Critical Required Document

FBI Background Check + Apostille Coordination Service

Every D8 visa requires an FBI background check with federal apostille. We coordinate the entire process so you get it right the first time - no delays, no mistakes.

2-4 Week Turnaround
Federal Apostille Included
Expedited Options Available

Why This Is The Most Confusing Part of D8 Applications

Wrong Apostille Type = Rejection

Most people get a state-level apostille (wrong). Portugal requires federal State Department apostille for FBI checks. Getting it wrong means starting over.

Fingerprint Issues

Low-quality fingerprints get rejected by FBI. Using wrong ink type, poor pressure, or smudges means restarting the 4-8 week FBI processing time.

Confusing FBI Channels

FBI has multiple background check types (employment, adoption, immigration). Using the wrong channel or form means your check won't be accepted for D8 visa.

Timing & Expiration

FBI checks are only valid for 6 months from issue date. If you get it too early or apostille takes too long, it expires before submission.

Complete FBI Check + Apostille Coordination

Step 1: Fingerprinting Coordination

We connect you with approved fingerprinting locations near you and ensure prints are taken correctly.

  • Locate FBI-approved fingerprinting service near your location
  • Provide FD-258 fingerprint card (correct form for D8 visa)
  • Quality assurance checklist to avoid rejections
  • Digital fingerprinting options for faster processing

Step 2: FBI Background Check Submission

We coordinate submission to FBI with correct forms and payment for Identity History Summary Check.

  • Complete application forms with correct information
  • Mail submission to correct FBI address (or digital submission if eligible)
  • Payment coordination ($18 FBI fee)
  • Processing time: 4-8 weeks for mail, 24-48 hours for digital (if eligible)

Step 3: State Department Apostille (Critical!)

Once FBI check arrives, we coordinate federal apostille through U.S. State Department - the only type Portugal accepts.

  • Submission to U.S. Department of State - Office of Authentications
  • Standard processing: 4-6 weeks
  • Expedited processing available: 2-3 weeks (additional fee)
  • We verify apostille certificate is correct for Portugal

Step 4: Delivery & Validation

Final apostilled FBI check delivered to you with validation that it meets all D8 requirements.

  • Tracked shipping to your address
  • Verification checklist confirming document is consulate-ready
  • Validity period tracking (6 months from FBI issue date)
  • Storage guidance to keep document in pristine condition

Service Options

Standard Service

$395

Complete coordination from fingerprints to apostilled FBI check

  • Fingerprinting location assistance
  • FBI submission coordination (standard mail)
  • State Department apostille coordination
  • Delivery & validation checklist
  • Total timeline: 8-14 weeks
Get Started

+ FBI fee ($18) + State Dept apostille fee ($20)

Fastest Option

Expedited Service

$695

Fast-track FBI processing + expedited apostille

  • Everything in Standard Service
  • Electronic FBI submission (24-48 hour processing)
  • Expedited State Dept apostille (2-3 weeks)
  • Priority coordinator & tracking
  • Total timeline: 3-4 weeks
Get Started

+ FBI fee ($18) + State Dept expedited fee ($50)

Critical: State vs. Federal Apostille

❌ WRONG (State Apostille)

Issued by: Your state's Secretary of State office

Used for: Birth certificates, marriage licenses, state-issued documents

Portugal accepts for FBI check? NO

✅ CORRECT (Federal Apostille)

Issued by: U.S. Department of State

Used for: FBI background checks, federal documents

Portugal accepts for FBI check? YES

Why this matters: Getting a state apostille instead of federal is the #1 most common mistake. If you submit with the wrong apostille type, your application will be rejected and you'll need to start the 8-14 week process over. We ensure you get the correct federal apostille every time.

Timeline: DIY vs. Our Service

Doing It Yourself

Research process1-2 weeks
Find fingerprinting, schedule1 week
FBI mail processing6-10 weeks
State Dept apostille4-6 weeks
Potential mistakes & restarts+4-8 weeks
Total Timeline16-27 weeks

With Our Service

We handle research0 weeks
We find location & guide you2-3 days
FBI processing (expedited option)2-8 weeks
State Dept apostille (expedited)2-4 weeks
Zero mistakes (we verify)0 weeks
Total Timeline3-14 weeks

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get the FBI check and apostille myself?

Yes, but most DIY applicants make costly mistakes: wrong apostille type (state vs. federal), poor fingerprints requiring resubmission, or wrong FBI check type. Our service eliminates these risks and often saves time despite the coordination fee.

How long is the FBI background check valid?

6 months from the date the FBI issues it (not the apostille date). We help you time the process so your check is fresh when you submit but doesn't expire before approval.

What if I have a criminal record?

Minor offenses often don't disqualify you. We connect you with immigration lawyers from our network who can assess your situation and advise on disclosure strategy. Serious crimes may be disqualifying - we'll be honest about your options.

Can I use electronic fingerprinting?

Yes - electronic fingerprinting is faster (24-48 hour FBI processing vs. 4-8 weeks for mail). We coordinate with approved channelers who submit electronically. This is included in our expedited service.

Do you provide the fingerprinting and apostille services directly?

No - we coordinate with vetted providers in our network: FBI-approved fingerprinting locations near you and apostille specialists who work directly with the State Department. We manage the process but don't perform these services ourselves.

What's included in your coordination fee?

Our fee covers: finding approved fingerprinting near you, providing correct FBI forms, coordinating submission with correct payment, managing State Department apostille process, tracking throughout, verification that final document meets Portugal's requirements, and delivery to you. Government fees (FBI $18, State Dept $20-50) are additional.

Get Your FBI Check Right the First Time

Don't waste months on mistakes - let us coordinate your FBI background check and federal apostille

Free consultation • Standard & expedited options available