Criminal Check (Home Country) prior to D7 visa appointment

Hi there Ash. If you are speaking about the background check, in the USA, it is indeed 3 months. I can't find where I saw it last, but we too are working with Eimigrante, and our migration specialist confirmed that it's only valid for 3 months. 

Also - if you're American, here's the FBI site. Electronic Departmental Order (cjis.gov) If you get your prints taken, REQUEST your FBI check through this electronic portal, then MAIL your physical fingerprint cards WITH The confirmation of your electronic application request, pretty quick turn around. 

Just make sure when you apply through this site, and request to have your results mailed to your home...that you DO NOT OPEN the envelope. If you do, then you'll have to go to the extra lengths and get their findings 'apostilled'. Extra time, money, and headache. 

If you have an appointment in June, you have options. Mail in prints and application can take 12+ weeks for your result, after they receive them. Physical prints + electronic application, supposed to be 3-5 business days once they receive your prints. 

All the best!

char

Sorry.. just now see you're from Canada. Not sure what your rules/regs are. 

Hey there @Charw23 !

Thank you for the clarification. The process of obtaining clearance from the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (our version of the FBI) is indeed a little different. For other Canuks out there this page has more information.
Essentially, you will have to email CCRTIS-SCICTR@rcmp-grc.gc.ca or call +1 (613)-998-6362 to receive the latest list of RCMP accredited fingerprinting agencies and pick the nearest one to connect with and book an appointment to get your electronic prints recorded and sent in. Everything else is the same including NOT opening the results that are sent back.

I guess I will wait a bit to ensure the results are not older than 3 months when I show up at the Consulate in Vancouver.

Obrigado!

Ash

It is impossible to get a useable set of finger prints. I failed post office electronic and 4 sets of ink and paper prints submitted to FBI. VFS told me to submit medical record from my doctor. I got a call today from VFS that they’re going to reject my application bc no FBI background check. The problem is FBI will not run a name check or help in any way. They consider D7 application my personal business. VFS says FBI should provide another kind of background check. Appears Portugal has no plan B for applicants wo ability to get finger prints. Any one heard of this problem?