Background Checks: Hurdles For International Students?

International students seeking employment or educational opportunities in a foreign country may be required to undergo a background check. This process can be complex due to differences in languages, laws, and regulations across borders. It involves verifying the validity of educational certificates, employment history, and criminal records. While it may seem intimidating, international background checks are essential for organizations to trust their workforce and ensure the safety and security of the workplace. They also enable organizations to comply with local regulations and avoid penalties for violations. International background checks can be facilitated by specialized service providers, such as Checkr, which offer global screening solutions in over 200 countries. These checks empower employers to make informed decisions and hire trustworthy, qualified candidates.

Criminal record checks

International background checks are becoming increasingly common as more people move to other countries for education, employment, and a better life. These checks are important for both employers and educational institutions to verify the identity and credentials of their prospective students or employees.

For international students, some universities may require a criminal background check as part of the application process. For instance, Case Western Reserve University requires a criminal background check for international students applying for visiting electives. In some cases, a letter signed by the dean of the student's previous university, stating that they have no criminal background, may be accepted. However, this may not always be considered sufficient, as requirements can vary depending on the institution and the position being applied for.

In the context of employment, international criminal record checks are crucial for organizations hiring candidates with international experience. This ensures that the organization can trust their international workforce and protects their interests, as well as those of their customers and employees. It is important to note that local laws, restrictions, and cultural considerations related to background checks can vary across countries, adding complexity to the hiring process.

To facilitate international background checks, there are specialized service providers such as Checkr, which offer global screening solutions in over 200 countries. These services can help organizations minimize the complexity of constantly evolving local regulations and make the hiring process more efficient and consistent.

Identity document verification

There are two primary methods for identity document verification: in-person verification and online verification. In-person verification, also known as traditional verification, involves a face-to-face assessment of the student's government-issued identity documents by faculty members or administrators. This method is still commonly used, especially for students attending in-person colleges and those taking exams.

However, with the rise of remote learning and online education, online identity verification has gained prominence. Online verification can be done through mobile applications or video calls. For example, students may be required to scan their identity documents and take a selfie for verification. This process includes various checks, such as barcodes, machine-readable zones, RFID chips, and security features. Additionally, data cross-checks are performed to ensure the information on the document is accurate.

Some third-party service providers, such as Regula, offer identity verification solutions. These providers have extensive identity document template databases, enabling them to verify students' documents from different countries accurately. They also assist educational institutions in preventing fraud and ensuring the enrolment of eligible students.

It is important to note that the background check process for international students may vary. While some institutions may require criminal background checks, others may exempt international students from this requirement. Therefore, it is advisable for students to refer to the specific requirements of their intended educational institution or employer.

Education and employment verification

Conducting education and employment verification for international students is a complex but important task. It can be challenging to verify the educational records and credentials of students arriving from another country, but it is crucial to ensure that their academic qualifications are legitimate. This process helps combat fake degrees and diploma mills, which can pressure employers into offering higher salaries.

International education verification services can assist in confirming that an applicant has earned the claimed academic certificate, diploma, or degree. These services have a network of global sources that enable them to verify educational backgrounds from over 190 countries. They work with educational institutions to review all relevant information and compare it to the data provided by the candidate. This process helps expose fraudulent credentials and ensures that employers can trust the qualifications presented by international students.

In some cases, an educational institution may refuse to release information about a candidate. In such instances, verification services can review copies of the candidate's diploma, degree, or other credentials to authenticate their educational background. They understand the intricacies of working with foreign institutions and can provide accurate and timely results. The cost for verifying a degree or certificate can vary, with some services charging $55 per degree.

It is worth noting that the process of hiring an international student may differ slightly from that of domestic students. For example, students on an F-1 or J-1 visa may be exempt from the criminal background check process until they receive an offer of employment and apply for a Social Security Number (SSN). Additionally, filling out the I-9 form for international students requires specific documentation, such as a copy of the student's I-20 (for F-1 students) or DS-2019 (for J-1 students).

International students and SSNs

International students can apply for a Social Security Number (SSN) if they have F-1 or M-1 visa status and have found a job, either on or off campus. Students with F-1 status must also provide evidence of lawful employment, such as an on-campus job or authorization for curricular practical training (CPT) or optional practical training (OPT). J-1 students are also required to show evidence of employment and must be in valid J-1 status, as well as being registered for a full course of study. J-1 students under the sponsorship of an external organization should obtain a Social Security letter from their sponsor.

To apply for an SSN, students must take all their documents to their local Social Security Administration office in person. This includes original documents that prove their identity, immigration status, and work eligibility, such as a valid passport, valid I-20 or DS-2019, and an I-94 card or electronic I-94 notated "F-1 D/S" or "J-1 D/S." If the student has F-1 status, they must also bring their work permit I-766. J-1 students must provide a letter from their sponsor on sponsor letterhead with an original signature authorizing their employment.

Students can begin working without an SSN, but they must apply for one within 90 days of starting their job. The SSN application process should take about two weeks.

International students may also need to undergo a background check as part of their application process for employment or study. This can include a criminal background check and verification of educational records and credentials. Background checks for international students can be complex, and specialized service providers can help ensure that educational and employment history is verified.

International background check services

Conducting international background checks can be complex due to the involvement of multiple countries, each with its own laws and requirements. For example, in the United States, employers must comply with the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) when conducting background checks, which regulates access to and use of personal information. Similarly, international criminal record checks can be challenging as they require access to law enforcement agencies in other countries.

To navigate these complexities, organisations can partner with specialised service providers, such as Checkr, Sterling, First Advantage, and Certiphi. These companies offer comprehensive international background check services, including identity verification, employment and education verification, criminal record checks, driver's license verification, and more. They have global coverage, in-country expertise, and compliance knowledge to ensure efficient and effective screening processes.

By utilising these international background check services, organisations can make informed decisions, protect their interests, and ensure they are hiring or enrolling eligible and qualified candidates. These services help create a diverse and trusted workforce, fostering a competitive advantage and a safe environment for all stakeholders.

Frequently asked questions