If you previously lived in the United States and are now in Vietnam, you may be asked to obtain an FBI Identity History Summary, commonly referred to as an FBI Check or FBI Background Check, for immigration, study abroad, employment, or other legal and administrative purposes. So, how can you get an FBI Check from Vietnam?
You do not need to return to the United States to complete the process. You can have your fingerprints taken in Vietnam, prepare the required application documents, and submit your request for processing in the United States.
This guide explains when an FBI check may be required, how fingerprinting works, what documents you should prepare, the costs involved, and how to complete the process while living in Vietnam.
What is an FBI Identity History Summary Check?
An FBI Identity History Summary, commonly referred to as an FBI Background Check or FBI Check, is a fingerprint-based record check that provides information associated with an individual’s fingerprints in the FBI’s records.
The FBI uses an individual’s fingerprints to search records associated with that identity. Depending on the application requirements, fingerprints may be submitted using an accepted fingerprint card such as FD-258 or FD-1164.
FD-258 Fingerprint Card
Common uses: The FD-258 is a standard applicant fingerprint card commonly used for fingerprint-based background checks in the United States, including certain state and federal checks, professional licensing, employment, and other applications requiring fingerprints.
Design: The standard FD-258 card features blue printing on a white background.
FD-1164 Fingerprint Card
Common uses: The FD-1164 is specifically designed for individuals requesting their own FBI Identity History Summary.
Design: Unlike the blue-and-white FD-258, the FD-1164 is designed for FBI Identity History Summary requests and may be printed on standard white paper stock in accordance with FBI requirements.
At Frontier One Vietnam, we commonly use the FD-258 fingerprint card. However, the appropriate fingerprint card may vary depending on the specific requirements of your application or requesting authority.
At Frontier One Vietnam, we commonly use the FD-258 fingerprint card, which is widely accepted for immigration, employment, and other fingerprint-based applications in the United States and various other jurisdictions.
Depending on the specific requirements of your case, the appropriate fingerprint card may vary. Be sure to check the requirements carefully to ensure that you prepare the correct documents and fingerprint form. Proper fingerprint capture is also important to help ensure accurate results and avoid unnecessary processing delays.
Why are fingerprints required for an FBI Background Check?
There are two common approaches to background screening: name-based checks and fingerprint-based checks.
A name-based search relies on personal details such as a person’s name and date of birth. Because different individuals may have the same or similar information, name-based searches can sometimes produce possible matches that require further verification.
Fingerprint-based checks provide a more reliable method of confirming identity because fingerprints are unique to each individual.
For this reason, fingerprints are commonly used for background checks such as the FBI Identity History Summary Check in the United States, certain RCMP Criminal Record Checks in Canada, and police checks required by other countries and jurisdictions.
Fingerprints may be taken using ink fingerprinting or specialized Live Scan equipment for digital fingerprinting, depending on the requirements of the relevant authority.
When Do You Need an FBI Check?
You may need an FBI Identity History Summary Check if you have previously lived, studied, or worked in the United States and an immigration authority, employer, licensing body, educational institution, or other organization requires you to provide a U.S. criminal record check (FBI Check)
Common situations include:
- Applying for immigration, green card, a visa, or citizenship in the United States or another country
- Completing an application for study abroad or employment
- Adoption proceedings
- Pardon applications or other legal procedures where an FBI check is required
Important things to know before applying for an FBI Check
When applying for an FBI Identity History Summary Check on your own, keep the following points in mind to ensure your application is complete and minimize the risk of rejection or processing delays:
- Always check the requirements of the relevant authority carefully, including the required documents and the appropriate fingerprint card for your application.
- Make sure all personal information and any required details about the receiving authority or organization are provided accurately.
- Have your fingerprints taken by a qualified or experienced fingerprinting service provider to help ensure they meet the applicable requirements and standards.
- Follow the instructions provided by the relevant authority, including requirements for ink color, where the application must be submitted, and the applicable submission procedures.
High-quality fingerprints are an important part of a properly prepared application and can help prevent processing delays. Having your fingerprints taken by an experienced fingerprinting technician can also help minimize errors and reduce the risk of having to submit a new fingerprint card.
Can You Get an FBI Check While in Vietnam?
Yes. You can complete the fingerprinting and application process for an FBI check while you are in Vietnam without returning to the United States.
What to Bring to Your Frontier One Vietnam Appointment
When having your fingerprints taken for an FBI check from Vietnam at Frontier One Vietnam, you should bring at least two valid forms of identification, which may include:
- Vietnamese Citizen Identity Card (CCCD)
- Permanent or temporary residence card
- Valid Vietnamese Identity Card (CMND), where applicable
- Driver’s licence
- Vietnamese passport
- Foreign passport
- Government-issued identity card
- Military or other government-issued identification
- Other government-issued identification showing clear identifying information, preferably including a photograph and signature where applicable
See the full list of accepted identification documents HERE.
If available, you should also bring any request letter, email, instructions, or supporting information from the authority or organization requesting your FBI check. This can help determine the correct fingerprint and application requirements.
A typical FBI Identity History Summary application may include:
- A completed application with the required personal information
- A fingerprint card, such as FD-258 or FD-1164, depending on the applicable requirements
How much does an FBI Check cost in Vietnam?
The total cost of obtaining an FBI Check from Vietnam depends on the services required and how the application is submitted.
Potential costs may include:
- FBI processing fees
- Fingerprinting fees in Vietnam
- International courier fees
- Additional services, where required, such as apostille, document legalization, translation, or notarization
Because each case may involve different requirements, the total cost can vary.
For greater convenience and to help ensure your application is prepared correctly, you can use an experienced service provider such as Frontier One Vietnam for end-to-end assistance, saving time and simplifying the process.
How to get an FBI Check from Vietnam
Frontier One Vietnam can assist throughout the process, from fingerprinting and document preparation to receiving your results. Appointments can be arranged based on availability and your schedule.
Step 1: Book Your Appointment
Contact Frontier One Vietnam via Zalo OA to schedule an appointment at our Ho Chi Minh City office.
If you already have an existing fingerprint card, you can also provide it for review where applicable.
Step 2: Document Review & Fingerprinting
Our team reviews your application requirements and information, takes your fingerprints using the appropriate FD-258 or FD-1164 fingerprint card, and assists with preparing your FBI Identity History Summary Check application.
Step 3: Application Submission
If you choose Frontier One Vietnam’s end-to-end service, your application will be forwarded to the United States for processing through the applicable submission channel.
Step 4: Application Follow-Up
During processing, Frontier One Vietnam can follow the progress of your application and provide relevant updates when necessary.
Step 5: Receive Your FBI Check
Once processing is complete, your FBI Identity History Summary can be provided electronically as a PDF.
Important Notes When Getting an FBI Check from Vietnam
When applying for an FBI Check from Vietnam, your FBI Identity History Summary will be issued electronically as a PDF.
If you require a paper copy, Frontier One Vietnam can assist with receiving the result on your behalf in the United States and arranging international courier delivery to Vietnam.
According to the FBI, the electronic PDF version has the same legal validity as the paper version.
For more details about the process and processing times at Frontier One Vietnam, visit:
https://f1fingerprint.vn/ly-lich-tu-phap-hoa-ky-fbi/
Need an FBI Identity History Summary Check?
If you need an FBI Identity History Summary Check for immigration, a visa, citizenship, study abroad, employment, or other legal procedures in the United States, Frontier One Vietnam will support you throughout the entire application process.
📩 Contact Frontier One Vietnam for guidance on your RCMP application.
📍 Address: 129 Dien Bien Phu Street, Gia Dinh Ward, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
📞 Hotline: +84 94 96 98 068
Zalo: Frontier One Vietnam
📧 Email: office@f1fingerprint.vn
🌐 Website: www.f1fingerprint.vn
About Frontier One Vietnam
Frontier One Vietnam is the Vietnam Affiliate of Frontier One Inc. (Canada), assisting clients in Vietnam with fingerprinting, document preparation, and coordination with Frontier One Inc. for Canadian Criminal Record Checks (RCMP), FBI Identity History Summary Checks, Apostille, and police certificates from other countries.
Frontier One Inc. is authorized by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) to collect and electronically submit fingerprints for Canadian Criminal Record Checks. With years of experience in international background checks, Frontier One has become a trusted partner for tens of thousands of clients worldwide.
Whether you're preparing an application for immigration, a visa, citizenship, study abroad, employment, professional licensing, or other legal procedures abroad, Frontier One Vietnam is ready to help you prepare your application correctly, avoid errors, and save time.