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What are the Criminal Record Check requirements for the Thailand Non-Immigrant O-A visa from the US?

Jul 13, 2025
2 days ago
Eric *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
Criminal Record Check requirements for non immigrant O-A visa.

My question is what is required by the Thai Consulate in US to verify no criminal history. I have a letter from my state's DOJ saying 'my fingerprints did not identify any criminal history record maintained by this Bureau.' It then goes on to say that 'the response does not constitute a certified letter and cannot be used for an apostille.' Do I need a certified letter from the California DOJ to be sent to the Secretary of State's office to affix an apostille? Or will the letter that I have suffice?

I appreciate this group and the through answers you all have given me on previous questions.
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The Thai Consulate in the US requires a criminal record check for the Non-Immigrant O-A visa. A letter from the California Department of Justice indicating no criminal history may be accepted, although it is advised to check if a certified version is necessary for apostille purposes. Several expats share their experiences with similar documents being accepted by Thai consulates. There are various approaches to obtaining a criminal record, including FBI checks and local police reports, with some suggesting that applying for a Non-Immigrant O visa may be less complex.
Max *************
Why even think of applying for an O-A visa? Go for the Non-immigrant O instead. Less hassle.
Gerg **********
I went to the Michigan State Police website and they had an option to download my criminal background report for $10 and so I did it and the Chicago Thai embassy accepted it for my OA visa.
Wannikea *********
Just get a Non Imm O visa, no insurance, no record check. You'll be in the exact same extension process in a year or two regardless, especially if you plan to stay long term.
Vanessa **********
Also, I submitted a police report from my neighborhood police station.
Vanessa **********
This is the letter that I received from DOJ and uploaded to Thai consulate in L.A. for my non OA e-visa. It was accepted. Looks like yours should be okay.
Vanessa **********
Vanessa **********
Nongnuch ********
AI Overview

How to Get the US FBI Background Check Certificate

To obtain a criminal record or police check certificate in the U.S., you'll generally need to request it from the FBI and potentially your local or state police department, depending on the specific requirements. The process involves submitting a request, often including fingerprints, and paying a fee.

Here's a more detailed breakdown:

1. FBI Criminal History Check, Request:

You can request an "Identity History Summary Check" from the FBI's Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) division

Fingerprints:

You'll need to provide your fingerprints, typically on an FBI standard fingerprint card (FD-258)

Submission:

You can submit the request online or by mail, and you will need to pay a fee.

Processing:

The FBI will conduct a search of their criminal records database and provide you with a response.

2. Local/State Police Check:

Local Police: Contact your local police department or sheriff's office to inquire about obtaining a local criminal record check, says the U.S. Department of State.

State Law Enforcement: For state-level checks, contact the relevant state's law enforcement agency or department of public safety.

Fees and Procedures: Fees and procedures for local and state checks vary by jurisdiction.

3. Channelers (Optional), Expedited Service:

You can use an FBI-approved channeler for faster processing of your FBI Identity History Summary Check, according to expat groups.

Channeler Role:

The channeler will handle the fingerprinting, submission, and payment, then forward the results to you.

4. Specific Requirements:

Visa/Immigration:

If the certificate is for visa or immigration purposes, you may need to follow specific procedures or obtain additional documentation, such as an apostille

Other Countries:

If the certificate is for use in another country, you may need to have it authenticated by the U.S. Department of State, says the U.S. Embassy in that specific country

Individual Review:

Individuals can request a copy of their own criminal history record from the California Department of Justice to review for accuracy and completeness.
Eric *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Nongnuch *******
your AI response doesn’t answer my question.
Nongnuch ********
@Eric ******
oh, it definitely contains the correct reply - all you need is PICK one of the described method that fits your county. Ask the next police station, show them the AI printout
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