FBI Background Check Apostille for China

What changed in 2023

Before November 7, 2023, a U.S. document for China went through U.S. Department of State authentication and then legalization by the Chinese Embassy or a consulate. Since China joined the Hague Apostille Convention, a single apostille from the U.S. Department of State is generally accepted for an FBI background check. If you see older instructions mentioning Chinese embassy authentication, confirm with your employer, as most work permit authorities now accept the apostille.

What China usually requires

• A no-criminal-record certificate. The FBI Identity History Summary is the check most widely accepted for work permits; some employers will tell you whether a state check is acceptable.
• A federal apostille from the U.S. Department of State.
• A recent issue date. Work permit authorities often expect the check to have been issued within the last several months, frequently six. Confirm with your employer.
• A Chinese translation, often arranged in China by your employer or an approved agency. Ask your employer before ordering one here.

Teaching and working in China

Most work permit applications also require an apostilled diploma, and teaching positions often require an apostilled TEFL or TESOL certificate. We can apostille those documents alongside your FBI check. See Apostille for China and Teach Abroad Packets.

How we handle it

1. Request your FBI Identity History Summary with your fingerprints, directly from the FBI or through an FBI-approved channeler. We process the apostille, not the background check itself.
2. Upload a scan for review. We confirm that the report is the FBI-issued version the U.S. Department of State will accept before you send anything.
3. Send us the original from anywhere in the United States or abroad.
4. We obtain the federal apostille. Our DC Satellite Office hand-carries your report to the U.S. Department of State; please plan for approximately 10 business days.
5. Translation, if required, is added to the same order and completed after the apostille so the apostille is translated as well.
6. We return it with tracking, to you, your attorney or the consulate, anywhere in the world.