Douglas Olsen
International background checks are an important tool for employers and educational institutions to verify the credentials of candidates and students. These checks can include employment history, designation and time period accuracy, recommendation authenticity, and educational details. Criminal record checks are also a component, particularly for employment, and are conducted through law enforcement agencies. In the case of international students, an F1 visa indicates that a basic background check has been performed, and some students may possess an SSN, enabling a more comprehensive background check. International background checks can be complex due to data protection laws and varying local laws and restrictions, but they are essential for security and ensuring eligibility.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose | To verify an international student's background before hiring, enrolling, or renting to them |
| Scope | Criminal records, employment history, education details, and credentials |
| Visa Status | F-1 and J-1 visa holders may have already undergone a background check and may be exempt from additional checks |
| Data Protection | Compliance with local and international data protection laws, such as the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) in the US |
| Platforms | Checkr, Hireright, consumer reporting agencies |
| Timeframe | International background checks may take longer than domestic checks |
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What You'll Learn
Criminal record checks
Determining the Need for a Criminal Record Check
Firstly, it is important to determine whether a criminal record check is necessary for the specific situation. This can depend on the country of interest and the requirements of the educational institution or visa application process. Some countries, such as the UK, may require criminal record checks for certain visa categories or employment sectors, such as health, education, or social care.
Identifying the Issuing Authority
The authority responsible for issuing criminal record checks can vary by country. In some cases, it may be the local police department, while in others, it could be a dedicated criminal records office or a government agency. For example, in the UK, the ACRO Criminal Records Office (ACRO) issues police certificates, also known as "Certificates of Good Character."
Understanding the Application Process
The application process for criminal record checks can vary by country and issuing authority. In some cases, applicants may need to submit their personal information, including name, date and place of birth, and fingerprints. The application may also require authentication, especially if the record check is intended for use in a foreign country. It is essential to carefully follow the instructions provided by the issuing authority to ensure a smooth application process.
Verifying International Criminal History
Understanding the Results
The results of a criminal record check will vary depending on the issuing authority and the format of the report. In some cases, the report may include complete conviction history, including "spent" and "unspent" convictions. It may also include information about offenses committed in foreign countries, provided that this information has been disclosed to the issuing country through existing information exchange mechanisms.
Obtaining a criminal record check as an international student can be a detailed process, and it is always recommended to refer to the specific guidelines provided by the educational institution or visa application process in question. Additionally, staying informed about the local laws, restrictions, and cultural considerations related to background checks in the country of interest is crucial.
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Employment history
Employment verification is a critical component of safe and responsible hiring practices. It is a part of the standard background check procedure for employment. It involves confirming the dates of employment and titles held for a candidate's last three domestic or international employers. Reports may include employer name, dates of employment, position or title held, employment gaps, comments, and salary when available. Past employers are contacted to conduct the verification.
International background checks for employment can be challenging due to the unique laws surrounding background checks and the use of personal information in different countries. In nations where third-party access to criminal record information is restricted, adverse media checks can be performed to access public sanctions lists, media sources, and other public and private record repositories.
In the US, employers must comply with the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) when partnering with a consumer reporting agency to conduct a domestic or international background check for employment. The FCRA regulates who can access information about a candidate's credit report and other personal information, how the information is collected, what information appears on a background check, and how background checks are used. When screening international candidates, employers must adhere to any applicable international data protection laws.
In some cases, an international background check may include a global watchlist search to determine whether a candidate is listed on a domestic or international watchlist for criminal activity or sanctions. This search checks international, government, and regulatory databases, including the FBI and Interpol's most wanted lists, OFAC and Department of State sanctions lists, and more.
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Education verification
Conducting an education verification check on an international student can be a complex process due to differing local laws, restrictions, and cultural considerations. However, it is an essential step to ensure that an applicant's educational background is legitimate and to protect your organisation from any potential issues arising from unqualified candidates.
An education verification check typically involves contacting the academic institution that granted the diploma, degree, or certificate to confirm its validity. This may include verifying the highest degree obtained, as well as confirming other significant academic events. It is important to note that the availability of records and details about academic experiences can vary depending on the country and the specific institution.
To facilitate this process, there are online verification services, such as the National Student Clearinghouse, that provide instant, 24/7 verification of educational credentials. These services have partnerships with educational institutions worldwide and are trusted sources for employers and background screeners. They can verify high school diplomas, college enrolments, and degrees, freeing your staff from having to manually verify each credential.
Additionally, there are specialised companies, such as Checkr and trustHR, that offer international education verification services. These companies have access to global sources and integrate them into their platforms to provide accurate and fast results. They can verify educational qualifications from over 190 to 200 countries, depending on the company, and help combat fake degrees and diploma mills.
It is important to be consistent in your organisation's screening policy and conduct education verification checks for all new hires to ensure a complete understanding of their qualifications and to protect your company, customers, and employees.
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Credit history
International students often face the challenge of establishing a credit history in their host country, which can impact their ability to rent an apartment or access certain financial services. While credit checks are typically not required for international students during the admissions process, building a positive credit history can be beneficial for various reasons. Here are some ways international students can establish and understand their credit history:
Understanding Credit History:
Building Credit History as an International Student:
International students can take several steps to build their credit history:
- On-Campus Employment: Many international students are restricted to working on campus due to visa limitations. Getting a student job at the university, such as a teaching assistant or student helper, can provide a source of income and help establish credit history. On-campus employment can provide a Social Security Number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN), which are crucial for building credit.
- Secured Credit Cards: Applying for a secured credit card is often the first step for international students with no credit history. These cards require a cash deposit as collateral, and they typically have lower credit limits and higher fees than regular credit cards. By using the card responsibly and making timely payments, students can build their credit scores and eventually qualify for unsecured credit cards.
- Traditional Credit Cards: Some financial institutions, such as Discover and Bank of America, offer credit cards to international students with no or limited credit history requirements. However, these cards may have additional restrictions, such as maintaining a high bank balance or providing proof of financial aid from relatives with US citizenship.
- Student Loans: International students can also consider applying for loans, although this option may be less feasible due to interest rates and collateral requirements. FinTech start-ups like Westbon specialize in providing loans, including car loans, specifically for international students.
Accessing Credit Reports:
International students can access their credit reports through platforms like AnnualCreditReport to verify their credit history and ensure its accuracy. It is important to safeguard personal information and only provide it to reputable sources.
Building credit history as an international student can be challenging, but with persistence and responsible financial behaviour, it is achievable. These steps can help international students establish a solid financial foundation during their time in their host country.
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Visa status
International students often have to go through background checks when applying for visas to study in a foreign country. One example of this is the F1 visa for studying in the USA, which requires a background check to determine the student's eligibility for the visa. This includes a personal interview, online activity profiling, and a criminal background check. The F1 visa is a non-immigrant visa, meaning it is not meant for permanent migration.
The F1 visa background check also includes verifying the student's educational qualifications and credentials. This can be a complex task, especially when the target country has more protective employment background check laws. However, there are organisations that specialise in international criminal background checks and can verify identity and educational claims. These agencies have access to international databases and contacts with different countries to perform these checks.
In some cases, international students may already have undergone a background check as part of their visa application process, which can include a criminal record check. For example, J1 and F1 visa holders in the USA will have already gone through a certain level of background screening. Landlords who wish to perform additional background checks on international students may find it challenging to access credit history, criminal history, and eviction records, especially if the student has recently arrived in the country.
It is recommended that international students applying for a US visa do so at a US embassy or consulate, preferably in their country of citizenship. They will need to schedule a visa appointment and may be required to participate in a visa interview, during which they will be asked about their intended field of study, post-graduation plans, and attachment to their home country.
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Frequently asked questions
Background checks are done to verify an international student's employment history, educational background, and criminal records. It ensures that only eligible students get enrolled in the institute.
There are two types of background checks performed on international students: criminal background checks and employment background checks. Criminal background checks involve verifying an individual's criminal records across borders. Employment background checks confirm attendance dates, degrees, diplomas, and employment history.
There are background check agencies that offer global background check services. These agencies have access to law enforcement agencies in other countries to perform international criminal record checks.
The requirements vary depending on the country and type of background check. For criminal background checks in the US, live scan fingerprinting is submitted to the FBI or local law enforcement agency. For employment background checks, a copy of the student's I-20 (F-1 students) or DS-2019 (J-1 student) is required to fill out the I-9 form.
