Frequently asked questions
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How long does a non-US background check take? >
Outside the US, the average turnaround time (TAT) for background checks varies by country and search type. For example, global watchlist searches typically take 4 business days, while education and employment verifications usually take 6-8 business days. Refer to Checkr's International Pricing and Turnaround Time page for a list of common turnaround times for Checkr’s most frequently requested countries.
Note
Turnaround time begins after Checkr receives all forms and information from the candidate.
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I’m a non-US candidate. How is my information being protected? >
Checkr processes candidate information and background report information consistent with applicable law and our Privacy Policy. The law that applies to your data generally depends on your location. We also require our service providers to comply with applicable law, including the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR).
The GDPR went into effect on May 25, 2018. GDPR 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, UK GDPR, protects individuals located within the UK.
Criminal report details vary by country. Please refer to Screenings by Country for more information on what charges are reviewed.
Related article:
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How do I request a criminal certificate, and how do I get the certificate fee reimbursed? >
This article will help you understand reimbursement in the following areas:
- Austria in-country
- Austria out-of country
- Belgium in-country (no cost for out-of-country)
- Germany in-country
- The Netherlands in-country (no cost for out-of-country)
General reimbursement information
Several countries require candidates to obtain their own criminal records because of privacy laws. Due to this, candidates may request reimbursement for fees incurred during the application process.
Candidates obtaining background checks in Austria, Germany out-of-country, and the Netherlands in-country must request a refund. Neither Checkr nor iCOVER will contact the candidate to begin the refund process.
Note
iCOVER is a vendor partnered with Checkr to complete background checks globally.
To request reimbursement, candidates can do any of the following:
- Follow the reimbursement request directions sent via email from iCOVER,
- Submit the reimbursement request to the Checkr Support Team, or
- Respond to a documentation request email from Checkr Candidate Experience.
It is recommended that candidates wait 48 hours before requesting reimbursement. This allows time for the request to appear in iCOVER's system.
The candidate is required to provide the following information via email:
- Proof of payment
- International Bank Account Number (IBAN)
- SWIFT/Bank Identifier Code (BIC)
- Name of the account holder
What fees are eligible for reimbursement?
- Certificate fee
- Postage fee
- Notary fee
The money is reimbursed directly to the candidate’s bank account generally within 1 week.
Austria in-country Criminal Record Certificate Application Process
The candidate is advised in the email from iCOVER (applicant@icover-services.com) that they will be reimbursed for the cost of the certificate, postage, and notary.
How to Request a Criminal Certificate:
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The candidate must apply in person at either:
- The Police Department in the main city; or
- The mayor’s office in the smaller towns/villages (or “Strafregister”)
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The candidate must provide the following:
- A copy of the application form;
- A copy of the candidate’s ID; and
- Payment for the certificate issuance fee
How to Request a Criminal Certificate Fee Reimbursement:
For information on requesting a criminal certificate fee reimbursement, refer to the General Reimbursement Information section of this article.
Email to the candidate for the Austrian in-country process
Austria out-of-country Criminal Record Certificate Application Process
How to Request a Criminal Certificate:
- Candidates must apply in person at the closest Austrian Consulate. The candidate will complete the application form at the consulate, and their signature will be authenticated.
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The candidate must provide the following:
- A copy of the application form;
- A copy of the candidate’s ID; and
- Payment for the certificate issuance fee
- After applying for your certificate, you may request reimbursement for the cost of the certificate, postage, and notary.
How to Request a Criminal Certificate Fee Reimbursement:
For information on requesting a criminal certificate fee reimbursement, refer to the General Reimbursement Information section of this article.
Email to the candidate for the Austrian out-of-country process:
Belgium in-country Criminal Record Certificate Application Process (no cost for out-of-country)
How to Request a Criminal Certificate:
iCOVER will send an email via applicant@icover-services.com within 24-48 hours of the background check invitation being accepted. This email will contain instructions on where candidates can apply for their certificates. If the candidate has an electronic ID, they may apply online.
How to Request a Criminal Certificate Fee Reimbursement:
For information on requesting a criminal certificate fee reimbursement, refer to the General Reimbursement Information section of this article.
Email to the candidate for Belgium in-country process:
Germany in-country Criminal Record Certificate Application Process
How to Request a Criminal Certificate:
iCOVER will send an email via applicant@icover-services.com within 24-48 hours of the background check invitation being accepted. This email will contain instructions on where the candidate can apply for their certificate. If the candidate has an electronic ID, they may apply online.
How to Request a Criminal Certificate Fee Reimbursement:
For information on requesting a criminal certificate fee reimbursement, refer to the General Reimbursement Information section of this article.
Email to the candidate for Germany in-country process:
The Netherlands in-country Criminal Record Certificate Application Process (no cost for out-of-country)
How to Request a Criminal Certificate:
After submitting the background check application, the Dutch Ministry of Justice (COVOG) will contact the candidate directly via email from vog.np.rni@minvenj.nl within 48 - 72 hours of the background check invitation being accepted to confirm their application. Please allow 48 - 72 hours.
How to Request a Criminal Certificate Fee Reimbursement:
For information on requesting a criminal certificate fee reimbursement, refer to the General Reimbursement Information section of this article.
For the Netherlands, specifically, candidates will be reimbursed for the cost of the certificate, postage, and notary.
Email to the candidate for the Netherlands in-country process:
The Norwegian Authorities require individuals to request their own certificate and no longer allow third parties to request or obtain the Norwegian certificate (police certificate or “politiattest”) on behalf of the candidate.
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If I work in the US, why am I filling out information for a background check outside of the US? >
Checkr currently offers an out-of-country history option that can be added to the US criminal searches and verifications below. This option is often applied for candidates who will perform their work inside the US but who have an address history outside the US.
- Criminal search outside the US
- Adverse media search
- Education verification
- Employment verification
- Global watchlist search
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If I already have a Criminal Certificate, can I submit it instead of applying for a new one? >
Yes, if the Criminal Certificate was issued within the last 90 days. Submit the request to Checkr Candidate Support Team.
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What do I need to know about International Motor Vehicle Reports with History (IMVR with History)? >
Select a question below to learn more.
International MVR with History expands on International MVR to include driver history information such as convictions, violations, and conditions. IMVR with History is currently available to candidates with a Canadian work location and Canadian driver’s license.
You must provide the following information:
- Your full name (Last Name, First Name, Middle Name)
- Country of issue
- Province of issue
- Driver License number
- License Class
- License expiration date
- Photo of your license
- Provincial-specific forms, if applicable
- You will encounter these forms during the application process.
- Download and complete the necessary form(s). Then, upload the completed form(s) directly to the application.
Note: When uploading your license, please consider the following:
- Licenses must be valid and unexpired
- The uploaded image must include both your photo and your signature
- The uploaded image must be easily readable and cannot be blurry
- All four edges of the card or page must be displayed
Most motor vehicle violations are not criminal violations. However, some violations can fall under the criminal code in Canada. Such offenses may include but are not limited to:
- Criminal negligence in the operation of a motor vehicle
- Driving while prohibited
- Engaging police in a pursuit
- Failing to provide a breath sample
- Dangerous driving
- Failing to stop after an accident
- Causing bodily harm or death
- Impaired driving
The average turnaround time varies depending on the location but ranges from hours to weeks. Here are the general turnaround times by province:
- British Columbia: 10 business days
- Alberta: N/A - must be provided by the candidate
- Saskatchewan: 2 business days
- Manitoba: 15 business days
- Ontario: 1 business day
- Quebec: 45-60 business days
- New Brunswick: 2 business days
- Newfoundland and Labrador: 5 business days
- Nova Scotia: 1-2 days
- Prince Edward Island: 3 business days
- Yukon: 5 business days
- Northwest Territories: 10 business days
- Nunavut: 10 business days
Contact the candidate support team and specify that you are reaching out regarding a Drivers Abstract - IMVR in Canada.
The estimated turnaround time for provinces outside of Quebec is less than 30 days. If more time has elapsed, contact the support team and request that they investigate the cause of the delay.
Yes, a copy of the document issued by the corresponding licensing center will be uploaded to the report and visible to clients and candidates.
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How can I change the language of my background check application? >
The language you see during the background check process is determined by the work location selected by the organization to which you applied. Your background check invitation sent via email will also contain a version in English, which you can view 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
Related article:
To change the language on the background check application or Candidate Portal, select a language from the dropdown menu in the screen's top right corner. Reports downloaded from the Candidate Portal are also available in the language chosen during the application.