FBI Background Check for Egypt

FBI Background Checks for Work and Residence in Egypt

Americans taking a job in Egypt, applying for residence, marrying an Egyptian citizen or working with children are often asked for proof that they have no criminal record in the United States. Egyptian authorities generally want a nationwide check rather than a local police letter, and the nationwide record is the FBI Identity History Summary. To be accepted in Egypt it must be the official FBI result, legalized by the Egyptian embassy or consulate.

Who in Egypt asks for it

Employers sponsoring a work permit through Egypt’s labor authorities commonly include a criminal record check in the file, and residence applications handled by the immigration and passports authorities may ask for one as well. Schools, universities and organizations working with minors usually require it for teachers and staff. Marriages between foreigners and Egyptian citizens are registered through the Ministry of Justice notarization offices, where foreign nationals are typically asked for a set of legalized personal documents. Requirements differ between offices and change over time, so confirm the exact list with the employer, sponsor or office that will receive your file.

Requesting the right version from the FBI

For use abroad, request your Identity History Summary directly from the FBI’s Criminal Justice Information Services Division and ask for the version that can be authenticated, which carries the FBI seal and an official’s signature. Results obtained through a private FBI-approved channeler, and electronic results printed at home, generally cannot be authenticated by the U.S. Department of State. The name and date of birth on the result should match your passport exactly, since Egyptian officials compare them.

Recent results only

Egyptian offices usually expect a recent check, often issued within the last few months, and an older result may be refused even if legalized. Fingerprinting, FBI processing, authentication and embassy legalization all take time, so start early, but not so early that the result is considered stale by the time it is filed in Egypt.

The legalization route for Egypt

The FBI result is a federal document, so there is no notary or Secretary of State stage. The Arab American Chamber of Commerce submits it to the U.S. Department of State for authentication and then to the Embassy of Egypt for legalization. Egypt does not accept apostilles. After arrival, the document may need authentication at Egypt’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and translation into Arabic by a certified translator, which the receiving office or your employer can advise on. Phone us for current timing and fees.