Comprehensive Guide to Criminal Background Checks for Aliyah Applicants (USA)

Background Check Requirements - Detailed Overview

• Age requirement: All applicants 14 years and older must submit background checks

• Validity period: Background checks expire 6 months from issue date, not from apostille date

• Multiple countries: If you've lived in multiple countries for 1+ years since age 14, you need separate background checks from each country

• Translations: Non-English documents require certified translation into Hebrew or English

• Original documents: You'll need both the original background check and the apostille

FBI Background Check Process (Method 1) - Detailed Steps

Step 1: Application Process

• Visit https://www.edo.cjis.gov and create an account

• Select "Personal Review" as the reason for your request

• The fee is approximately $18 USD, payable by credit card

• You'll receive a confirmation email with your login credentials and a tracking number

• Print the identity verification form that appears after payment

Step 2: Fingerprinting

• Visit https://www.usps.com/international/fingerprinting-services.htm to find Post Offices offering fingerprinting

• Schedule an appointment if required

• Bring government-issued photo ID (passport or driver's license)

• USPS fingerprinting fee is approximately $50

• Fingerprints are submitted electronically to the FBI

Step 3: Receiving and Processing Your Report

• The FBI typically processes requests within 3-5 business days

• You'll receive an email notification when your report is ready

• Log in to the FBI portal to download your PDF report

• Print the report on white paper (multiple copies recommended)

• Do not sign, stamp, or alter the document in any way

Apostille Process - Detailed Information

• Federal apostille required: Only the US Department of State can issue the required apostille

• Submission address: U.S. Department of State Office of Authentications CA/OCS/AUT 44132 Mercure Cir. PO Box 1206 Sterling, VA 20166-1206

• Required items:

  • Original FBI background check (not notarized)

  • Completed DS-4194 form

  • $20 fee per document (check or money order made out to "U.S. Department of State")

  • Self-addressed prepaid return envelope (USPS Priority or FedEx/UPS with your account number)

  • Cover letter explaining the purpose (Aliyah to Israel)

• Processing time: Currently about 4 weeks, but can vary

Using a Channeling Company (Method 2) - Detailed Information

• Advantages: Faster processing of FBI check (24-48 hours vs. 3-5 days)

• Popular channelers:

  • Accurate Biometrics (www.accuratebiometrics.com)

  • National Background Check (www.nationalbackgroundcheck.com)

  • Fieldprint (www.fieldprint.com)

  • Idemia (www.identogo.com)

• Typical process:

  1. Register online with the channeler

  2. Pay fees (typically $50-75)

  3. Schedule fingerprinting appointment at their location

  4. Receive digital results within 1-2 business days

  5. Print and proceed with apostille process as described above

• Apostille services: Some channelers offer apostille services for an additional fee, which can save time

Common Issues to Avoid

• Expiration timing: Coordinate your background check to be valid upon arrival in Israel

• State vs. Federal: Only the FBI check with federal apostille is accepted (not state background checks)

• Notarization errors: Do NOT notarize the FBI background check before sending for apostille

• Name consistency: Ensure your name on the background check exactly matches your Aliyah application

Background Checks from Other Countries

• Canada: RCMP Criminal Record Check with authentication from Global Affairs Canada

• UK: ACRO Police Certificate with apostille from the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office

• Australia: National Police Check with apostille from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade

• South Africa: Police Clearance Certificate with apostille from the Department of International Relations

Final Document Submission

• Make multiple copies of your completed background check with apostille

• Submit the original document (not a copy) to Misrad Hapnim upon arrival

• Keep digital scans of all documents

• The document will be retained by Israeli authorities

Timeline Planning

• Minimum time needed: 6-8 weeks from start to finish

• Recommended timeline: Begin process 3-4 months before planned Aliyah date

• Contingency planning: Allow extra time for potential delays, especially during busy periods