How USCIS Conducts Background Checks for Immigration Applicants

When someone applies for a green card, naturalization, or any other immigration benefit, USCIS doesn't just look at the forms and documents submitted. A key part of the review process is the background check. We explain how USCIS conducts background checks, which agencies are involved, and what applicants should expect.

Why Background Checks Matter

The U.S. government uses background checks to ensure that immigration benefits are only granted to individuals who meet all legal requirements and do not pose a threat to public safety or national security. Background checks help uncover:

• Criminal history

  
  

• Immigration violations

  
  

• National security concerns

  
  

• Fraud or misrepresentation

  
  

What Agencies Are Involved?

USCIS works with several federal agencies to conduct background checks:

1. FBI (Federal Bureau of Investigation)

   
   

2. DHS (Department of Homeland Security)

   
   

3. Other government agencies depending on the applicant’s background and the type of benefit sought

   
   

Let’s take a closer look at each part of the process.

1. FBI Name Check

USCIS submits the applicant’s full name and any known aliases to the FBI. The FBI then searches its records to see if the person is listed in any law enforcement or investigative files.

• If there are no matches, the name check is cleared.

  
  

• If there is a potential match, the FBI manually reviews the records. This can lead to delays while they determine if the file actually pertains to the applicant.

This process is meant to catch individuals who might have been involved in criminal activity or national security issues, even if they were never formally charged.

2. Fingerprint Check (Biometrics)

Most immigration applicants are required to attend a biometrics appointment at a USCIS Application Support Center. At that appointment, USCIS takes the applicant’s:

• Fingerprints

  
  

• Photograph

  
  

• Signature

  
  

The fingerprints are run through several databases, including:

• FBI criminal history records

  
  

• DHS’s IDENT/OBIM system (which contains immigration-related biometric records)

  
  

• Other law enforcement databases

This check can reveal prior arrests, convictions, deportations, or other encounters with law enforcement or immigration authorities, even under different names or identities.

3. Interagency Security Checks

USCIS also uses systems that pull information from multiple government agencies. One of the main tools is the Interagency Border Inspection System (IBIS). This database includes records from:

• Department of State (DOS)

  
  

• Customs and Border Protection (CBP)

  
  

• Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)

  
  

• The U.S. Treasury Department

  
  

• Interpol and other international law enforcement sources

IBIS checks are designed to flag any national security concerns or known immigration violations, such as entering the U.S. with fraudulent documents or being on a watchlist.

4. Department of Defense (for Certain Applicants)

For individuals with military ties, such as those applying for Military Parole in Place or naturalization under military service provisions, USCIS may also run checks through the Department of Defense to look for disciplinary records or other relevant information.

What Happens If There’s a Problem?

If any of these background checks raise concerns, USCIS may:

• Issue a Request for Evidence (RFE) or Notice of Intent to Deny (NOID)

  
  

• Refer the case to the Fraud Detection and National Security Directorate (FDNS)

  
  

• Delay adjudication until the issue is resolved

In some cases, USCIS will schedule an interview and ask questions related to the flagged concern. In others, they may deny the application outright if the issue makes the applicant ineligible.

How Long Does It Take?

• Fingerprint and IBIS checks are usually completed within a few days.

  
  

• FBI name checks can take longer, especially if there’s a potential match that requires manual review.

  
  

• In rare cases, background checks can delay a case for many months or even years.

USCIS generally will not approve most applications until all required background checks are complete.

Final Thoughts

Background checks are a critical part of the immigration process. Even if an applicant has no criminal record, delays can still happen, especially if their name is similar to someone else’s in the system or if they have a complicated immigration history.

At Tran Flores Law, we help clients navigate these issues and respond to government concerns when background checks turn up unexpected problems. If you or a loved one is applying for an immigration benefit and have questions about what may show up in a background check, we’re here to help. 📞 Contact us today at (512) 894-9984 to schedule a consultation.