Name of the document you need
Identity History Summary issued by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)
If you live in the United Status now:
There are 3 ways you can apply.
Apply online
You can request an Identity History Summary from the FBI online.
- Complete the online form
- Receive a confirmation email
- Get your fingerprints taken on an official fingerprint form (FD-258) on standard white paper
- Mail your fingerprints and a copy of your confirmation email to the FBI Criminal Justice Information Services Division
- Pay your fees
It takes 3 to 5 business days for an electronic check. The FBI can send it to you by:
- email through a secure link and personal identification number or
- first-class mail via the U.S. Postal Service
Apply by mail
- Complete the Applicant Information Form from the FBI website
- Get your fingerprints taken on an official fingerprint form (FD-258) on standard white paper stock
- Mail your application form, fingerprints card and payment to the FBI Criminal Justice Information Services Division
You can pay the processing fee by credit card, certified cheque or money order, payable to the U.S. Treasury.
The FBI will send you a letter with the results of your record check. That letter will be your police certificate.
Send that letter and any attached documents to the Canadian immigration office processing your file.
The FBI may take longer than 60 days to process a mail-in request for a police certificate.
Apply via a channeler
U.S. citizens and permanent residents may apply to an FBI-approved channeler (a third party that helps deliver your information to the FBI). They will collect your application form, fingerprints and fee and give them to the FBI.
Once the FBI completes the background check, they’ll send the results to the channeler, who will then give you a record check letter. That letter is your police certificate.
Include the record check letter with your application and send us the complete package.
Contact information
FBI Criminal Justice Information Services Division
Attention: Summary Request
1000 Custer Hollow Road
Clarksburg, West Virginia 26306
U.S.A.
FBI website
Criminal Justice Information Services – List of approved channelers
If you DO NOT live in the United Status now:
There are 2 ways you can apply.
Apply online
You need to request an Identity History Summary from the FBI online.
- Complete the online form
- Receive a confirmation email
- Get your fingerprints taken on an official fingerprint form (FD-258) on standard white paper stock
- Mail your fingerprints and a copy of your confirmation email to the FBI Criminal Justice Information Services Division
- Pay your fees
It takes 3 to 5 business days for an electronic check. The FBI can send it to you by:
- email through a secure link and personal identification number or
- first Class mail via the U.S. Postal Service
Apply by mail
- Complete the Applicant Information Form from the FBI website
- Get your fingerprints taken on an official fingerprint form (FD-258) on standard white paper stock
- Mail your application form, fingerprints card and payment to the FBI Criminal Justice Information Services Division
You can pay the processing fee by credit card, certified cheque or money order, payable to the U.S. Treasury.
The FBI will send you a letter with the results of your record check. That letter will be your police certificate. Send that letter and any attached documents to the immigration office processing your file.
The FBI may take longer than 60 days to process a mail-in request for a police certificate.
Contact information
FBI Criminal Justice Information Services Division
Attention: Summary Request
1000 Custer Hollow Road
Clarksburg, West Virginia 26306
U.S.A.
FBI website
Criminal Justice Information Services – List of approved channelers
Edmonton Fingerprinting Services is able to provide you with Ink & Roll Fingerprinting and LiveScan Print-to-Card Services in order to obtain an Identity History Summary issued by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) . We are also equipped with an embosser seal to authenticate the fingerprint cards when it is specifically required by the authority of a foreign country.
Disclaimer: The above information was taken from the website of Immigration, Refugees and Immigration Canada, and it is for reference only. While the Information is considered to be true and correct at the date of publication, changes in circumstances after the time of publication may impact on the accuracy of the Information. The Information may change without notice. Please make sure to confirm the requirements and instructions from the official website of the respective authority. Edmonton Fingerprinting Services is not in any way liable for the accuracy of any information printed and stored or in any way interpreted and used by a user.