA it tends to be the FBI who do the background checks for certain things.
AugustusReddit@reddit
You can tell the FBI to pull your fingerprints off your student visa application or the ICE fingerprints that are taken on entry into the U.S.A. (otherwise you've got to head to the London embassy to see the FBI legal attaché).