Frequently asked questions

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.

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.

To get started:

1. In the Checkr Dashboard, click Order background check.
2. Select the country in which you’re hiring.
3. Select the applicable international package.
4. Enter your candidate's email address and click Send invitations.

For more information about international packages and pricing, please refer to the following articles:  

• Help me understand Checkr packages
• What are the fees for international screenings?

International background checks typically take longer than screenings for US-based candidates. Expected turnaround time (TAT) can also vary based on the types of checks selected in your background check package. The table below lists common turnaround times for Checkr’s most frequently requested countries. For a full list of TATs for international screenings, visit the international pricing guide. 

Some US-based workers may be waiting to receive Social Security Numbers (SSNs) from the Social Security Administration; for example, legal permanent residents who are waiting to receive their SSNs.  This means that it may be difficult to run a US-based screening since limited data will exist for the candidate.

If they recently came from a non-US country, you can run an international package by selecting the country that the candidate came from as an alternative approach.

Related article: 

• What if a candidate does not have a Social Security Number?

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. 

The overall candidate experience is similar to our United States checks. Notable differences include:

1. The candidate email invitation and apply flow may display 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 screening(s) 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 apply-flow

Generic non-US welcome screen

Australia

Canada

France

Germany

United Kingdom

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. 

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: 

Please consult your legal counsel if you have further questions regarding your compliance obligations and best practices. 

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.