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FBI Background Check Legalization for Use in Jordan
An FBI background check may be required for employment, residency, or other official procedures in Jordan. Before submitting it to Jordanian authorities, applicants should confirm the receiving organization's requirements and complete the appropriate authentication process. Because Jordan requires consular legalization for applicable U.S. documents, an apostille alone may not be sufficient.
When Is FBI Background Check Legalization Needed?
An FBI background check, also called an FBI Identity History Summary, reports information associated with an individual's fingerprint-based criminal history record. Jordanian employers, government offices, or other institutions may request this document as part of an application.
Before beginning, confirm that the receiving authority requires an FBI-issued report rather than a state or local police clearance. Also ask whether an Arabic translation or any additional documentation is necessary.
How to Legalize an FBI Background Check for Jordan
FBI background checks are federal documents, so they follow a different authentication route from many state-issued personal documents.
Obtain the FBI report: Request an official FBI Identity History Summary through the FBI's designated process or an authorized channeler.
Prepare the document for authentication: Check that the report is complete and meets the U.S. Department of State's submission requirements.
Obtain U.S. Department of State authentication: Submit the federal document for authentication through the Office of Authentications.
Complete Jordan Embassy legalization: After U.S. Department of State authentication, submit the document to the Embassy of Jordan in Washington, D.C., or use a service provider that handles the required steps.
Confirm final requirements: Check whether the Jordanian receiving authority requires an Arabic translation, additional copies, or other supporting documents.
The Jordan Embassy federal document legalization page provides information about the process for FBI background checks and other U.S. federal documents.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Applicants can reduce delays by checking the following before submission:
Requesting a state or local background check when an FBI report is required.
Sending the report to the wrong authentication authority.
Assuming an apostille replaces Jordan Embassy legalization.
Overlooking translation or document-format requirements set by the receiving authority.
Using outdated fee or processing-time information.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does an FBI background check for Jordan need an apostille?
Applicants should not assume an apostille is sufficient. Confirm the required procedure with the Jordanian receiving authority; applicable federal documents generally follow the U.S. Department of State authentication and Jordan Embassy legalization route.
Can I use an FBI background check for a Jordan work visa?
It may be requested as part of an employment or residency application, but requirements vary by the employer and the relevant Jordanian authority. Confirm the exact document and validity requirements before ordering it.
Does the FBI background check need to be authenticated by a state Secretary of State?
An FBI-issued Identity History Summary is a federal document. Its authentication route differs from state-issued records and generally involves the U.S. Department of State rather than state-level authentication.
How long does FBI background check legalization take?
The total time depends on the FBI report issuance, U.S. Department of State processing, embassy processing, and shipping. Check current estimates with the relevant offices before planning around a deadline.
Is an Arabic translation required?
Translation requirements depend on the Jordanian institution receiving the document. Confirm whether an Arabic translation is required and whether it must be completed or certified in a particular way before submitting the report.