A Surrey Guide to FBI FD-258 Fingerprinting for U.S. Waivers & Visas
If you’re a Canadian resident in Surrey looking to enter the United States, you may have been told you need an “FBI background check” or an “Identity History Summary.” This process is essential for anyone applying for a U.S. Entry Waiver (Form I-192), certain types of U.S. visas, or adopting a child from the United States.
At the heart of this requirement is a specific document: the **FBI FD-258 fingerprint card**. Unlike Canadian police checks that often use digital prints, this American requirement has its own unique process. As Surrey’s leading specialists in both RCMP and FBI fingerprinting, we’ve created this guide to demystify the process for you.
What is an FBI FD-258 Card and Why Do I Need It?
The FD-258 is the standard fingerprint card used by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) for non-federal purposes. When you apply for an FBI Identity History Summary (IdHS)—often called a criminal record check or rap sheet—the FBI requires your fingerprints to be captured on this card using a specific “ink-and-roll” method.
Here in Surrey, our clients require FD-258 fingerprinting for several key reasons:
- U.S. Entry Waivers: If you are inadmissible to the United States due to a past criminal conviction, you must apply for a waiver (Form I-192), which requires an FBI background check.
- U.S. Visas & Immigration: Certain visa applications or adjustments of status require a police check from every country you’ve lived in, including the U.S. if you resided there.
- Foreign Residency or Work Permits: Applying to live or work in another country that requires you to prove you have a clean record in the United States.
- Personal Review: To check your own FBI record for accuracy.
Crucial Distinction: FBI checks require traditional **ink-and-roll fingerprints** on a physical card. This is different from the digital fingerprinting used for RCMP checks in Canada. At Surrey Fingerprint Company, we are experts in both processes and will ensure you get exactly what you need.
The Ink Fingerprinting Process at Our Surrey Office
We make this specialized process simple and stress-free. Our trained technicians have years of experience in capturing clear, high-quality ink prints that meet the FBI’s strict standards, significantly reducing the risk of rejection.
- Book Your Appointment: Call us at 604-825-8882 to schedule a quick appointment at our Surrey office. We’ll confirm you have the necessary ID.
- We Provide the Card: You don’t need to source your own card. We provide official FBI FD-258 cards right here.
- Bring Your ID: You will need two pieces of valid government-issued identification (one must be a photo ID).
- Expert Ink-and-Roll Capture: A technician will carefully roll each of your fingers in ink and transfer them onto the designated blocks on the FD-258 card. We take meticulous care to ensure every print is clear and fully captured.
- Final Review: We review the card with you to ensure all personal information is correct before handing it over, ready for you to mail with your application.
Frequently Asked Questions for FBI Fingerprinting
What is an FBI FD-258 fingerprint card?
The FD-258 is the official fingerprint card used by the FBI for non-federal purposes, such as applying for an FBI Identity History Summary (IdHS). This is required for U.S. Entry Waivers (Form I-192), U.S. visas, foreign residency applications, and other international needs.
Can I use digital fingerprints for an FBI background check from Canada?
No, when you are applying from Canada for an FBI background check, you must submit your fingerprints on a physical FD-258 card using the traditional ink-and-roll method. Digital submissions to the FBI are not possible from Canada for this purpose. Surrey Fingerprint Company specializes in capturing high-quality ink prints that meet FBI standards.
Do you provide the FD-258 card?
Yes, we provide the official FBI FD-258 fingerprint card at our Surrey office. You do not need to bring your own.
What happens after you take my prints?
After we capture your fingerprints on the FD-258 card, we provide it to you to mail to the FBI along with your application. We ensure the card is filled out correctly and the prints are clear to minimize any chance of rejection.
Your Local Experts for FBI Fingerprinting in Surrey
Don’t risk delays or rejections with unclear prints. Trust the local experts who understand the specific requirements of the FBI FD-258 process. We’re here to help you move forward with your application with confidence.
Visit us at 112 – 8232 120 Street, Surrey, BC. Your application is important—let’s get it right the first time.