An FBI Check, officially known as an FBI Identity History Summary Check, is a U.S. criminal history record. If you have lived, worked, or stayed in the United States for more than six months, you may need this document for immigration, legal, or international administrative purposes.
So, what is an FBI Check, when is it required, and can you apply for one while in Vietnam? This article will help you understand the process and prepare your application correctly and efficiently.
What Is an FBI Check?
An FBI Identity History Summary (also known as an FBI Check or FBI Background Check) is a criminal history check issued by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). Based on fingerprints, it shows whether an individual has a criminal history or other information recorded in the FBI database.
Common Names
- FBI Identity History Summary: The official name used in legal documents and FBI-issued results.
- FBI Check: A common, shorter term used in everyday communication.
- FBI Background Check: A term commonly used when searching for information online.
How It Works
Based on fingerprints, it shows whether an individual has a criminal history or other information recorded in the FBI database.
What Is an FBI Check Used For?
An FBI Check is commonly required when an authority, organization, or foreign government needs to verify the criminal history of someone who has lived or worked in the United States for more than six months. Depending on the purpose, it may be required for different types of applications.
Immigration
For immigration purposes, authorities may require an FBI Check as part of an immigrant visa, permanent residence, or sponsorship application in countries such as:
- United States
- Canada
- Australia
- New Zealand
Employment
In the United States, employers in certain industries, particularly those involving public safety or sensitive information, may require applicants to provide an FBI Check before employment:
- Healthcare
- Education
- Aviation
- Government
- Security
Professional Licensing
An FBI Check may also be required as part of an application or renewal for certain professional licences, including:
- Nurse
- Doctor
- Pharmacist
- Lawyer
Adoption
For adoption applications, an FBI Check may be required so that the relevant authority can verify that the prospective adoptive parent has no criminal history, helping ensure the safety of the child.
What Information Does an FBI Check Show?
An FBI Check may include the following information if relevant records are found:
- Arrest information: Details of arrests, if any.
- Criminal history: Criminal history information, if any.
- Fingerprint records: Fingerprint records associated with the individual.
If no information related to the individual is found in the FBI database, the result will state:
“A SEARCH OF THE FINGERPRINTS PROVIDED BY THIS INDIVIDUAL HAS REVEALED NO PRIOR ARREST DATA AT THE FBI. THIS DOES NOT PRECLUDE FURTHER CRIMINAL HISTORY AT THE STATE OR LOCAL LEVEL”.
How Is an FBI Check Different From a Vietnam Police Check?
An FBI Check is issued by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and requires fingerprints to check criminal history within the FBI’s system in the United States. It is therefore used to verify criminal history in the United States.
In comparison, a Vietnam Police Check (No. 1 or No. 2) is issued by the Department of Justice or the National Criminal Record Center based on domestic records and does not require fingerprints.
Therefore, if you have lived or worked in both countries and are preparing an application for a third country, you may be required to provide a Vietnam Police Check for your time in Vietnam and an FBI Check for your time in the United States.
Can You Apply for an FBI Check in Vietnam?
Yes. You do not need to travel back to the United States to apply. You can complete the process directly from Vietnam with Frontier One Vietnam’s full-service FBI Check support.
FBI Check Process at Frontier One Vietnam
Step 1: Consultation & Appointment
Book an appointment and consultation through Frontier One Vietnam’s Zalo OA. Our team will advise you on the appropriate process and service options for your application.
Step 2: Fingerprinting
A Frontier One Vietnam technician will take your fingerprints using the FD-258/FD-1164 fingerprint card as required by the FBI.
Step 3: Application Preparation
Frontier One Vietnam assists with checking your fingerprint quality and preparing the required documents for your application.
Step 4: Submission to the FBI
Your application is sent to the FBI in the United States for processing.
Step 5: Receive Your Result
Once completed, your result will be provided electronically in PDF format.
Frontier One Vietnam will help track your application and keep you updated throughout the process.
What Documents Should You Bring?
1. Two (2) valid original identification documents:
- Citizen Identification Card (CCCD)
- Passport
- Permanent or temporary residence card
- Driver’s licence
2. A request letter or instruction email (if available) from the authority or organization requesting the FBI Check.
Processing Time
- Electronic result (PDF): Usually 10–15 business days from the date the FBI receives your fingerprint card.
Note: The FBI provides the result electronically. Frontier One Vietnam will send it directly to your email once it is available.
Why Choose Frontier One Vietnam for Your FBI Check From Vietnam?
When applying for an international police check from Vietnam, even small errors in fingerprinting or document preparation may require additional documents or a new submission. Frontier One Vietnam helps simplify the process with full-service support, from fingerprinting to preparing your FBI Identity History Summary Check application.
🔹 RELIABLE
Frontier One Vietnam is the Vietnam Affiliate of Frontier One Inc. Canada, which operates a network of offices across Canada and is accredited by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) to provide electronic fingerprinting services for Canadian Criminal Record Checks.
Frontier One Vietnam provides full-service fingerprinting support for RCMP Criminal Record Checks and FBI Identity History Summaries, with applications submitted to the appropriate authorities in Canada or the United States for processing.
🔹 EXPERIENCED
With over 10 years of experience, Frontier One has assisted 50,000+ clients from 20+ countries with international police check applications.
🔹 FLEXIBLE
Easily schedule an appointment at a time that works for you.
🔹 FAST
Full-service support from A to Z, with in-office fingerprinting and application preparation completed in as little as 30 minutes.
🔹 TRANSPARENT
Clear guidance on the appropriate process for your application, with transparent fees and no unexpected charges.
Preparing your application correctly from the start can help save time and reduce processing delays.
📩 Contact Frontier One Vietnam for advice on your international police check application.
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.