FBI Background Check Timeframe

[CaseyLE82 3]

Hello All,

Our lawyer told us that the first step to AOS is getting an FBI background check. My husband was fingerprinted, etc by the lawyers office and we paid a $250 fee plus FBI processing fees (total was about $275). We were told that it takes 6-8 months to receive a background check back, which seems like a really, really long time.

Is this accurate?

[baron555 934]

Scam

[Frewchen 8]

Doesn't sound legit....

[Jabl2rom 54]

Hello All,

Our lawyer told us that the first step to AOS is getting an FBI background check. My husband was fingerprinted, etc by the lawyers office and we paid a $250 fee plus FBI processing fees (total was about $275). We were told that it takes 6-8 months to receive a background check back, which seems like a really, really long time.

Is this accurate?

you were scammed.

[saiibi 3]

oh wao shocked

[Wren and Fox 0]

Definitely not. My fiance had a background check done and it took about a month.

[HislittleSecret 21]

Why are you using a lawyer...there is really no need for one. Do it yourself.

[CaseyLE82 3]

Thanks to everyone for the responses. I re-read my original post and realized that I made it sound like we found a lawyer in a van down by the river. We didn't. This guy is THE top immigration lawyer in DFW. He came highly recommended by several friends of ours, including my husband's sister, who all used him and he successfully (if not slowly) adjudicated their cases.

So I guess I just wondered if the time line was out of whack, wrong, or maybe he's super busy and his internal office processing times are that long? I'm not sure. I guess I need to call him tomorrow and see what the deal is.

Also, I plan to do my own immigration legal work from this point on (unless the background check comes back unfavorable, in which case we may need the help)...just want to get the background check that I paid for.

[saiibi 3]

Thanks to everyone for the responses. I re-read my original post and realized that I made it sound like we found a lawyer in a van down by the river. We didn't. This guy is THE top immigration lawyer in DFW. He came highly recommended by several friends of ours, including my husband's sister, who all used him and he successfully (if not slowly) adjudicated their cases.

So I guess I just wondered if the time line was out of whack, wrong, or maybe he's super busy and his internal office processing times are that long? I'm not sure. I guess I need to call him tomorrow and see what the deal is.

Also, I plan to do my own immigration legal work from this point on (unless the background check comes back unfavorable, in which case we may need the help)...just want to get the background check that I paid for.

i am not understanding the fact u had to pay for ur background check

[Megan & Luke 93]

You don't require a background check to be done pre-AOS.. If the United States government needs to run one, they will. If you went through K-1 they probably already did that for both of you - definitely ran it for the petitioner already. It's not a required step in the AOS process. Now, I am not familiar with every type of visa, and you didn't fill out a timeline so I'm not sure what visa you are adjusting status from - IR/CR1, K-1, K-2, etc...

There is a reason the fees are so high to file these petitions - it includes any fees that may be required for a background check and processing.

Either way that money most likely went to waste and you may want to review how long you have to file the AOS. For example, K-1 has 90 days from POE. If you have to wait 6-8 months you will be out of status for a number of months. Granted it's forgiven once you file for AOS, but you can legally be deported during that timeframe. (Again, this is assuming K-1 - I can't speak for others I have not researched).

Edited February 26, 2015 by Megan & Luke

[Pinkrlion 2,607]

Why did u pay for a background check when u have to do biometrics, and that only costs 85.00.

[saiibi 3]

Why did u pay for a background check when u have to do biometrics, and that only costs 85.00.

yes exactly i agree

[baron555 934]

Why did u pay for a background check when u have to do biometrics, and that only costs 85.00.

The lawyer scammed you.

[CowBoE 429]

Hello All,

Our lawyer told us that the first step to AOS is getting an FBI background check. My husband was fingerprinted, etc by the lawyers office and we paid a $250 fee plus FBI processing fees (total was about $275). We were told that it takes 6-8 months to receive a background check back, which seems like a really, really long time.

Is this accurate?

My son had to get FBI background check couple of years ago

for his overseas internship job, and it took about ~4 months.

[fbragasilva88 17]

The problem here is not the price that your lawyer is charging you to do a FBI background check, the problem, here, is that you don't have to do it at all to start the process. This is not his competence to run the check or not...

You're wasting money, this background check will not help or speed your petition and it is not necessary AT ALL.