International Background Check

When performing international background checks, there are unique challenges that are to be faced. Every country is entirely different. Techniques and information that we take for granted in the United States are often not available abroad. Outside of the United States, there is limited access to public records and types of information needed for background screenings. Each country has its own laws, customs, and procedures for background screenings. Access to criminal records can be a challenge. In many countries, it is complicated to obtain criminal records. There are parts of the world where such records are not available without retaining a local private investigator that has their own resources.

Language barriers can be a particular challenge when obtaining an international background check. While all foreign investigators utilized by HireSafe can communicate in English, that is not typically their first language. Also, technical words can lead to some confusion. Therefore understanding each other can become an issue while communicating with foreign schools and employers. There can also be language issues in reviewing court documents for criminal record searches. Here at HireSafe, our criminal researchers will provide translations of any court documents.

There are differences in courts and criminal systems around the world. In doing international criminal searches, each country has its own legal codes, definitions of crimes, and court systems. International criminal checks require an understanding of each country's court system. For example, how are criminal records created and maintained, where should searches be conducted, the type of available documents, and their meaning.

International time differences can make communicating challenging with researchers, past employers, and schools, causing delays and contributing to lag time in the reporting process. Each country might also have different means of communication. Although e-mail would be preferable, not all countries have a reliable e-mail system. Instead, we may have to communicate through a fax machine. Challenging delays can also be due to each country's calendar holidays or another internal problem.

For us to efficiently conduct international verifications, it is crucial to have the applicant provide as much information as possible. It is not practical, for example, for an American firm to attempt to call a foreign country to locate the past employer's phone number. HireSafe will typically need permission to contact the applicant directly to obtain any additional necessary information. If HireSafe needs to help an employer arrange for the services of an investigator abroad, then in many countries, payment must be made in that countries' currency. Some investigators require that any or all receive payment in advance.

HireSafe makes payment arrangements through an international wire transfer ($24 to $40) or a foreign currency money order sent by Federal Express.

International background checks usually are more expensive than a comparable investigation in the United States. The pricing can be more reasonable because an employment screening will consist of verifying supplied information. However, even checking the information provided can be expensive for the reasons indicated above. For some countries, there is also a translation fee. Exact fees charged vary by country. In many countries, criminal searches must be conducted in each relevant location where a person has lived, worked, or studied. There are very few countries that have a true "national" or "official" criminal search system. The searches are usually limited to felonies or pressing matters. Even though the methods for international background checks are not perfect, it allows an employer to demonstrate due diligence in the hiring process and discourage applicants with something to hide; this is according to a signed release under the Fair Credit Reporting Act.