FBI Fingerprinting in Surrey, BC: FD-258 vs FD-1164 — Complete Guide for Canadians

If you are a Canadian who has lived or worked in the United States — or if you need a US background check for immigration, employment, or legal purposes — you have likely been told you need fingerprinting on an FBI FD-258 or FD-1164 card. These two forms look similar, serve overlapping purposes, and are easily confused. This guide explains exactly what each form is for, who needs which one, and how to get them done professionally in Surrey, BC without crossing the border.

What Is the FBI FD-258 Fingerprint Card?

The FD-258 is the standard FBI applicant fingerprint card, printed in blue and white. It is the most widely used fingerprint card in North America for civil identity verification — meaning it is not used in criminal investigations, but for background checks initiated by the applicant themselves or by a requesting organization.

The FD-258 captures a complete set of ten rolled fingerprints along with personal information: full legal name, date of birth, place of birth, sex, race, height, weight, eye colour, and hair colour. Completed cards are submitted to the FBI's Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) Division, which runs them through its Next Generation Identification (NGI) system — the world's largest biometric database.

Who Needs an FD-258?

Canadians typically need the FD-258 in the following situations:

• US Entry Waiver (Form I-192): Canadians with a past criminal conviction who need permission to enter the United States must include an FD-258 fingerprint card with their I-192 application to US Customs and Border Protection.
• US work visas and work permits: Certain US visa categories and federally regulated employment positions require an FBI background check based on FD-258 fingerprints.
• US professional licensing: Nurses, teachers, financial advisors, real estate agents, and other regulated professionals applying for US state licences often require FD-258 based background checks.
• US federal contractor positions: Positions with US federal agencies or contractors requiring security clearance or Controlled Goods Program access typically require FD-258 fingerprinting.
• International adoption: US-based adoption agencies commonly require FD-258 background checks for prospective adoptive parents, regardless of their country of residence.
• ATF firearm licensing: The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives requires FD-258 for certain firearms-related applications.

What Is the FBI FD-1164 Fingerprint Card?

The FD-1164 is the FBI's Identity History Summary Request form, printed in white. It exists for a specific and narrower purpose: requesting a personal copy of your own FBI criminal record — officially called an Identity History Summary, or informally a "rap sheet."

When you submit an FD-1164 with two original fingerprint cards, the FBI searches its NGI database for any criminal history linked to your biometrics. The result is either a copy of your FBI criminal record, or an official letter stating that no record exists. The current fee for a direct submission to the FBI is USD $18.00.

Who Needs an FD-1164?

• Canadian immigration (IRCC): If you have ever lived or worked in the United States, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) requires a US police certificate — an FBI Identity History Summary — as part of your permanent residency or citizenship application. This is one of the most common reasons Canadians in BC need FD-1164 fingerprinting.
• Immigration to Australia, New Zealand, or the UK: These countries require former US residents to submit an FBI Identity History Summary as part of their own visa or immigration application.
• Personal record review or correction: Anyone can request their Identity History Summary to review, correct, or obtain a certified copy of their FBI record.
• Legal and court proceedings: Civil litigation, family law, and international legal matters sometimes require an FBI Identity History Summary as evidence.
• International adoption: Some foreign governments and adoption agencies require an FD-1164 based FBI record in addition to other background documentation.

FD-258 vs FD-1164 — Side-by-Side Comparison

Key Rules That Apply to Both Forms

Whether you need an FD-258 or FD-1164, the FBI applies the same quality and completion standards to both. Failure to follow these rules is the most common reason cards are rejected and returned unprocessed:

• All ten fingers must be rolled from nail edge to nail edge — partial impressions cause rejection.
• Four flat impressions and two thumbs must also be captured in the lower section of the card — do not leave these blank.
• All required fields must be completed — name, date of birth, place of birth, sex, date fingerprinted. Cards with blank required fields are rejected without processing.
• Do not sign the card before your appointment. Your signature must be witnessed and dated by the fingerprinting technician at the time of service.
• Do not use highlighter or red/purple ink anywhere on the card — these colours interfere with scanning.
• Do not photocopy completed cards. Every submission must use original cards with original ink impressions.
• ORI number (FD-258 only): If your requesting agency has an FBI Originating Agency Identifier (ORI), it must be entered in the designated field. Your fingerprinting technician will advise on this.

How to Get FBI Fingerprinting Done in Surrey, BC

As a Canadian, you cannot submit fingerprints digitally to the FBI — LiveScan electronic submissions to the FBI are only available to applicants physically located in the United States. You need professional ink and roll fingerprinting on physical cards, which are then mailed directly to the FBI or to the requesting agency. Here is the complete process at Surrey Fingerprint Company:

Processing Times and What to Expect Back

• No criminal record found (FD-1164): The FBI processes clean Identity History Summary submissions within approximately 3 to 5 business weeks from receipt. Results are mailed by US First-Class Mail. Allow 6 to 8 weeks total from Canada including transit.
• Criminal record found — manual review required (FD-1164): If your fingerprints produce a name or biometric match in the NGI system, manual review is triggered. This can take up to 120 days. The FBI will return results regardless of outcome.
• FD-258 via requesting agency: Processing time is controlled by the receiving agency — CBP, licensing board, or employer. Same-day to several weeks is typical depending on the agency and purpose.

Tips for Getting Your Prints Accepted First Time

Poor quality fingerprint impressions are the most common reason for FBI rejection. Follow these steps in the days before your appointment to maximise print quality:

• Hydrate well in the week before — dry skin produces faint, incomplete impressions.
• Moisturise your hands nightly for several days beforehand, but do not apply lotion on the morning of your appointment.
• Avoid heavy manual work in the 24 hours prior — cuts, blisters, and calluses reduce clarity.
• Do not use hand sanitiser immediately before being fingerprinted — alcohol-based sanitiser dries the skin surface.
• Let the technician guide your hands — relax your fingers and do not resist or assist the rolling motion. Our technicians are trained to apply the correct pressure and angle for each finger.
• Disclose missing or damaged fingers before the appointment — amputations and permanent scars are documented on the card with specific notation and do not invalidate the submission.