FBI Background Check & Fingerprinting Apostille: Complete Oregon Guide

You just got offered your dream job — in Singapore. Your new employer says they need two things: an FBI background check and an apostille on that background check.

If you're asking, "Wait, what's an apostille? And how does fingerprinting fit in?" — you're not alone. Thousands of Oregonians go through this process every year when pursuing jobs, visas, or professional opportunities abroad.

The good news: it's simpler than you think. The better news: The Notaryous LLC can handle the entire fingerprinting and apostille process for you.

In this guide, you'll learn exactly how FBI background checks work, why they need apostilles, how fingerprinting fits into the process, and how long the entire thing takes. By the end, you'll know exactly what to do next.

What you'll learn:

• How FBI background checks work (and who needs them)

• The role fingerprinting plays in background checks

• Why FBI background checks need apostille certification

• Step-by-step timeline from fingerprinting to apostille

• How to get FBI background check apostilles in Portland and OregonFBI Background Checks: Why Employers Around the World Require Them

  An FBI background check is an official record from the Federal Bureau of Investigation showing your criminal history (or lack thereof). It includes:

  • Federal criminal records

  • FBI fingerprint records

  • Any federal arrests or convictions

  Why international employers require them:

  • Visa requirements — Many countries require FBI background checks as part of visa applications (teaching visas, skilled worker visas, etc.)

  • Employment verification — International companies want proof you're not a criminal risk

  • Professional licensing — Some international professions (teaching, healthcare, finance) require FBI clearance

  • Immigration requirements — Australia, Canada, UK, and other countries often mandate FBI background checks for work permits

  If you're moving to any English-speaking country (Australia, New Zealand, Canada, UK) or teaching abroad, an FBI background check is standard.The Fingerprinting Process: The First Step

  Here's how it works:

  Step 1: Get Fingerprinted

  An FBI background check starts with fingerprinting. You can get fingerprinted in two ways:

  Option A: Traditional Ink Fingerprinting (Wet Cards)

  • You visit a fingerprint service center

  • A technician rolls each finger in ink and presses it onto a fingerprint card

  • Takes 10-15 minutes

  Option B: Digital Fingerprinting

  • You visit a digital fingerprinting center

  • Your fingers are scanned electronically (no ink, no mess)

  • Takes 10-15 minutes

  • More accurate, faster processing

  Portland & Oregon Tip: The Notaryous LLC offers professional fingerprinting services across Portland, Beaverton, Gresham, Lake Oswego, and all of Oregon. No appointment necessary at most locations — walk-ins welcome.

  Step 2: Submit Your Fingerprints to the FBI

  Once you have your fingerprints taken, they need to be submitted to the FBI. This can happen in two ways:

  If you're going through a commercial service (recommended):

  • Your fingerprinting service submits the prints directly to the FBI

  • You don't have to do it yourself

  • Typically takes 7-10 business days from submission

  If you submit yourself:

  • You mail fingerprint cards to the FBI directly

  • Takes longer due to postal delays

  • More room for errorFrom Fingerprinting to FBI Background Check: Complete Timeline

    StepTimelineWhat Happens 1. Get Fingerprinted15 minutesYou visit a fingerprinting service, get your fingers scanned/inked 2. Fingerprints Submitted to FBISame day (if done via commercial service)Your service center sends digital or physical prints to FBI 3. FBI Processes Fingerprints7-10 business daysFBI searches their database, compiles your background check 4. FBI Issues Background Check ReportAvailable by mail or electronic deliveryYou receive your official FBI background check document 5. Get Apostille on Background Check5-7 business daysApostille is added to your FBI background check report TOTAL TIMELINE14-21 business daysFrom fingerprinting to apostille-certified background check

    In Portland? We can accelerate this. The Notaryous LLC can fingerprint you same-day, submit to the FBI immediately, and process the apostille quickly.Why Does Your FBI Background Check Need an Apostille?

    Here's the key question: "My employer wants my FBI background check. Why do they also want an apostille?"

    The answer: Because it's a U.S. federal document being used internationally.

    Remember from our federal vs state apostille guide? An apostille is an official certification that proves a government document is authentic. When you take an FBI background check to another country, that country needs proof that:

    • The FBI really issued this document

    • It hasn't been forged or altered

    • It's authentic

    An apostille stamp from the U.S. State Department essentially says: "The FBI really did issue this background check. We (the U.S. State Department) certify it."

    The bottom line: Most international employers and visa applications require both:

    • The FBI background check itself (the actual report)

    • An apostille on that background check (proof it's real)

    How to Get an FBI Background Check Apostille in Oregon

    Here's the step-by-step process:

    Step 1: Get Fingerprinted (Portland or anywhere in Oregon)

    Contact a fingerprinting service. The Notaryous LLC offers:

    • Same-day fingerprinting appointments

    • Professional digital and ink fingerprinting

    • Serving Portland, Beaverton, Gresham, Lake Oswego, Tigard, and statewide

    • Evening and weekend appointments available

    Step 2: FBI Processes Your Background Check (7-10 days)

    Your fingerprints are submitted to the FBI. They search their database and mail or email your background check report.

    Step 3: Request the Apostille (5-7 days)

    This is where many people get stuck. Here's the process:

    Option A: DIY Route (Longer, More Complicated)

    1. Contact the U.S. State Department's Authentication Service in Washington D.C.

    2. Mail them your original FBI background check

    3. Wait 7-15 business days for the apostille

    4. Receive your apostille-certified background check by mail

    Option B: Use The Notaryous LLC (Faster, Handled for You)

    1. Bring your FBI background check to us

    2. We handle all the paperwork and coordination with the U.S. State Department

    3. We track the process and notify you when it's ready

    4. You get your apostille-certified document quickly

    Step 4: You're Done!

    Your FBI background check now has an official apostille. It's ready to send to your international employer, visa application, or immigration authority.Real-World Examples: Fingerprinting, Background Checks & Apostilles

    Example 1: Teaching Job in Australia

    Timeline: January 15 - February 10 (4 weeks)

    Maria got hired to teach in Sydney. Australia requires:

    • FBI background check

    • Apostille on the background check

    What happens:

    • Jan 15: Gets fingerprinted at The Notaryous LLC (same-day)

    • Jan 22: FBI background check arrives in her email (7 days)

    • Jan 23: The Notaryous LLC submits for apostille

    • Feb 3: Apostille is added and mailed back (5 business days from submission)

    • Feb 10: Maria sends apostille-certified background check to Australian employer

    • Total time: 4 weeks

    Example 2: Work Visa for Canada

    Timeline: February 1 - February 20 (3 weeks)

    James needs an FBI background check for his Canadian work permit application.

    What happens:

    • Feb 1: Gets fingerprinted (same-day service)

    • Feb 8: FBI background check arrives (7 days)

    • Feb 9: Apostille process begins

    • Feb 15: Apostille complete (5 business days)

    • Feb 20: Submits apostille-certified background check with visa application

    • Total time: 3 weeks

    Example 3: Professional Credential Verification (UK)

    Timeline: March 1 - March 25 (4 weeks)

    Sarah's UK professional registration board requires an FBI background check with apostille.

    What happens:

    • March 1: Gets fingerprinted with The Notaryous LLC

    • March 9: FBI background check received (8 days, including weekend)

    • March 10: Apostille requested

    • March 17: Apostille certified and returned (5 business days)

    • March 25: Sarah submits to UK professional board

    • Total time: 4 weeksFingerprinting for FBI Background Checks: Key Requirements

      Important: Not all fingerprinting services are created equal. For FBI background checks, you need:

      ✓ Professional fingerprinting (not self-fingerprinting)

      ✓ Proper FBI form completion (specific forms for background checks)

      ✓ Quality fingerprints (so FBI can match them to their database)

      ✓ Correct submission (to the right FBI office)

      The Notaryous LLC specializes in all of this. We're NNA-certified and experienced with FBI background check fingerprinting. We ensure your prints are perfect the first time — no rejections, no delays.

      Common Questions About FBI Background Checks & Apostilles

      Q: How much does an FBI background check cost?

      A: Contact The Notaryous LLC for current pricing on FBI background checks, fingerprinting, and apostille certification.

      Q: How long is an FBI background check valid internationally?

      A: Generally, 6-12 months depending on the country's requirements. Check with your employer or visa authority for their specific requirement.

      Q: Can I get an FBI background check without fingerprinting?

      A: No. Fingerprints are the foundation of an FBI background check. There's no way around it.

      Q: What if I've lived in multiple countries? Do I need multiple background checks?

      A: Usually yes. Each country that requires a background check wants an FBI background check (U.S. records). If you've lived in other countries, those countries may also require background checks from their own authorities.

      Q: Can I expedite an FBI background check?

      A: Not through the FBI directly. However, using a commercial fingerprinting service (like The Notaryous LLC) can speed up the process by submitting digitally and handling apostille coordination quickly.

      Q: What if my background check is rejected or comes back with an error?

      A: Contact the FBI directly. If your fingerprints were rejected (quality issue), we can re-fingerprint you at no additional cost.Oregon's Fingerprinting & Apostille Leaders

      Getting an FBI background check with apostille should be simple. That's what we do.

      The Notaryous LLC offers:

      • Professional fingerprinting for FBI background checks (digital & ink)

      • Same-day appointments across Portland Metro and Oregon

      • FBI background check expertise — we've handled hundreds

      • Apostille coordination — we handle the U.S. State Department process for you

      • NNA certification — trusted, licensed professionals

      • $100K E&O insurance — complete peace of mind

      • Transparent pricing — no surprises

      • Evening and weekend availability — work around your schedule

      Service areas: Portland, Beaverton, Gresham, Lake Oswego, Tigard, and all of Oregon

      Next Steps: Fingerprinting to Apostille

      Schedule your fingerprinting appointment with The Notaryous LLC - Call for same-day or next-day availability, evening and weekend appointments available, takes only 15 minutes

      Provide your information - FBI background checks require specific forms, we handle the paperwork

      We submit to the FBI - Fingerprints go directly to the FBI, you get a reference number to track your background check

      You receive your FBI background check (7-10 business days) - Arrives via email or mail

      We coordinate the apostille (5-7 business days) - We handle U.S. State Department coordination, you get your apostille-certified background check

      You're ready for your international opportunity - Visa application, job, professional credential verification — whatever comes next

      Your International Opportunity Is Waiting

      Don't let fingerprinting and apostille confusion slow you down. Whether you're pursuing a teaching position in Australia, a work visa in Canada, or professional licensing in the UK, The Notaryous LLC makes the process simple.

      Schedule Your FBI Background Check Fingerprinting Today

      From fingerprinting to apostille certification, we've got you covered.

      The Notaryous LLC — FBI Background Check & Fingerprinting Specialists

      NNA-Certified | $100K E&O Insurance | Portland Metro & Statewide Service

      Same-day fingerprinting. Fast apostille coordination. Professional expertise.