14 November, 2008
FBI Criminal Record Checks Now Required for U.S. Citizens Applying for Permanent Residency
U.S. citizens applying for Alien Permanent Residence Certificates (APRCs) will now need to apply for a criminal history background check from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) following changes to the Immigration Act on August 1. Although official news of the policy change was never widely announced, Americans may no longer use police records from their home states.
In order to obtain a criminal record check by the FBI, a fingerprint form must be downloaded from the FBI's web site, printed and taken to the National Immigration Agency in Taiwan for fingerprinting by the applicant. After the fingerprint form is sent to the FBI and the applicant receives their completed background check, the background check then needs to be legalized, translated and notarized, in accordance with the National Immigration Agency's APRC application rules.
For help obtaining work permits and resident status for foreigners and PRC nationals, please contact Lloyd Roberts.
For legal guidance on employment law in Taiwan, please contact Christine Chen.
