How far back does a background check go for citizenship?

Posted on by Mary Andersen

How far back does a background check go for citizenship?

If your fingerprints show you have a criminal record, a full report which contains your full criminal history (known as the RAP sheet) will be sent to the USCIS. Your fingerprints will be valid for 15 months from the date of processing by the FBI.

What does USCIS look for in background check?

USCIS collects biometrics from all applicants for naturalization and sends them to the FBI. From there, the FBI searches its databases to see if you have any criminal background or are otherwise a security threat.

How long does FBI background check take for citizenship?

Initial responses to this check generally take about two weeks. In about 80 percent of the cases, no match is found. Of the remaining 20 percent, most are resolved within six months. Less than one percent of cases subject to an FBI name check remain pending longer than six months.

What can prevent you from getting U.S. citizenship?

USCIS’s definition of aggravated felony includes many crimes that you would expect; such as rape, sexual abuse of a minor, drug trafficking, firearm trafficking, racketeering, running a prostitution business, child pornography, and fraud of $10,000 or more.

Can I get citizenship with criminal record?

You will be permanently barred from obtaining U.S. citizenship if you have been convicted of murder or of an aggravated felony if the conviction was issued on or after November 29, 1990.

Can I become a U.S. citizen with a criminal record?

The most serious crimes, such as murder and other aggravated felonies, will automatically and permanently bar a person from being considered to have good moral character. (See Crimes That Will Prevent You From Receiving U.S. Citizenship.

Can someone with a criminal record become a U.S. citizen?

Permanent Bars Based on Criminal Convictions You will be permanently barred from obtaining U.S. citizenship if you have been convicted of murder or of an aggravated felony if the conviction was issued on or after November 29, 1990.

What can affect my citizenship application?

Good Moral Character

  • Any crime against a person with intent to harm.
  • Any crime against property of the Government that involves fraud or an evil intent.
  • Two or more crimes for which the aggregate sentence was five years or more.
  • Violating any controlled substance law.
  • Habitual drunkenness.
  • Illegal gambling.
  • Prostitution.