How to Apostille FBI Background Checks for Immigration and Visa Use

If you're applying for a visa, dual citizenship, permanent residency, or employment abroad, chances are you'll need an FBI background check apostilled for your destination country. But where do you begin—and how do you avoid delays or rejections?

At Boston Notary Service, we specialize in helping Massachusetts residents and U.S. citizens nationwide obtain apostilles for their FBI background checks quickly and correctly. Whether you're preparing for a move to Spain, South Korea, Italy, or another Hague Convention country, we ensure your documents are legally recognized overseas.



What Is an FBI Background Check Apostille?

An FBI background check is an official summary of your criminal history (or lack thereof), issued by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. When used internationally—for immigration, employment, teaching, or adoption—this document often requires authentication in the form of an apostille.

An apostille is a form of certification that makes your FBI report legally valid in countries that are members of the Hague Apostille Convention. If your destination country is not a member, your document must undergo a longer authentication and consular legalization process.


Common Reasons You Need an Apostilled FBI Background Check

Immigration & visa applications

Work visas abroad (teaching, contracting, military)

Adoption and child custody cases

Foreign residency permits

Dual citizenship applications

International marriage requirements


Whether you're relocating to Italy, Ecuador, Portugal, or South Korea, your immigration attorney or foreign consulate may request an apostilled FBI report.



Step-by-Step Guide: Apostilling Your FBI Background Check

At Boston Notary Service, we make this process stress-free and efficient. Here’s how it works:

Step 1: Request Your FBI Background Check

You must first obtain your FBI Identity History Summary. You can request it by:

Visiting an FBI-approved channeler

Submitting fingerprints to the FBI directly via their Identity History Summary Check portal


We recommend requesting the electronic PDF version for faster apostille processing.

Step 2: Email or Upload the PDF File to Us

Once you receive your FBI report in PDF format, send it to us via:

📧 Email: [email protected]

🌐 Secure Upload Form: https://bostonnotaryservice.us/apply-here


Step 3: Apostille Issued by the U.S. Department of State

FBI background checks are federal documents, so the apostille must come from the U.S. Department of State in Washington, D.C.

Through our trusted apostille partner network, we handle the full process for you. You don’t need to send anything to D.C.—we do it for you.

Step 4: Receive Your Apostilled Document

You can choose:

Digital return (PDF)

Physical copy mailed to your address

In-person pickup if you're local to Boston



Why Choose Boston Notary Service?

Nationwide Service: We help clients across the U.S., not just in Massachusetts

Fast Turnaround: Expedited options available

Experienced Apostille Agents: Trusted by law firms, universities, and relocation agencies

100% Document Accuracy: We double-check all files before submission to avoid costly delays


We proudly serve:

Boston & Greater Boston

Cambridge, Quincy, Brookline, Somerville

And clients across all 50 states remotely



Apostille for Non-Hague Convention Countries

Not all countries accept apostilles. If you're dealing with China, UAE, Qatar, Egypt, or Canada, your FBI background check will need:

Authentication by the U.S. Department of State

Legalization by the destination country’s consulate


Boston Notary Service offers full-service solutions for non-Hague countries, too. Just ask—we’re here to guide you through it all.



Don’t Risk Immigration Delays—Start Your FBI Apostille Now

Incorrect formatting, missing stamps, or skipped steps can lead to delays that jeopardize your immigration timeline. Let Boston Notary Service handle everything for you.

📞 Call Today: 617-230-6676
📧 Email: [email protected]
🌐 Apply Online: https://bostonnotaryservice.us/apply-here

We're based in Boston and trusted nationwide. Let us simplify the apostille process so you can focus on your journey ahead.



Local Landmarks Near Our Mobile Notary Services

If you're located in or visiting Boston, we offer mobile document pickup and notary appointments near:

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) – JFK Federal Building

Boston City Hall

Logan Airport – Ideal for travelers needing last-minute apostilles

Boston Seaport District

Boston Public Library (Copley Square)


Boston Notary Service: Your Trusted Partner for Apostille & Immigration Support

With decades of experience and a proven process, we’ll get your documents where they need to go—fast, secure, and fully compliant.