I'm South African but being asked for FBI clearance certificate?!?!

[SuperSham]

Hey guys...

So my application for permanent residence is at my local visa office here in South Africa and is 'in process'.

I just received a letter requesting documentation. Specifically an original FBI clearance certificate for myself. I was instructed to refer to the following link

http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/information/security/police-cert/north-america/united-states.asp

I am a South African citizen living in South Africa at the moment. I provided an original police South African clearance certificate with my application. Why would I have to provide a FBI clearance certificate I am not American and never lived in America?!!

I worked on cruise ships sailing out of cities in the USA for a while. Would I need to provide a FBI clearance certificate just because I was in the USA even though I never lived there?!

Can I even apply for a FBI clearance certificate if I am in South Africa?!?

I am very confused here, can anyone provide some insight for me please. I am very worried about this now.

Shamil

[MDSB]

I would provide them with whatever they ask.  I don't think there is any way around it.  Even though they state you only need to provide police certs for countries you have resided in for 6 months or more, I've read that they have requested police certs for those who have resided for less than 6 months.  
I am a UK citizen and had to provide police certs for both Australia and USA, so it is def possible to apply even if you are not a US citizen.  
Follow the instructions on the link.  Also you will find an application form here http://www.fbi.gov/about-us/cjis/background-checks/background_checks.  You can also print the fingerprint card here too; although they will accept fingerprint cards from your local police office too.  Make sure your prints are clear, when you get them done, as unclear prints can lead to delay and possibly having to have them redone.  Complete the application form and include the finger prints, copy of ID and fee to the address at the link above.
It only took 4 weeks for me to get my cert (including overseas posting time)... so waiting times are fairly short at the moment...

Good luck!

[SuperSham]

hmmm

Thats crazy hey?

Well if that's what they want then thats what they'll get.

I was freaking out because when I checked the link they gave me it said it takes 16-18 weeks to process the FBI clearance but when I checked the FBI website it said 6 weeks. The letter i received said i had to provide the documents within 90 days of them sending it! That was a bit tight I thought but 6 weeks gives me enough time.

So you had to provide US and Australian certificates? I wonder how they come to that kind of conclusion...

Thanks for the info though! I'm all over this now.

[pdb1]

Just make sure your fingerprints are taken according to the FBI standards. The reason I say that is because my finger prints got rejected the first time. I had to resend before getting the all clear, because of the resending....this process took nearly 60 days to be completed.