Question
Hi! I’m having issues with my FBI background check, my fingerprints were rejected, so I’m resubmitting via the FBI EDO system. We’re non-U.S. citizens currently in the U.S., so channelers aren’t an option.
If we get the PDF version of the background check by email, can we print it and use it for the apostille, or do we have to wait for the mailed hard copy?”
Answers
These are the answers of Spainguru’s Facebook group members:
“We are non citizens and got ours done at USPS. I did have a problem with the machine getting my prints but the fourth time I tried was successful. The results were emailed within the hour and we sent those emails to be apostled.”
“Apostille was easy but did take a while, about 5 weeks if I remember rightly. I did it all online.”
“FBI-approved channelers can process non-US citizens. It just takes a couple of days longer than a US citizen. You can print and use the email report the same as the mail copy. You can also obtain the apostille through an expeditor (additional cost) in about 10 days.”
“My wife they couldn’t get readable prints from the scanner, so we got inked prints from a licensed person from the police department. I then used a company that was able to submit a scan I did of the prints and got the FBI results in a couple of hours.
The pdf of the FBI results was fine. We used a company that walked over to the State Department for $75 and we got the Apostilled documents back in 10 days. You can mail them to the State Department, but it reportedly takes 5 weeks, not counting mail.”
Apostilles (US & UK)
Expedited apostille services for legal documents issued in the United States and United Kingdom. Our personally vetted partners handle the process for you quickly and securely.
Get Your Apostille“My apostille was done on the PDF version. When you get it back, they will send the Appostille still attached to a PDF version on security paper via priority mail or expedited if you pay for it. Be sure not to detach the Apostille from the PDF.
I went to a private company that did electronic/scanned fingerprints and could tell right away if they were good or not. They then transmitted that directly to the FBI and I had my background check via email the same day.
To be honest, I have heard a lot of complaints that the Postal Service has difficulty getting good fingerprints even if they use the scanner rather than card and ink.”
“I sent the digital copy of the BG check to the DOS and the digital copy with apostle to the translator. Zero need for hard copies.”
Conclusion
According to Spainguru’s Facebook group members, a PDF version of the FBI background check received via email is generally acceptable for apostille purposes. Several contributors successfully printed the digital copy and submitted it for apostille, either through mail or by using an expediting service. In most cases, this eliminated the need to wait for the hard copy.
Members also shared that apostilles processed from PDFs typically return within 10 days using expeditors, while mailing directly to the U.S. Department of State can take 5 weeks. Some users reported issues with fingerprint quality when using USPS, suggesting that private companies offering electronic fingerprinting may offer more reliable results.
Ultimately, the group consensus is clear: printing the emailed FBI background check and submitting it for apostille is both acceptable and commonly done, especially when speed is important.
Join our community!
Welcome to Spainguru’s Community Hub!
Connect with thousands of expats, aspiring residents, and digital nomads in Spain. Our vibrant community is here to support you every step of your journey, offering invaluable advice, shared experiences, and real-time answers to your questions. Find your tribe and make your move to Spain smoother and more enjoyable!
Spain Immigration
For general inquiries and discussions about all types of Spanish immigration processes.
Join Group
NLV (Non-lucrative visa)
Dedicated to discussions and support for the Spanish Non-Lucrative Visa application.
Join Group
Digital Nomad Visa
Your go-to group for questions and tips about the Spanish Digital Nomad Visa.
Join Group
Spain Immigration for Filipinos
A specific community for Filipinos navigating immigration to Spain.
Join Group
Portugal Golden Visa
For discussions and advice on obtaining the Spanish Golden Visa through investment, as an alternative to the deprecated Spanish Golden Visa as of April 2025.
Join Group
Americans in Spain
A community specifically for Americans living in or planning to move to Spain.
Join Group
Americans Retiring in Spain
Connect with fellow Americans thinking about retiring in Spain.
Join Group
Spanish Non-lucrative Visa Subreddit
A dedicated subreddit for the Spanish Non-Lucrative Visa.
Visit Subreddit
Digital Nomad Visa Subreddit
Find resources and discussions specifically for the Spanish Digital Nomad Visa.
Visit Subreddit
Americans in Spain Subreddit
A community for Americans living in or moving to Spain on Reddit.
Visit SubredditStay informed!
Don’t miss out on important updates, guides, and community events. Follow us on our various platforms!
Frequently Asked Questions
Our communities are designed to provide a supportive environment for individuals interested in or currently living in Spain. You can ask questions, share experiences, get advice on visas, residency, daily life, and connect with like-minded people.
Yes, all our communities are actively moderated by the Spainguru team and dedicated volunteers to ensure a respectful, helpful, and spam-free environment.
While you can get general advice and personal experiences, please remember that information shared in these groups is not official legal or immigration advice. For specific, personalized guidance, we recommend consulting with a qualified professional.
You can contribute by sharing your experiences, answering questions, offering tips, and welcoming new members. Positive and constructive engagement is always encouraged!
