If you are not a U.S. citizen and need an FBI background check (officially an FBI Identity History Summary) for a visa, residency abroad, a foreign job or an international adoption, the process changed for many Houston applicants in 2026. PrintScan, one of the largest FBI-approved channelers and the provider behind many UPS Store fingerprint locations, says that as of July 1, 2026 it no longer submits FBI requests on behalf of non-U.S. citizens.
That doesn’t mean you can’t get your FBI check. It means you will most likely request it directly from the FBI. Here is how that works from Houston, what it costs, and how to avoid delays if you also need an apostille.
Need fingerprints today? We take FD-258 ink fingerprint cards at 6124 Hwy 6 N, Houston, and can come to you. Call 832-530-3652 or book online.
What Changed in July 2026
PrintScan’s Houston location page now states that since July 1, 2026, it no longer submits FBI criminal history requests for non-U.S. citizens. Instead, non-citizen customers get their fingerprints taken and then complete the FBI’s own online request, called the Electronic Departmental Order (eDO), themselves. Their FBI results are only available after they complete that registration.
Some older PrintScan pages still describe services for non-residents, so if you booked a PrintScan or UPS Store appointment expecting the old process, confirm with them before you pay. Other FBI-approved channelers may also limit who they serve. Check citizenship rules before you order from any channeler.
Green card holders: PrintScan’s notice says “non-U.S. citizens.” If you are a lawful permanent resident, ask the provider directly whether you are covered.
Your Options in 2026
| Route | Who it’s for | Cost to the FBI | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| FBI eDO online request + fingerprints | Anyone, including non-U.S. citizens | $18 | Electronic requests are processed faster than mail. The FBI does not expedite. |
| Mail an FD-258 fingerprint card to the FBI | Anyone | $18 | Slowest option. Results come by mail. |
| FBI-approved channeler | Depends on the channeler; many serve U.S. citizens and permanent residents | Channeler’s price | Often fastest, but check citizenship rules first. |
How to Request Your FBI Check Directly (Step by Step)
- Start the online request on the FBI’s official eDO website (edo.cjis.gov). Only use the official site; ignore look-alike sites that charge extra.
- Pay the $18 FBI fee by card online. The FBI does not accept personal checks or cash for these requests.
- Get fingerprinted. The FBI accepts a current fingerprint card. You cannot reuse an old card from a previous request. We take FD-258 ink cards in our office or at your location. Some U.S. post offices also take prints for electronic requests, for an extra fee.
- Submit your fingerprints as your eDO confirmation instructs, and keep your confirmation number.
- Receive your results. Electronic requesters get an electronic response and can choose a mailed copy. Each request includes one sealed copy.
Need an Apostille? Decide Before You Submit
This is the step that delays the most applicants. The FBI no longer adds a seal to results after the fact. Instead, it authenticates results at the time of your request with a watermark and an official’s signature. That authenticated copy is what the U.S. Department of State can apostille. The FBI will not authenticate results that were already processed.
If the country you are going to wants an apostille (Mexico, India, China, Canada, Portugal, Spain and most of Europe, among many others), request authentication when you submit. Then the results go to the U.S. Department of State for the apostille. Texas cannot apostille an FBI check because it is a federal document. See our guides on how to apostille an FBI background check and Form DS-4194, or let us handle it through our FBI apostille service.
Common Mistakes That Cost Weeks
- Paying a channeler that won’t submit for you. Confirm citizenship rules first.
- Forgetting to request authentication when you need an apostille. You would have to start over with a new $18 request.
- Smudged or light prints. Rejected cards mean a new card and more waiting. Professionally rolled ink prints help.
- Using a non-official website that resells the FBI’s $18 request at a markup.
- Name mismatch. Use the name exactly as it appears on your passport.
Who in Houston Usually Needs This
- H-1B, L-1 and other visa holders applying for residency or jobs in another country
- International students returning home or moving on to another country
- Applicants for Canadian, Australian or New Zealand immigration who lived in the U.S.
- Foreign nationals adopting internationally or applying for a visa in their home country’s consulate
Cost in Houston
The FBI’s own fee is $18. Our FD-258 fingerprint cards are $30, and our FBI apostille service is $155. See our full pricing page. Not sure which route fits your citizenship and deadline? Call us before you pay anyone.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a non-U.S. citizen get an FBI background check?
Yes. Anyone can request their own FBI Identity History Summary directly from the FBI for $18. What changed is that some channelers no longer submit for non-citizens.
Does the July 2026 PrintScan change affect UPS Store fingerprinting?
Many UPS Store locations use PrintScan. If you are not a U.S. citizen, expect to complete the FBI’s eDO request yourself after your appointment, and confirm with the store first.
How long does a direct FBI request take?
The FBI processes requests in the order received and does not expedite them. Electronic requests are faster than mailed ones.
Can I use fingerprints I had taken last year?
No. The FBI requires a current card for each request.
Do you give immigration advice?
No. We take fingerprints and handle notarization and apostilles. For visa or immigration questions, talk to a licensed immigration attorney.
Get Your Fingerprints Taken the Right Way
Houston Fingerprint rolls clear FD-258 ink cards in our office or at your location, and handles the apostille when your country needs one. Book online, request a mobile visit, or call 832-530-3652.
Information current as of November 2026. Provider policies change, so confirm with the FBI and any provider before you pay. This article is general information, not legal advice.
Related Services and Guides
- FBI background check for immigration and visa applications
- Where to get FD-258 fingerprint cards
- FBI background check apostille in Houston
- How much a PrintScan FBI background check costs