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lyragayle
Joined: 18 Dec 2007
Posts: 3
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 Posted: Wed Jun 18, 2008 2:45 am Post subject: Where to get fingerprinted in Japan? |
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Hey everyone,
I'm currently in Japan and I need to get a background check done from my homestate (I'm from Maryland, USA) in order to get my visa processed to work in S. Korea. I need to get fingerprinted to get the bg check. Does anyone know where I can get that done in Japan? Maybe the consulate? Can I go to local police stations maybe?
Thanks! |
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amphivera
Joined: 05 Sep 2007
Posts: 27
Location: China
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| Posted: Thu Jun 19, 2008 4:32 pm Post subject: |
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Ah, that's kind of a tricky request.
This is what the US embassy in Japan says about it:
http://tokyo.usembassy.gov/e/acs/tacs-fingerprints.html
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Every so often, we receive requests from American citizens living in Japan who need to have their fingerprints taken in order to apply for a specialized license in the U.S. Recently, we have begun to receive similar requests from Americans living in Japan, who need them in order to extend their long-term residence permits....
...In the past, we referred such requests for fingerprints to the local Japanese police, but in many cases the police have discontinued offering this service. Unfortunately, the Embassy is not able to provide this service either. |
...and then they leave you hanging as to no suggestions on where to go.
I would still call them up just in case because if you look under one of their FAQ's the embassy does appear to offer limited fingerprinting service for USCIS benefit applications:
http://tokyo.usembassy.gov/e/visa/tvisa-ivlprfaq.html
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How much is the fingerprint service fee to complete an INS-related FD-258 form?
Each person who is applying for USCIS benefits (N-400 - Naturalization and I-600/I-600A - Orphan Petition) needs to pay $80 for fingerprinting service fee. |
So yeah, they're kind of contradicting themselves there. Bring up the discrepancy and argue that you should get access to the service. If not push them to suggest actual alternatives that you can pursue.
Second option is to try the Japanese police. Hit up a couple koban and see what they say. Who knows, you might get lucky. But make sure you bring the proper (Maryland) State-certified Fingerprint Form with you.
Worst case scenario: You might have to use a private service (mostly detective agencies that specialize in fingerprint ANALYSIS, not mere collection). Predictably, it's gonna cost you a pretty penny. |
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lyragayle
Joined: 18 Dec 2007
Posts: 3
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| Posted: Thu Jun 19, 2008 11:55 pm Post subject: |
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Thank you so much for your help!
I tried calling them and of course they referred me to the police. They said as long as it's for a visa application and USCIS benefits they'll do it. So I'm going to cross my fingers and hope that they're going to do it for me. |
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Hoser
Joined: 19 Mar 2005
Posts: 694
Location: Toronto, Canada
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| Posted: Sat Jun 21, 2008 1:50 am Post subject: |
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Don't worry, they'll fingerprint you as soon as you come into the country!  |
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amphivera
Joined: 05 Sep 2007
Posts: 27
Location: China
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| Posted: Sat Jun 21, 2008 5:25 am Post subject: |
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I'm glad to be of help.
Well, if the American Embassy ultimately turns out to be a no-go and the local kobans reject you, I would try the TMPD (Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department) Police Clearance Certificate Office in Kasumigaseki. This office apparently issues Japanese police clearance certificates, but I'm guessing fingerprinting is part of the process, so why not explain your predicament (I bet they have English speaking staff too and it's FREE!) and see if they can assist you. Anyway, this is their English website with address and stuff.
http://www.keishicho.metro.tokyo.jp/foreign/apply/tokoue.htm
I'm assuming that you're in the Tokyo area? If not, the instructions are to "apply to the Police Headquarters of the prefecture where you live (or have your A.R.C. registered)."
Best of luck! Tell us how it goes. |
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dove
Joined: 01 Oct 2003
Posts: 271
Location: USA/Japan
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| Posted: Sat Jun 21, 2008 5:59 pm Post subject: |
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| I received a criminal record clearance from the Yokohama Police Department, but they used a machine to scan fingerprints. The FBI clearance fingerprint card needs to be done with ink. I have heard of people fingerprinting themselves (using an ink pad, instructions on the internet, and the FBI fingerprint card that IS available at the US Embassy in Tokyo. They got a few copies and fingerprinted a few copies in case one copy couldn't be read). Please keep us posted if you are able to find a source for fingerprinting. Many countries require background checks to teach English (I think the JET Programme now requires a background check). |
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natsume
Joined: 24 Apr 2006
Posts: 409
Location: Chongqing, China
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| Posted: Thu Jul 14, 2011 2:28 am Post subject: |
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Resurrecting this old thread.
Does anybody have any more current information on this? I will need to get this done for credentialing purposes in California. |
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Tamatea
Joined: 05 Sep 2010
Posts: 9
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| Posted: Mon Jul 18, 2011 2:26 am Post subject: |
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| Go to your local police headquarters (not just the koban), get them to fingerprint you on FBI fingerprint sheets (available as PDFs on FBI's website) and then get it signed off by a Japanese Justice of the Peace. The JP will need to be present when you get fingerprinted as the police are unwilling to verify the procedure themselves. |
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natsume
Joined: 24 Apr 2006
Posts: 409
Location: Chongqing, China
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| Posted: Fri Apr 06, 2012 12:06 am Post subject: |
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| Reviving this yet again, particularly interested in anybody with up to date information. I have to do this in the next 6 weeks or so. Will post my experience afterwards. |
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the4th2001
Joined: 04 Oct 2010
Posts: 130
Location: Tokyo
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| Posted: Fri Apr 06, 2012 9:41 am Post subject: |
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| natsume wrote: |
| Reviving this yet again, particularly interested in anybody with up to date information. I have to do this in the next 6 weeks or so. Will post my experience afterwards. |
You have to go to the Metroploitan Police Department.
東京都千代田区霞が関2丁目1番1号
Tokyo, Chiyoda-ku, Kasimigaseki 2-1-1
I had my prints taken 2 years back. I supplied my own card and wasn't charged anything. |
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natsume
Joined: 24 Apr 2006
Posts: 409
Location: Chongqing, China
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| Posted: Fri Apr 06, 2012 6:42 pm Post subject: |
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| the4th2001 wrote: |
| natsume wrote: |
| Reviving this yet again, particularly interested in anybody with up to date information. I have to do this in the next 6 weeks or so. Will post my experience afterwards. |
You have to go to the Metroploitan Police Department.
東京都千代田区霞が関2丁目1番1号
Tokyo, Chiyoda-ku, Kasimigaseki 2-1-1
I had my prints taken 2 years back. I supplied my own card and wasn't charged anything. |
That is only if you live in Tokyo, as the service is tied to your ARC address. One of my JTEs was kind enough to make some calls yesterday, and apparently, since I only need the prints, I can go to one of my local municipal police departments for this. I have an appointment which was set up through the prefectural police department next week, so I would suggest anybody facing this dilemma to contact that office first. Once we explained that I only need the prints and not a local criminal records report, they told us any police department in the prefecture can take care of this, and they made the call to set up the appointment.
Will report any glitches or problems, if they occur. |
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