How Long Does an FBI Background Check Take?

An FBI background check is one of the most common and comprehensive background checks performed in the US. Whether it’s for a job, a visa, or a criminal justice process, an FBI background check is typically a necessity to ascertain a detailed history of a person’s federal-level criminal activities (or lack thereof). Today, we look at the time it takes for an FBI Background Check to be processed and why understanding the process is crucial for several legal, professional, and security-related purposes.

This article will explore this question and more, including how to expedite the timeline of an FBI background check.

How Long Does an FBI Background Check Take: Contributing Factors

There are a few critical factors that can affect the time it takes to complete an FBI background check. Here are the key factors influencing timing:

FBI Background Check Types

The FBI background check you request has a substantial impact on how long it takes. There are three common types:

• Identity History Summary Check: The general employment background check which is requested by employers, visa applicants, or those seeking citizenship. It usually includes checking criminal records and other federal data linked to a person’s identity.
• FBI Criminal Background Check for Employment: A more in-depth check, especially for sensitive jobs, from law enforcement and federal agencies to security jobs. Because of fingerprinting and other processes, it can take additional time.
• FBI Fingerprint-Based Background Check: This one is more thorough than a simple identification check, as it involves comparing fingerprint information with the FBI criminal database. The timing for this process can also widely differ.
• FBI Background Check for Immigration or Naturalization: If you are going through immigration or naturalization processes, this check can take longer due to further investigations and vetting.

The FBI background check you request will directly affect how long it takes to complete.

How You Submit an FBI Background Check and How Long It Takes

How you submit a request for an FBI background check can also impact how long the process will take. Different ways to submit are:

• Make an online request: Submitting an electronic request for an identity history summary will get your FBI background check processed the quickest. If there are no issues with the request (like fingerprint or background details disparities), results of the request can be anticipated anywhere between 3 to 5 business days.
• Mail-in Requests: This will take longer if you prefer to mail in your request. Your completed forms and fingerprint cards go via postal service to the FBI, which adds time. Mail-in requests will take up to 12 weeks for results because of postal delays and processing time.
• Utilize Fingerprinting Agencies: If you use a fingerprinting agency such as National Livescan Fingerprinting, it may expedite the process for you, particularly if you elect for electronic submission. They can have your fingerprints processed in a matter of days — often within 5 to 10 business days — while the wait time for an individual clearance letter can be months.

Timeframe of Resolution for an FBI Background Check Depending on How You Submit One

Here’s a breakdown of how long it takes for an FBI background check to process depending on the method you select:

• Online Submissions (Normal Processing): The vast majority of the time, requests for an FBI background check made online are the quickest. (Results usually take 3 to 5 business days to process unless there are problems with the information provided.)
• Mail-in Requests: An FBI background check by mail usually takes 12 weeks. They manually process your materials in batches, which accounts for the time it’s taking for them to reach the FBI.
• Fingerprinting Agency: If you decide to take advantage of an FBI-approved agency to conduct your fingerprinting services — National Livescan Fingerprinting, for example — this process can take 5 to 10 business days upon electronic submissions. But the in-person fingerprinting may take longer with the mail delays.

How Long Does an FBI Background Check for Immigration or Naturalization Take?

If you’re applying for immigration or naturalization, your FBI background check will, of course, be slower. These take longer to process, with operations such as interviews and more extensive vetting. These checks, on average, take 12 to 16 weeks, but can vary by complexity of case and the workload of the FBI.

Typical Reasons For Delays in How Long an FBI Background Check Takes

There are a few reasons why your FBI background check may take longer than expected to process. These include:

• Misinformation or Errors: If your name, address, or fingerprint data is incorrect, the FBI will need to request clarification or resubmit your information, which will extend the process.
• High Submission Volume: The FBI runs millions of background checks every year and during high-demand periods (end of the year, when security surges happen, etc.), delays are more likely.
• Fingerprint Quality Issues: Fingerprints submitted may be of poor quality, and the FBI can be asked for new prints or may need extra time to analyze submitted data.
• Name Similarity: If your name or identifying information is similar to someone who has a criminal record, it may flag you for additional scrutiny, which can result in delays.

How to Fast-track Your Federal Bureau of Investigation Background Check

Here are some tips to help speed up your FBI background check:

• Online Submission: Online submission of your request, especially with electronic fingerprinting, is the easiest way to get a faster process.
• National Livescan Fingerprinting: This means that you will be assured of quality prints and they will also be processed quickly.
• Supplement with W-9 IRS: Ensure all relevant forms are filled before submission to avoid rejection due to incorrect information.
• Consider Expedited Services: The FBI provides expedited processing for an additional fee, which can greatly reduce the turnaround time for your results.

FBI Background Check FAQs: How Long Do They Take?

• Q1: What is the processing time for an FBI background check to get cleared? Submitting an FBI background check can take varying lengths of time to process. Online requests usually take about three to five business days, while mail requests can take as much as 12 weeks.
• Q2: What can I do to expedite the FBI background check? How to Expedite the Process: Use online submission, ensure high-quality fingerprints by visiting a qualified fingerprinting agency, and double-check all your documents and their accuracy.
• Q3: What are the reasons for long FBI background checks? Delays are often attributable to incorrect information, low fingerprint quality, and/or a high submission volume. Immigration or naturalization checks usually take longer because they require extra investigations.
• Q4: What if my FBI background check shows criminal records? If the criminal record becomes known through your background checks, it could prevent you from getting hired or granting immigration status where applicable, depending on the nature of the offense.
• Q5: How do I submit a request for an FBI background check? You should now be able to request an FBI background check either online, via an authorized fingerprinting service, or by filling out forms by mail, including fingerprint cards.
• Q6: Can I track my FBI background check status? Not all FBI requests can be tracked in real-time, but you can check the status of your online request on the FBI’s website.

Conclusion: When Should You Order Your FBI Background Check?

When it comes to how long an FBI background check actually takes, the process can take from a few days to multiple months, based on the way it was submitted in addition to the type of check requested. Avoid delays by submitting your request online, using an approved fingerprinting agency, and making sure all information is correct.

We provide quick and efficient Live Scan fingerprinting services for Level II background checks at the National Livescan Fingerprinting out of multiple locations throughout Florida. They are FDLE-approved services that can expedite your FBI background check and save you from undue delays.