International screenings

In Canada, identity verification must be completed for all candidates we obtain a criminal record check for.

Candidates are redirected to the Identity Verification page after completing all steps of the apply flow.

A credit bureau lookup is used to pull 4 knowledge-based questions in a single stage.

When the knowledge-based questions are not completed successfully, the candidate is prompted to upload two images of their ID.

After uploading, the candidate requests video verification and the process continues with live verification or through uploaded videos.

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Acceptable pieces of identification for Canada Identity Verification

A Candidate must provide two (2) valid pieces of identification: A primary card and a secondary card.

PRIMARY pieces of ID

Any government-issued card that includes the Candidate's name, date of birth, signature, and photo.

Examples:

• Driver’s License (issued by Canadian province or territory)
• Foreign Driver’s License
• Canadian Passport
• Foreign Passport
• BC Driver’s Licence and Services Card
• Photo BC Services Card
• Permanent Resident (PR) Card
• Canadian Citizenship Card
• Secure Certificate of Indian Status Card
• Canadian National Institute of The Blind (CNIB) Identification Card
• Federal, Provincial or Municipal Identification Card
• Military Family Card
• Firearms Acquisition Certificate (FAC) or Possession/Acquisition License (PAL)
• Provincial or Territorial Health Cards (1)

SECONDARY pieces of ID

A second “PRIMARY” piece of ID OR a piece of identification from the list below. (Candidate’s name on the secondary piece of ID must match that on the primary ID.)

Examples:

• Government Employment Card
• International Student Card
• Age of Majority Card
• Birth Certificate
• Baptismal Certificate
• Non-Photo BC Services Card
• Hunting License
• Fishing License
• Boating License
• LCBO/Age of Majority Card
• Outdoors Card
• Hospital Card
• Canadian Blood Donor Card
• Immigration Papers
• Student ID
• City/Municipal Library Card
• Utility bill (water, electricity, taxes or Lease agreement showing both name and address will be accepted. To be used only in cases where the Candidate does not have a Secondary piece of ID).

Will NOT be accepted: 

Some examples: Non-Government Employment Card, Social Insurance Number (SIN) card, Credit/Debit Card, Gym member Card, Costco Card, Air Miles Card, etc.

(1) Provincial or Territorial Health Card as Primary ID or Secondary ID: as permitted to be used for identification purposes under provincial law. Government-issued Health card that includes the Candidate's name, date of birth, signature and photo will be accepted if the Candidate volunteers to submit his/her Health Card as a piece of identity and the photocopy of the Health Card number is blacked out before submitting for a criminal background check.

This article contains:

• Document combinations
• Identity documents
• Candidates who have been adopted

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Question

Which identification documents are accepted for United Kingdom background screenings?

Answer

The most common ID documents provided: 

• Driver's license
• Passport
• Residency card

Proof of current home address is also required. One of the following documents must be provided to verify a candidate's current address: 

• Driver's license with current address
• Utility bill
• Bank statement

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Document Combinations

Route 1 (for UK national candidates needing a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS)

The applicant must be able to show the following:

• 1 document from Group 1a, below; and
• 1 further document from either Group 1, Group 2a, or Group 2b, below

The combination of documents presented must confirm the applicant’s name, address, and date of birth (DOB). If this can’t be achieved within 2 documents a third can be selected.

If an applicant is unable to provide this documentation they can’t submit an application for DBS basic check. This is because the right to work in the UK can’t be established.

Route 2 (for UK national candidates needing a DBS check for paid work in the UK)

If the applicant doesn’t have any of the documents in Group 1, they must be able to show:

• 1 document from Group 2a
• 2 further documents from either Group 2a or 2b

The combination of documents presented must confirm the applicant’s name, address, and date of birth.

If an applicant is unable to provide this documentation they can’t submit an application for a DBS basic check.

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Identity Documents

Group 1: Primary identity documents

Group 1a: Primary identity documents for non-UK nationals needing a DBS check for paid work in the UK

• A current passport or passport card showing that the holder is a national of Ireland.
• A current document issued by the Home Office to a family member of an EEA or Swiss citizen, and which indicates that the holder is permitted to stay in the United Kingdom indefinitely.
• A current Biometric Immigration Document (Biometric Residence Permit) issued by the Home Office to the holder indicating that the person named is allowed to stay indefinitely in the UK or has no time limit on their stay in the UK.
• Online evidence of immigration status. Either via the View and Prove service or using the BRP or BRC online service. Issued by the Home Office to the employer or prospective employer, which indicates that the named person may stay in the UK and is permitted to do the work in question. Must be valid. Note: this includes the EUSS digital status confirmation
• A current passport endorsed to show that the holder is exempt from immigration control, is allowed to stay indefinitely in the UK, has the right of abode in the UK, or has no time limit on their stay in the UK.
• A current Immigration Status Document issued by the Home Office to the holder with an endorsement indicating that the named person is allowed to stay indefinitely in the UK or has no time limit on their stay in the UK, together with an official document giving the person’s permanent National Insurance number and their name issued by a Government agency or a previous employer
• A current passport endorsed to show that the holder is allowed to stay in the UK and is currently allowed to do the type of work in question.
• A current Biometric Immigration Document (Biometric Residence Permit) issued by the Home Office to the holder which indicates that the named person can currently stay in the UK and is allowed to do the work in question.
• A current document issued by the Home Office to a family member of an EEA or Swiss citizen, and which indicates that the holder is permitted to stay in the United Kingdom for a time-limited period and to do the type of work in question.
• A frontier worker permit issued under regulation 8 of the Citizens’ Rights (Frontier Workers) (EU Exit) Regulations 2020.
• A current Immigration Status Document containing a photograph issued by the Home Office to the holder with a valid endorsement indicating that the named person may stay in the UK, and is allowed to do the type of work in question, together with an official document giving the person’s permanent National Insurance number and their name issued by a Government agency or a previous employer.
• A document issued by the Home Office showing that the holder has made an application for leave to enter or remain under Appendix EU to the immigration rules on or before 30 June 2021 together with a Positive Verification Notice from the Home Office Employer Checking Service.
• An Application Registration Card issued by the Home Office stating that the holder is permitted to take the employment in question, together with a Positive Verification Notice from the Home Office Employer Checking Service.
• A Positive Verification Notice issued by the Home Office Employer Checking Service to the employer or prospective employer, which indicates that the named person may stay in the UK and is permitted to do the work in question.

Group 2a: Trusted government documents

Group 2b: Financial and social history documents

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Candidates who have been adopted

If a candidate was adopted before the age of 10, they do not need to provide their surname at birth. This is because the age of criminal responsibility is deemed to be 10 years, under the Children and Young Persons Act 1933, Chapter 12, Section 50. This means that there is no possibility that an individual could have a criminal record in a name that was used until the age of 10.

Question

What is the turnaround time (TAT) for non-U.S. screenings?

Answer

Outside the U.S., the average turnaround time for background checks varies by country and search type. For example, global watchlist checks typically take 4 business days, while education and employment verifications usually take 6-8 business days. See below for the average turnaround time for criminal or adverse media background checks by country.

Question

I’m an international (non-US) candidate. How is my information being protected? 

Answer

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). 

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. 

This article will help you understand reimbursement in the following areas:

• Austria in-and-out-of country
• Belgium in-country (no cost for out-of-country)
• Germany in-country (no cost for out-of-country) 
• Netherlands in-country (no cost for out-of-country)  

General Reimbursement Information

Due to privacy laws in certain countries, some candidates are asked to obtain their own criminal certificate. As a result, candidates may request reimbursement for the costs incurred during the process.

To request reimbursement, candidates can do any of the following:

1. Follow the reimbursement request directions sent via email from iCOVER,
2. Email Checkr Support Team, or
3. Respond to a documentation request email from Checkr Candidate Experience. 

The candidate is required to provide the following information via email:

• Proof of payment
• Mailing address

What fees are eligible for reimbursement?

• Certificate fee
• Postage fee
• Notary fee

Candidates are reimbursed in the form of a check within 10-14 days. 

Austria In-Country Reimbursement 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: 

1. 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”)
2. 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:

Candidates may request reimbursement from support@i-covereurope.com or from the Checkr Support Team. Candidates should wait 48 hours before requesting reimbursement. This allows time for the request to appear in iCOVER’s system. 

• Email iCOVER at support@i-covereurope.com or the Checkr Support Team with the following information:  
  1. Proof of payment
  2. Mailing address

Email to the candidate for the Austrian in-country process

Austria Out-of-Country Reimbursement Process

How to Request a Criminal Certificate: 

1. Candidates must apply at the closest Austrian Consulate in person. The application form will be completed by the candidate at the consulate, and their signature will be authenticated.
2. 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
3. After applying for your certificate, you may submit a request for reimbursement for the cost of the certificate, postage, and notary. 

How to Request a Criminal Certificate Fee Reimbursement:

Candidates may request reimbursement from support@i-covereurope.com or from the Checkr Support Team. Candidates should wait 48 hours before requesting reimbursement. This allows time for the request to appear in iCOVER’s system. 

• Email iCOVER at support@i-covereurope.com or the Checkr Support Team with the following information:  
  1. Proof of payment
  2. Mailing address

Email to the candidate for the Austrian out-of-country process:

Belgium In-Country Reimbursement 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 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:

There are directions in the email sent from iCOVER for reimbursement of the cost of the certificate, postage, and notary. Candidates may request reimbursement from support@i-covereurope.com or from the Checkr Support Team. Candidates should wait 48 hours before requesting reimbursement. This allows time for the request to appear in iCOVER’s system.  

• Email iCOVER at support@i-covereurope.com or the Checkr Support Team with the following information:  
  1. Proof of payment
  2. Mailing address

Email to the candidate for Belgium in-country process:

Germany In-Country Reimbursement 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 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:

There are directions in the email sent from iCOVER for reimbursement of the cost of the certificate, postage, and notary. Candidates may request reimbursement from support@i-covereurope.com or from the Checkr Support Team. Candidates should wait 48 hours before requesting reimbursement. This allows time for the request to appear in iCOVER’s system. 

• Email iCOVER at support@i-covereurope.com or the Checkr Support Team with the following information:  
  1. Proof of payment
  2. Mailing address

Email to the candidate for Germany in-country process:

The Netherlands In-Country Reimbursement 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:

The candidate must request the refund. Neither Checkr nor iCOVER will contact the candidate to begin the refund process. 

• Email iCOVER at support@i-covereurope.com or the Checkr Support Team with the following information:  

1. 1. 1. Proof of payment
      2. Mailing address

Email to the candidate for the Netherlands in-country process:

Answer

This language you see during the background check process is determined by the work location selected by the organization with 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 Apply Flow: 

• English
• French (+ Canadian dialect)
• Spanish (+ Mexican dialect)
• German

To adjust the language displayed within the background check application or Candidate Portal, select from the dropdown located in the top, right corner of the screen.

This article will help you understand:

• What is Identity Document Validation (IDV)?
• How do I complete Identity Document Validation (IDV)?
• Why am I being asked to provide a new photo of my identification?
• How long does Identity Document Validation (IDV) take to complete?

What is Identity Document Validation (IDV)?

Identity Document Validation (IDV) is often requested as a component of international screenings and verifies the provided passport, national ID, or driver’s license is authentic and validly in circulation. 

How do I complete Identity Document Validation (IDV)?

If your international background check includes Identity Document Validation (IDV), you will be prompted to upload either your national identification, driver’s license, or passport when completing the screening invitation. 

When uploading your identification please consider the following:

• Identification must be valid and unexpired
• The uploaded image must include both your photo and your signature
• All four edges of the card or page must be displayed
• When uploading a National ID and driver’s license images of the front and back are required
• When uploading a Passport images of the photo page and the signature page are required 

Why am I being asked to provide a new photo of my identification?

You may be asked to provide a new photo of your identification when we have not been able to verify the identity document you previously uploaded. This can happen as a result of image quality or if a file is corrupted. Please ensure that you're providing a clear, legible image and that you can read the information in the photograph of the document clearly before submitting it.

If you are taking a photo of a document or license, please turn your flash off to ensure that the image is not distorted by the light or reflective material on the document.

How long does Identity Document Validation (IDV) take to complete?

The standard turnaround time for validation of national identification is 3-5 days. Passports provide the quickest turnaround time with results in 1-2 days.