“They Needed My FBI Report… Yesterday.”
That’s what one of our clients told us over the phone, half-laughing and half-panicking. She had accepted a teaching job in South Korea, and after months of visa paperwork, the school dropped a surprise: they needed an FBI criminal background check—apostilled and translated—in two weeks.
She had no idea where to start. But we did. We got the process rolling the same day, and she boarded her flight two weeks later, documents in hand and a job waiting on the other side.
At Global Visa Management, this kind of story is not unusual. Background checks—whether local or international—are one of those things people often overlook until the last minute. But when time is tight and your future depends on a clean and verifiable record, that’s when you need a professional team on your side.
Background checks are official records used to verify a person’s criminal history (or the absence of one).
If you’re applying to move, work, or study in another country, chances are you’ll be asked for some form of criminal clearance—either from South Africa, the FBI, or both, depending on your travel history.
Here’s a quick breakdown:
Work, travel, or residence abroad for South Africans: 5–7 working days (via expedited services)
U.S. citizens applying to live/work overseas: 3–10 working days (if done electronically)
If you’re a South African who has lived or worked in the U.S, you may need both. Likewise, if you’re an American in South Africa, local authorities may request your FBI record along with a SAPS clearance.
David, a dual South African-U.S. citizen, was applying for a European residence permit. He submitted his own FBI background check… but the agent had misspelled his middle name on the application form. The error wasn’t discovered until it reached the foreign immigration office—and by then, his visa appointment had passed. We helped him re-submit through an FBI-accredited channeler, had the error corrected and authenticated with a digital apostille, and rushed it via international courier. He made his new appointment on time.
Depending on your location and urgency, we offer:
We’ll always discuss your timeline upfront and work with the most efficient (and cost-effective) option available.
We regularly assist with background checks for clients moving to:
Each country has its own unique format and submission guidelines. We know what each embassy expects—and make sure your documentation meets those exact standards.
Trying to get an FBI background check on your own can be surprisingly tricky—especially from outside the U.S. The application involves fingerprints, identity verification, secure submission, and (often) apostille or attestation if the document will be used abroad. With Global Visa Management, you don’t have to navigate that mess alone.
Whether you’re applying from within South Africa, the U.S., or somewhere in between, we tailor the process to your location and your timeline.
Find quick answers to common queries about our services, processing times, and how we can assist you with your visa and document needs.
Yes, absolutely. We can help you submit your request electronically—even if you're no longer in the U.S.
Typically 3–6 months, depending on the country requesting it.
If your document will be used outside its country of origin, usually yes. We’ll guide you based on your destination.
Many government agencies will only accept:
Trying to cut corners or submit the wrong document can delay your plans by months—or derail them entirely. That’s why we take a meticulous approach from the start.
Having everything done under one roof means fewer delays and no back-and-forth between different providers.
Whether you’re making a career move, reuniting with family, or starting a new chapter abroad, don’t let paperwork slow you down. Need a background or FBI check? Reach out today. Let’s get started—before the next deadline creeps up.
Global Visa Management Group is an internal managing company that assists with supplying services to our brands.
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