Hello!
We are getting my husband's immigration package together with plans of filing soon.
We have his clearance from the FBI; however, didn't realize until a few days ago that they "might" request his state clearance.
Have all the Canadian-bound Americans done both federal and state clearances? I'm going to go ahead and get them done, but I'm curious as to whether they're needed.
Thanks.
Yes, they're needed. It states so in the guide.
Absolutely - and they will request them, and delay processing of your application, if you don't provide them upfront. The good news is that most State clearances don't take long at all to process. Just an FYI - you need one for every State in which the applicant has resided for more than 6 months since turning 18 years of age.
My state clearances (NY and Florida) were sent back a week after they recieved them, super fast!
Don't forget to put on the envelope in clear large bold print as well as the form:
IMMIGRATION DEADLINE PLEASE RETURN ON OR BEFORE (then put a deadline with a date of 3-4 weeks) 3 (or 4) WEEKS
i got my virignia one then a week later my fbi then a week after that my ohio one and i mailed them all in at the same time lol. i wouldnt send your app in until you get all your clerances.
Tamee, what did Ohio need for your clearance?
States clerances are generally faster then the federal ones but do request them. (unless your from California, took 6 1/2 weeks to get it back.) Wisconsin was 14 days and AZ 3 weeks for their letter saying they dont provide clearances for immigration.
i called ohio and was told fingerprints, a letter as to why i need them with my signature and a money order for 15 dollars made out to Treasurer state of Ohio.It will take 30 days and no fast processing with them,and it did take exactly 30 days lol.i have the addy and a number for you.
1-740-845-2000
po box 365
london oh. 43140
Ok so I've decided to get my act together and get my fingerprints done...finally lol. I called my local police station today and told them I needed two sets of fingerprints, one for the FBI and one for the state clearance for Canadian immigration. The woman on the phone said that the state check is on a "BCI" card not an FBI card....I'm hoping this works, I assume she knows what she is talking about...any ideas?
i used the same card for my state and my fbi
Each State has it's own requirements, so if she says a "BCI" card is needed for your State clearance check, I'm sure the fingerprinting agency who does your prints will have that card available. CIC isn't going to care - it's the agency that processes the prints and issues the clearance who cares about what type of prints are done and what card they're on!
RobsLuv Wrote:Absolutely - and they will request them, and delay processing of your application, if you don't provide them upfront. The good news is that most State clearances don't take long at all to process. Just an FYI - you need one for every State in which the applicant has resided for more than 6 months since turning 18 years of age.
Not all the states are fast though; I sent my Iowa clearance on 4 Oct and just found out that they are only doing those received on 25 Sep!
Exactly - each State will have it's own timeline and requirements. That's why we always advise using the
contact sheet to phone the States you're dealing with to ask about current fees, requirements and timelines.
I finally received my Iowa police cert today, took 45 days. Now the only thing that's keeping me from my PR is the RCMP clearance. Hope it comes soon...