Lana Oconnell
International background checks are a common way to verify an individual's credentials and qualifications. These checks are often conducted by employers, educational institutions, and landlords to ensure that the candidate is trustworthy and qualified. The process typically includes verifying educational records, employment history, and criminal history. For international students, background checks may be required for visa applications, enrolling in competitive educational programs, or even for volunteer positions. While the process is similar to domestic background checks, there may be additional steps, documents, and time required. International background checks can be complex due to varying privacy laws, language barriers, and the involvement of multiple countries.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Who performs background checks? | Employers, educational institutions, or background check services providers |
| Who are background checks performed on? | International students, job seekers, and employees |
| Why are background checks performed? | To verify the identity, employment history, educational background, and criminal history of the individual |
| What is required for a background check? | Authorization from the individual, and additional documents depending on the country |
| How long does a background check take? | The time varies depending on the type of screening, scope of the search, and how long it takes to obtain authorization |
| What are the benefits of background checks? | They help protect organizations, ensure trust and safety in the workplace, and enable informed hiring decisions |
What You'll Learn
Criminal records checks
International students seeking to work in the UK or US may be required to undergo criminal records checks as part of their background check. The process for criminal records checks varies depending on the country and the purpose of the check.
UK Criminal Records Checks
Tier 2 (General) visa applicants seeking to work in specified health, education, or social care sectors in the UK must provide a criminal record certificate from any country (except the UK) where they have lived for 12 months or more (whether continuously or in total) in the last 10 years while aged 18 or over. This process also applies to any adult partners. The application process for criminal records checks, or 'Certificates of Good Character', varies from country to country. Applicants can apply in the country or to the relevant embassy in the UK. The Disclosure and Barring Service can provide guidance on applying for a criminal record check in the UK.
US Criminal Records Checks
US citizens may need a "certificate of good conduct" or proof of no criminal record for various reasons, including school and work. To obtain this proof, individuals can go to their local police department and request a local or state criminal records search. The Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is responsible for criminal justice information and offers two ways to request an FBI Identification Record: by submitting a written request to the CJIS Division or through an FBI-approved channeler, which is a private business that contracts with the FBI. The FBI will not provide copies of other people's arrest records. The time it takes to complete an international background check can vary depending on factors such as the type of screening and scope of the search.
International Criminal Records Checks for Students
Universities may require international students to provide a criminal records check as part of their application process. This is particularly relevant for students who have spent more than 12 months living outside their home country after the age of 18. The process for international criminal records checks varies by country and can be conducted online or through paper-based methods. The time to complete these checks can range from instant to over six months, with an average of 16 days.
Background Checks for Employment
Background checks for employment are common for international students seeking job opportunities in the US. These checks are conducted after receiving a job offer and aim to verify an individual's past criminal history, education, work experience, and other necessary information. Employers may partner with background check services to ensure compliance and maintain trust in their hiring decisions.
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Education verification
Conducting background checks on international students is a complex but important task. One of the key components of these background checks is education verification, which helps confirm the information provided by candidates about their educational background. This includes verifying the schools they attended, the degrees or diplomas earned, and any certifications obtained.
The process of verifying international education backgrounds can vary depending on the country and the accessibility of information through databases. In some countries, certain restrictions may limit access to specific types of information. As such, employers conducting international education verification checks may need to research the specific processes and requirements in the candidate's country of residence.
To simplify the process, employers can partner with education verification services companies, such as Checkr, which offer efficient and accurate education verification checks for international students. These companies have strategic partnerships and global sources that enable them to provide fast and reliable results. Additionally, employers can utilize online verification services like National Student Clearinghouse, which offers DiplomaVerify, EnrollmentVerify, and DegreeVerify to instantly confirm academic credentials.
By conducting thorough education verification checks, employers can ensure that international students possess the necessary qualifications and credentials that align with the requirements of the position they are applying for. This not only protects the organization's interests but also ensures fair opportunities for eligible candidates.
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Employment verification
International background checks are an important tool for employers to ensure they are hiring trustworthy and qualified candidates. These checks are especially critical when considering applicants who have lived, worked, or studied in other countries, as they can help verify the candidate's qualifications, skills, and experience.
The employment verification process helps to establish trust between the employer and the candidate, as it provides a clear view of the candidate's background and work history. It also ensures that the candidate's claims about their work experience are accurate and that they possess the required skills and qualifications for the job.
The time it takes to complete an international background check, including employment verification, can vary depending on several factors, such as the type of screening, the scope of the search, and how long it takes to obtain authorization from the candidate. Obtaining consent from the candidate is a crucial step, as failing to do so may result in legal consequences.
International background checks can be complex due to the involvement of multiple countries, each with its own laws and regulations. For example, some countries have more stringent data privacy laws that restrict the sharing of certain information, such as criminal records. Employers may choose to partner with specialized background check services to navigate these complexities and ensure compliance with local laws.
Overall, employment verification is a vital aspect of international background checks, providing employers with the necessary information to make informed hiring decisions and ensure the candidate's qualifications and work history are accurately represented.
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Identity document verification
In-Person Verification
One traditional method of identity document verification is in-person verification, which typically involves assessing a student's government-issued identity documents, such as passports, driver's licenses, or national IDs, face-to-face with faculty members or campus administrators. This method is often used for students taking exams or accessing on-campus resources, like library books.
Online Verification
With the rise of remote learning and online education, identity verification has shifted towards online methods. Online identity verification can be implemented at various stages, such as during online registration or when applying for scholarships. One example is Pearson VUE's remote digital onboarding process, which includes scanning identity documents and taking a selfie for verification. This process is facilitated by identity verification solutions that can automatically identify document types and perform authenticity checks on security features like barcodes, machine-readable zones, and RFID chips.
Multi-Level Validation
To enhance security, multi-level validation is employed, utilizing multiple document types such as passports, driver's licenses, and national IDs. This helps ensure that the presented identity document is authentic and not stolen, lost, expired, or invalid.
Video Verification
Video verification is another method used by some organizations, where individuals provide primary documents, such as passports or driver's licenses, or a combination of primary and secondary documents, during a video call to verify their identity.
Biometric Verification
Biometric verification is an advanced method that utilizes facial recognition technology to confirm a person's identity. This approach is gaining popularity, especially in remote settings, as it offers a convenient and secure way to verify an individual's identity.
The specific methods employed for identity document verification may vary depending on the country, institution, and purpose of the background check. It is important to note that background checks for international students may differ slightly from the usual process, requiring additional information and documents for verification.
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Global watchlist searches
Conducting background checks on international students is a complex but important task. Background checks are necessary to verify the validity of educational certificates and educational claims of students arriving from a foreign country.
- Sanctions lists: These are maintained by government agencies and regulatory bodies. They include individuals or entities that pose a threat to national security or have been involved in illegal activities.
- Disciplinary Action Lists: These contain information about individuals who have faced disciplinary action in their professional field due to unethical conduct, malpractice, or other adverse actions.
- Politically Exposed Persons (PEP) Lists: These identify individuals who hold significant public positions or have close associations with such individuals. These individuals may be more susceptible to bribery or extortion attempts and may pose a risk to an organization's reputation.
Failing to conduct global watchlist searches as part of a background check for international students or employees could result in penalties and legal consequences. It is important to partner with a qualified background check services provider to ensure compliance and thoroughly vet candidates.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, international students can get background checks. In the US, international students on an F1 visa have undergone a background check as part of their visa application process.
An international background check will include a person's criminal history, educational background, employment history, and credit history. The specific information included will depend on the type of check and the country it is conducted in. For example, some countries have more stringent data privacy laws that limit the information that can be released.
International background checks are often requested by employers, especially when hiring candidates who have lived, worked, or studied in other countries. They are also requested by landlords or real estate agents when renting properties to individuals from other countries. In the case of international students, background checks are sometimes requested by volunteer organizations.
