How long does an international background check take?
International background checks typically take longer than background checks for US-based candidates. Expected turnaround time (TAT) can also vary based on the types of checks selected in your background check package. For a full list of TATs for international screenings, visit the international pricing guide.
Can I order an international background check for a minor?
No, international background checks are unavailable for candidates under the age of 18.
How do I order a background check on a US candidate who lives internationally?
To order a report for a US candidate working outside of the US, you must order an international search.
Note that standard international packages include five years of address history. To change this lookback period, contact Checkr support.
How can my candidate change the language of their background check application?
Candidates can adjust the language displayed within the background check invitation by scrolling to the bottom of the first page and clicking the language button.
The default language a candidate sees during the background check process is determined by the work location selected during the invitation process. Each background check invitation sent via email will also contain a version in English, which can be viewed by scrolling down through the email invitation itself.
Checkr currently offers the following languages within the Candidate Portal and application process:
- English
- French/Français (+ Canada dialect)
- Spanish/Español (+ European dialect)
- German/Deutsch
Candidates may also change the language they see within the Candidate Portal by selecting the language from the dropdown located in the top right corner of the screen.
Where can I check the status of international operations, such as outages and closures?
The Checkr International Data Status page documents closures, planned and unplanned outages, and other incidents that may occur regarding international sources.
Customers may select “SUBSCRIBE TO UPDATES” in the upper right corner of the page to receive email notifications whenever Checkr International Data Status creates, updates, or resolves an incident.
How do I order an international package?
Note
If your Checkr account is integrated with a partner, international background checks might be unavailable. To determine whether your account supports this feature, contact Checkr.
To get started:
- In the Checkr Dashboard, select "Order background check."
- Select the country in which you’re hiring.
- Enter your candidate's email address, and select Continue.
- Select the applicable international package and select Continue.
If you don't see any international packages available on your account, contact Checkr.
For more information about international packages and pricing, please refer to the following articles:
Are there additional information and documentation requirements for non-US candidates?
Each country has its own laws and regulations relating to running background checks and what information is required. For this reason, some countries will ask for more information compared to the US.
Some countries that require extra steps from both customers and candidates include the following:
|
Country |
Requirement |
|
Australia |
Australia assigns numerical values to different forms of identity documents. Candidates must submit multiple IDs that add up to at least 100 points. Please see the Australia National Police Check Application for instructions and details. |
|
Belgium |
In-country candidates must complete instructions sent to them by email for Criminal checks. |
|
France |
Candidates must respond to an email asking them to confirm the Criminal Check. When it is complete, they will receive a copy of their report, which they must then upload to the Checkr Candidate Portal for processing. Learn more. |
|
Germany |
Candidates will receive an email with further instructions. In-country candidates must visit their local town hall to request a criminal record certificate. Out-of-country candidates must have their application notarized and then mail it to a US address. Learn more. |
|
Netherlands |
Candidates will be sent a copy of their certificate, which they must then upload to the Checkr Candidate Portal for processing. Out-of-country candidates will not be notified by phone or by email; they will simply receive the certificate. In-country candidates will be notified by email and will be mailed the certificate directly. Learn more. |
|
Norway |
Candidates must contact the authorities in Norway directly to obtain a police certificate of conduct, which they must then upload to the Checkr Candidate Portal for processing. Information for obtaining this certificate can be found here. |
|
United Kingdom |
Candidates are required to complete digital identity verification. If a candidate does not pass or chooses to opt out, customers must verify their identity and submit a UK Document Declaration form for the candidate. Information about the UK Document Declaration form can be found here. |
Please consult your legal counsel if you have further questions regarding your compliance obligations and best practices.
I'm receiving an error message when trying to initiate an international background check. What does this error mean?
Note
If your Checkr account is integrated with a partner, international background checks might be unavailable. To determine whether your account supports this feature, contact Checkr.
Error: International package cannot be used
What it means: You're attempting to send a candidate the Pure International package (Ex. International Criminal with Verifications) but have identified their work location as the United States.
Possible Solution: Verify the candidate’s work location, i.e. the location where they will be performing work. If the candidate is performing work in the United States, you will need to request a domestic package, not an international package.
_____________________
Error: International package is required
What it means: You're attempting to send a candidate a Domestic package (ex. Pro Criminal) but have identified their work location as outside of the United States.
Possible Solution: Verify the candidate’s work location, i.e. where the candidate is performing work. If the work location is international, you will need to request an international package, not a domestic package.
Disclaimer: This does not constitute and is not intended to be construed as legal advice. Please consult your legal counsel regarding your compliance obligations and best practices.
How does GDPR apply to international background checks?
The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) went into effect on May 25, 2018. It is a set of protections for individuals located within the EU and is intended to keep their data secure. GDPR applies to all individuals located within the EU. This means that any person, regardless of their citizenship, who has their personal data collected while located in the EU, receives the protections granted under GDPR. A similar law in the United Kingdom, the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR), protects individuals located within the UK.
Data Processing Laws: We process candidate information and background report information consistent with applicable law and our Privacy Policy. We also require our service providers to comply with applicable laws, including the GDPR and UK GDPR.
Data Protection Addendum (DPA): We ask customers to enter into a Data Protection Addendum (DPA) with Checkr to help protect candidate information and comply with international legal obligations. Our DPA includes the EU and UK standard contractual clauses for data transfers outside the EU and UK, respectively. Checkr is a processor of international candidate data. We process such data in accordance with local laws and our Privacy Policy, including responding to data subjects’ requests. We require our service providers to comply with applicable local laws, including the GDPR and the UK GDPR.
EU/UK data subjects and GDPR/UK GDPR: Our Privacy Policy sets forth our processing activities for personal data related to EU and UK data subjects.
Background Check Report Content: Other countries’ privacy laws are often stricter than US laws, meaning there may be less information available in other countries.
Report Permissibility: Certain countries do not permit background checks, and Checkr may not learn whether a background check is permitted by that particular country until we receive a response from the applicable government. If a report is not permitted, you will not be charged for the background check.
What is the candidate experience for non-US checks?
The overall candidate experience is similar to our United States checks. Notable differences include:
1. The candidate's email invitation and application may be displayed in an alternate language based on the work location or country chosen by the customer when ordering the report. The dropdown menu in the top-right corner allows candidates to display a different language. Available languages include:
- English
- French/Français (+ Canada dialect)
- Spanish/Español (+ European dialect)
- German/Deutsch
2. Candidates generally must take more steps to consent to a non-US background check than to consent to a US background check. Checkr, and possibly a government agency from the candidate's country of residence or employment, may contact the candidate for additional consent. The turnaround time of the background check often depends on how quickly the candidate responds to these consent requests. A valid national ID is required.
3. There are different portals available to track the progress of a candidate's check and access their completed report. Which portal they use depends on their location:
- US Candidate Portal: Used when the candidate’s work location is based in the United States
- International Candidate Portal: Used when the candidate’s work location is based in a country other than the US, Philippines, or Singapore
- Philippines/Singapore Candidate Portal: Used when the candidate’s work location is based in the Philippines or Singapore
Candidates can also contact Checkr Candidate Support with any questions about a pending non-US background check or for a copy of the report.
Examples of the candidate application
Generic non-US welcome screen