Visa/Immigration
California law allows you to request a record clearance from the DOJ for Visa/Immigration purposes. The following are the basic steps to complete your request for a background check. Failure to follow these procedures may result in a delay or the rejection of your application for a DOJ response under Penal Code Section 11105(c)(9). If you currently reside in California, with limited exceptions, you must submit your fingerprints electronically from a Live Scan site. If you reside outside of California, you will need to submit a manual fingerprint card or “hard card.”
ELECTRONIC (Live Scan) SUBMISSIONS:
Step One (1):
Print out a copy of the Request Form :Request Visa/Immigration - Form BCII 8016RR (Live Scan)
[PDF 34 kb / 1 pg]
Step Two (2):
Follow the instructions for completing your Request Form:Instructions for Visa/Immigration Request Form
[PDF 26 kb / 1 pg]
Step Three (3):
Determine where to be fingerprinted. Fingerprinting services are available at most local police departments, sheriff's offices or any public applicant Live Scan site. To find the site nearest to you and a listing of fees,
see Applicant Live Scan Sites.
Step Four (4):
Bring your properly filled out request form and valid photo identification to your chosen Live Scan site to capture and submit your fingerprints. Expired identification information will not be accepted.Your total costs will be $32 plus the fingerprint rolling fee charged by the Live-Scan agency. Since the fingerprint-rolling fee varies widely among locations, you will want to review the cost along with the accepted methods of payment before going to the fingerprinting site.
Step Five (5):
Once the submission is received and processed, the DOJ will mail the response via U.S. mail to you ONLY. It is your responsibility to forward the information to your legal counsel or assistance agency. Also, please note that we do not provide background checks for children under the age of 14.MANUAL “HARD CARD” SUBMISSIONS
Individuals not living in California or who do not have access to Live Scan services must use the manual fingerprint submission process.
Step One (1):
Print out and follow the :
Instructions - Visa/Immigration (Manual) [PDF 23 kb / 1 pg]
En Español [PDF 23 kb / 1 pg]
Step Two (2):
Obtain a blank FD258 fingerprint card from your local law enforcement agency and fill it out according to the instructions. If you are having difficulty in obtaining a blank fingerprint card, please contact the Record Review Unit at (916) 227-3849.
Step Three (3):
Get fingerprinted. Contact your local law enforcement agency for fingerprinting services.
Step Four (4):
Mail the FD258 fingerprint card.
Submissions must be accompanied by either personal check drawn on a U.S. bank, money order or certified check. The check or money order must be in the amount of $32 and made payable to the “California Department of Justice.” Mail your application, FD258 fingerprint card and processing fee to:
- California Department of Justice
Record Review Unit
P.O. Box 903417
Sacramento, CA 94203-4170
Once the submission is received and processed, the DOJ will mail the response via U.S. mail to the applicant ONLY. It is the applicant’s responsibility to forward the information to their legal counsel or assistance agency. Normal processing time varies depending on the completeness of the individual’s criminal history record.
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