LAX_Esq

[Mods please move if this isn't appropriate for TravelBuzz, and sorry]

I'm helping a friend obtain an FBI background check ("Departmental Order 556-73") that needs to then be apostilled for submission to a foreign country.

It seems that FBI processing time is 12-14 weeks ( https://www.fbi.gov/services/cjis/id...summary-checks ), and one can use an FBI-approved "channeler" to obtain it sooner.

Does anyone have experience with such a service, and can offer any recommendations? The FBI lists 13 approved channelers: https://www.fbi.gov/services/cjis/id...er-submissions

Also, how much sooner would this take and would it be worth it?

Thank you.

FirstInFlight

They are all the same. You pay a fee and they do some of the basic stuff and package it for the feds. In theory that saves time. Whether you will notice the savings depends on the back log of the background checker assigned to your file. They aren't short cutting the assessment - just the gathering of materials being assessed.

LAX_Esq

Thanks for the response. So is it a scam if all these channelers say they get the job done in 5-7 DAYS when doing it yourself will take 12-14 WEEKS once they receive your materials according to the FBI? Also, it seems you do the exact same thing using a channeler versus doing it yourself -- you go somewhere to get your own fingerprints and fill out a form, and you either give it to a channeler or the FBI.

andox

Never attempted to do it directly with the FBI, but I have used National Background Check, Inc. twice without any complaints. You do need to obtain and send two sets of fingerprints.

JY1024

As this is not really travel-related, we will move this over to the USA forum for further discussion. Thanks. /JY1024, TravelBuz co-moderator

FirstInFlight

The only difference is the promise to do their part in a week. The feds might also do it in a week - or they might take a month. The feds make no promises whereas the private supplier does.

LAX_Esq

Thanks for the feedback and for the info over PM!

The feds say they will do it in 12-14 weeks. The private channelers generally say they do it in 5-7 days, and typically offer a more expedited service as well. What's the basis for your statement that the feds might do it in a week -- or even a month -- when they say on their website that current processing time is 12-14 weeks? And do you have any reason to believe that the private channelers do not honor their stated 5-7 day time frame?

No offense, but your posts are coming off as trying to be contrarian just for the sake of being contrarian. It'd be much more useful to share something substantive or factual, such as anecdotal data points or other relevant information.

FirstInFlight

It's a two step process. Step 1 = gather the info (fingerprints etc). Step 2 = assess the individual's CCH.

Step 1 is easy - get fingerprints - pay the fee.
Step 2 may be more complicated. The computer reads the prints. If there are no hits you are done. If there are hits, it is more involved.

The FBI is saying that it takes 12 weeks to do both steps.

The channeler is saying it takes them a week to do step 1. But they only do step 1. Then they give it to the FBI to do step 2. What you don't know is whether it will still take the FBI 12 weeks to do step 2. The most useful part of what a channeler can do for you is that they can keep you from being rejected. If you take bad prints they can tell you so you can get reprinted before submission.

FBI workloads vary like the DMV line to renew your drivers license. Will the channeler save you time - something less than 12 to 14 weeks - probably. If you use a channeler will you get the FBI report back in a week - no.

LAX_Esq

Again, what's the basis for this statement?

Vaucluse

The other immigration forum which I visited, most suggest to use the expeditor if it's time sensitive. I didn't see any who use the service to post any bad experience.

LAX_Esq

UPDATE / DATA POINT: My friend used the FBI Channeler http://www.myfbireport.com and got the prints done at one of their "Preferred Live Scan Locations." Prints were taken in the afternoon, and the FBI sent an email that same evening saying that the document has been mailed. The document arrived by snail mail in 3 days. No "expedite" service was paid for; just the normal service.

Melyssa

FBI Channelers just take your fingerprints and your application and forward it to the FBI. Often the Channeler will require you to fill out your background check application on-line, so that it is already digitized for submission to the FBI. That speeds up the background check. Then all you have to do is to go to the Channeler's designated location and get your fingerprints taken. If you give your fingerprints via an electronic scanner, that will speed up your background check. According to the nationwide channeler that I used, the FBI background check is completed in 7 - 10 business days, which has been my experience too.

Jac747

What about the apostille? That seems to be more involved?

LAX_Esq

You just send the original FBI background check into the State Dept and follow the directions. It's pretty slow -- 3-4 weeks IIRC. But simple. You could use a service to speed it up.