{"id":52387,"date":"2024-10-23T04:41:57","date_gmt":"2024-10-23T03:41:57","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/gogoespana.com\/?p=52387"},"modified":"2024-10-23T04:41:58","modified_gmt":"2024-10-23T03:41:58","slug":"how-to-get-background-check","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/gogoespana.com\/en\/blog\/how-to-get-background-check\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Get a Background Check | Criminal Records"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>Sometimes referred to as a certificate of criminal record (<strong>Certificado de Antecedentes Penales<\/strong>), a background check is required for numerous reasons for travelers abroad.<\/p>\n<p>Furthermore, some countries refer to background checks as a police clearance certificate or a national police check.<\/p>\n<p>In any case, these background checks are a necessary step to complete for those hoping to visit, live, or study abroad in another country for a lengthy period of time.<\/p>\n<p>Wondering how to obtain one? Luckily, <strong>Go! Go! Espa\u00f1a <\/strong>is here to help.<\/p>\n<p>We\u2019ll explore the steps on how you can get a background check in a variety of different countries.<\/p>\n<p>Anyone from digital nomads to those working to <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/gogoespana.com\/en\/blog\/where-to-find-a-spanish-immigration-lawyer\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">obtain Spanish citizenship<\/a><\/strong> can benefit from understanding the background check process.<\/p>\n<p>Keep reading as we explore the different processes and procedures behind background checks around the globe.<\/p>\n<h2><strong>Background Check USA<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p data-pm-slice=\"1 1 []\">First things first, at Go! Go! Espa\u00f1a, we partner with an external provider that can take care of your FBI Background Check in the US.<\/p>\n<p data-pm-slice=\"1 1 []\">You can <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/gogoespana.com\/en\/forms\/fbi-background-check-and-apostille-request-international\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">find all the details and submit your request right here<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p>Whether teaching, studying, or simply <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/gogoespana.com\/en\/accommodation-in-spain\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">living abroad<\/a><\/strong>, U.S. citizens are generally recommended to obtain their criminal background check through the FBI.<\/p>\n<p>The FBI recently changed the background check naming convention <strong>to Identity History Summary Check<\/strong> (IHSC).<\/p>\n<p>A US criminal record check, colloquially called a \u201c<strong>rap sheet<\/strong>\u201d, lists specific information related to criminal history.<\/p>\n<p>To complete the IHSC, those in the U.S. will need to apply by following the instructions on the official government website.<\/p>\n<p>The instructions for obtaining this are listed on the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.edo.cjis.gov\/#\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>IdHSC website<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>An overview on these instructions are as follows:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Complete the information requested on the application<\/li>\n<li>Confirm preference for how you\u2019d like to receive your application status<\/li>\n<li>Submit your fingerprints<\/li>\n<li>Remit appropriate payment amount<\/li>\n<li>Wait for your results via your preferred method of communication<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>When completing your IHSC request electronically, you can also submit your fingerprints electronically.<\/p>\n<p>You can complete this step at 192 different U.S. <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.edo.cjis.gov\/#\/org\/USPS\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Post Office locations<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p>The cost for the process is $18.00 per person.<\/p>\n<p>In the event you&#8217;d prefer to work with a vendor, FBI-approved channelers also exist.<\/p>\n<p>FBI channelers assist with the submission of your background check request by proxy.<\/p>\n<p>FBI channelers are private vendors that work on your behalf to forward your information to the appropriate channels.<\/p>\n<h2><strong>Background Check UK<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>Background checks in the UK often receive a name of <strong>criminal record checks<\/strong> or <strong>police clearance certificates<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p>If you enter a search for \u2018police clearance certificate UK\u2019 or \u2018criminal record check UK\u2019, you will likely receive directions to contact <strong>ACRO<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p>ACRO is the national UK office that manages related criminal record information.<\/p>\n<p>It provides a variety of services to confirm checks to criminal records.<\/p>\n<p>Depending on where you reside in the United Kingdom, three separate organizations exist to provide these particular checks.<\/p>\n<p>These organizations are:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Access Northern Ireland<\/li>\n<li>Disclosure Scotland<\/li>\n<li>Disclosure and Barring Service<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>The provider used in the list above will depend on the nature of the criminal record check you\u2019re requesting.<\/p>\n<h3><strong>Criminal Record Check UK<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>I.e., if a UK citizen applies for a job overseas to work in Spain as a teacher in a British school, they will need a specific criminal records check known as an ICPC.<\/p>\n<p>The ICPC, or the <strong>International Child Protection Certificate<\/strong>, is a criminal records check for any past or present UK resident.<\/p>\n<p>Many schools and other organizations across the globe use the ICPC.<\/p>\n<p>It is part of a system check meant for those who will be working with children overseas.<\/p>\n<p>It confirms criminal history and non-conviction data.<\/p>\n<p>This <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cobis.org.uk\/services\/safeguarding-in-schools\/safer-recruitment\/the-international-child-protection-certificate\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>ICPC is stated<\/strong><\/a> as being roughly similar to a disclosure and barring service certificate.<\/p>\n<p>However, an ICPC is generally easier for employers to obtain.<\/p>\n<p>Alternately, if you are applying for your visa, you\u2019ll likely be requesting a <strong>police certificate.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Whichever relevant service is required, you can navigate to the ACRO <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.acro.police.uk\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">criminal records office<\/a><\/strong> website.<\/p>\n<p>Lastly, you can apply for the relevant background check through the various email links provided.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-40592 size-large\" src=\"https:\/\/gogoespana.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/1-1024x572.jpg\" alt=\"background check\" width=\"798\" height=\"446\" \/><\/p>\n<h2><strong>Criminal Records Ireland<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>Those needing to complete a background check in Ireland might hear the term <strong>police certificate<\/strong> used more frequently.<\/p>\n<p>The process for obtaining a police certificate is fairly straightforward.<\/p>\n<p>In order to obtain a police certificate, you\u2019ll need to apply in person at the <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.garda.ie\/en\/contact-us\/station-directory\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Garda station<\/a><\/strong> (police station) nearest to you.<\/p>\n<p>The Garda, or <strong>Garda S\u00edoch\u00e1na, <\/strong>is the <strong>national police and security service<\/strong> of Ireland.<\/p>\n<p>To <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.garda.ie\/en\/about-us\/online-services\/data-protection-foi-police-certificates\/an-garda-siochana-police-certificate-application-form-feb-2022.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">apply for a police certificate<\/a><\/strong> you\u2019ll fill out your application with some basic information.<\/p>\n<p>E.g., your reason for applying and your current address information.<\/p>\n<p>Relevant information must be provided in conjunction with your application, i.e.:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Visa application documentation (if applicable)<\/li>\n<li>Passport copy<\/li>\n<li>Proof of address<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Another key point to keep in mind that <strong>your document <em>must <\/em>be notarized<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p>If you receive your document without a notary, you must consequently return to the Garda to have it notarized in person.<\/p>\n<p>Your certificate remains valid for 12 months.<\/p>\n<p>Requesting parties receive their police certificate <strong>free of charge<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<h3><strong>Apostilled Documents<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>It\u2019s important to keep in mind that many organizations require background check documentation to be either <strong>authenticated<\/strong> or <strong>apostilled<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p>To have your background check apostilled in Ireland, you\u2019ll need to <strong>provide a cover letter<\/strong> with the following information:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Name<\/li>\n<li>Phone number<\/li>\n<li>Contact information<\/li>\n<li>Return address<\/li>\n<li>Payment<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>In addition, you\u2019ll need to provide the country information in which you intend to use the apostilled background check.<\/p>\n<p>An apostille stamp in Ireland will cost <strong>\u20ac40 per stamp<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<h2><strong>Background Check Canada<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>Canadian background checks get split into three different categories i.e.:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Criminal record check<\/li>\n<li>Police information check<\/li>\n<li>Vulnerable sector check<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Generally, those who will be working with children will need to obtain a vulnerable sector check.<\/p>\n<p>Whichever category you fall into, to obtain your background check, you\u2019ll need to visit the <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rcmp-grc.gc.ca\/en\/where-do-get-a-criminal-record-check\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">local police service<\/a><\/strong> in your area.<\/p>\n<p>There you will provide fingerprints and your application in order to certify your criminal record check.<\/p>\n<p>Additionally, you can submit your <strong>criminal record check<\/strong> application if you\u2019re located outside of Canada.<\/p>\n<p>You\u2019ll first want to contact the appropriate authorized agency to obtain fingerprint copies.<\/p>\n<p>Authorized agencies include:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Police services<\/li>\n<li>Embassies<\/li>\n<li>Private fingerprinting vendors<\/li>\n<li>Public notaries<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>From there, you will contact the appropriate agency to complete your application.<\/p>\n<p>Said company then submits the application on your behalf.<\/p>\n<p>Submission then goes on to the <strong>Canadian Criminal Real Time Identification Services<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p>This service maintains a nationwide database of all criminal records throughout Canada.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-40609 size-large\" src=\"https:\/\/gogoespana.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/3-1024x570.jpg\" alt=\"bg check\" width=\"798\" height=\"444\" \/><\/p>\n<h3><strong>Criminal Record Check Canada<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>There are a few reasons a Canadian or foreign national might require evidence of a clear criminal record. E.g.:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Citizenship applications<\/li>\n<li>Travel<\/li>\n<li>Volunteer work<\/li>\n<li>Foreign visas<\/li>\n<li>Employment opportunities<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>As mentioned above, you can visit <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rcmp-grc.gc.ca\/en\/private-fingerprinting-companies-accredited-by-the-RCMP\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">any fingerprinting company<\/a><\/strong> accredited by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police to obtain your background check.<\/p>\n<p>Depending on where you live, these companies will take your fingerprints.<\/p>\n<p>They will subsequently submit them electronically to the <strong>Royal Canadian Mounted Police<\/strong> (RCMP) for verification.<\/p>\n<p>The RCMP will specifically check each submission against the <strong>National Repository of Criminal Records<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<h2><strong>Background Check Australia<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>Criminal background checks in Australia often receive the name of <strong>national police certificates<\/strong> or <strong>national police clearances<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p>Applying for a background check must happen through a registered entity like the <strong>Australian Federal Police<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p>The cost of each check is $42.00 per person, or $99.00 per person for a fingerprint and application combination.<\/p>\n<p>You can <a href=\"https:\/\/afpnationalpolicechecks.converga.com.au\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>submit your application<\/strong><\/a> for the National Police Check (<strong>NPC<\/strong>) online.<\/p>\n<p>Your application must include the following items:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Valid form of payment<\/li>\n<li>Preferred email address for communication<\/li>\n<li>Fingerprint check<\/li>\n<li>Identification documents per the 100 points checklist<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>The <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.afp.gov.au\/sites\/default\/files\/PDF\/NPC-100PointChecklist-18042019.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">100-point checklist<\/a><\/strong> is a checklist that gets used by anyone preparing specific identification documentation.<\/p>\n<p>Per the NPC application, you do not need to obtain fingerprints.<\/p>\n<p>Only under limited circumstances do these get requested.<\/p>\n<p>Be sure to confirm with your organization if you are required to obtain a fingerprint check.<\/p>\n<p>If so, you\u2019ll obtain a set from your local police station.<\/p>\n<h2><strong>Criminal Record Check NZ<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>In New Zealand, you can check for your <strong>criminal record history<\/strong> through <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.criminalrecords.govt.nz\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">New Zealand\u2019s online Criminal Record Check<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p>Here, you will need to provide the following:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Current ID<\/li>\n<li>Signed release form<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Your identification must be clear, as well as match the information provided on your form exactly.<\/p>\n<p>Forms of identification include drivers\u2019 licenses, passports, or firearms licenses.<\/p>\n<p>Your request should subsequently be fulfilled within three business days after submission of your documentation.<\/p>\n<p>After a completed submission, you should receive a copy of your requested record within 15 business days.<\/p>\n<p>Another key point to keep in mind that upon receipt of your record, you might need to have the document <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.govt.nz\/browse\/passports-citizenship-and-identity\/proving-and-protecting-your-identity\/use-your-nz-documents-overseas\/#before-you-apply)\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">authenticated or apostilled<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p>This authentication process will vary depending on a variety of factors. E.g. what the organization you might be working for requires specifically.<\/p>\n<h3><strong>New Zealand Clean Slate Scheme<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>New Zealand operates under the <strong>Clean Slate<\/strong> scheme.<\/p>\n<p>This scheme allows people to withhold certain information regarding prior criminal convictions.<\/p>\n<p>For those who meet the requirements of scheme eligibility, criminal convictions automatically get concealed.<\/p>\n<p>It\u2019s important to note that this scheme doesn\u2019t extend outside of New Zealand.<\/p>\n<p>To that end, certain countries might require your full record.<\/p>\n<p>The <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mfat.govt.nz\/en\/embassies\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">embassies or consulates<\/a><\/strong> for New Zealand will be able to confirm such information.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-40616 size-large\" src=\"https:\/\/gogoespana.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/4-1024x575.jpg\" alt=\"bg check\" width=\"798\" height=\"448\" \/><\/p>\n<h2><strong>Police Clearance Certificate India<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>In India, background checks are more commonly known as <strong>police clearance certificates<\/strong>, or PCCs.<\/p>\n<p>The certificate itself functions as a way to certify the applicant in question has no criminal activity on their record.<\/p>\n<p>PCC India applications can be completed via the <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/embassy.passportindia.gov.in\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Indian embassy website<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p>The steps to complete this include:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Registering for an account on the website<\/li>\n<li>Choose the option to apply for the Police Clearance Certificate<\/li>\n<li>Print the submitted form<\/li>\n<li>Visit your respective embassy or consulate for an in-person appointment<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Applicants hoping to <strong>obtain a PCC<\/strong> must apply at their relevant consulate based on their current residence.<\/p>\n<p>The list of documents necessary for the overall application process:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Online application form<\/li>\n<li>2 current photographs<\/li>\n<li>Notarized copy of proof of address<\/li>\n<li>Copy of Indian passport (if applicable)<\/li>\n<li>Payment of applicable fees<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Submission of documentation also includes an interview process.<\/p>\n<p>Given these points, applicants are recommended to complete and submit appropriate documentation at least one month in advance.<\/p>\n<h2><strong>Criminal Record Search \u2013 Items to Remember<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>As shown above, background checks have a variety of different names depending on the country you\u2019re hoping to visit.<\/p>\n<p>From the approval processes of residence visas to employment, background checks are a common occurrence worldwide.<\/p>\n<p>In some instances, a <strong>criminal background check<\/strong> is simply one step in the process.<\/p>\n<p>Some countries might also require you to obtain a criminal <em>record<\/em> check in addition to your background check once you arrive.<\/p>\n<p>Organizations utilize background checks and criminal record checks for a variety of different reasons.<\/p>\n<p>Some background checks are all encompassing, whereas criminal record checks focus specifically on criminal history.<\/p>\n<p>Many schools, employers, and government entities require a <strong>criminal records check<\/strong> in order for you to legally live or work in the country you\u2019re in.<\/p>\n<p>Keep in mind, you are able to apply for specific checks like a US police certificate or <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.service.nsw.gov.au\/transaction\/apply-national-police-check\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">NSW police check<\/a><\/strong> while abroad.<\/p>\n<p>However, completing these steps before arriving in your destination country can help.<\/p>\n<p>It\u2019s generally best to avoid any hangups or lingering documentation that might be more easily attainable in your home country.<\/p>\n<p>Lastly, some checks will need to have an <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/gogoespana.com\/en\/blog\/legalize-apostille-document-in-spain\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">accompanying apostille<\/a><\/strong> to authenticate the documentation internationally.<\/p>\n<h2><strong>All Clear on Background Checks<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>No matter where you are in the world, obtaining a background check is a common occurrence for many organizations.<\/p>\n<p>If you\u2019re preparing to <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/gogoespana.com\/en\/blog\/student-visa-in-spain\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">submit your visa<\/a><\/strong> application or have accepted a position at a company in a new country, you\u2019re likely required to obtain a background check.<\/p>\n<p>If the process feels daunting, <strong>Go! Go! Espa\u00f1a<\/strong> is here to help.<\/p>\n<p>No need to dig through vague online searches regarding background check information any longer.<\/p>\n<p>Whether you\u2019re a U.S. citizen or hailing from New Zealand, we can help get you where you need to go!<\/p>\n<p>Feel free to refer to this guide at any time for reference.<\/p>\n<p>You can also <strong><a href=\"#form\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">contact us<\/a><\/strong> at any time for help with<strong> background check processes<\/strong> and procedures from any country.<\/p>\n<p>Whenever you&#8217;re ready to begin, we&#8217;re here to help make the process as easy as possible for you.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Sometimes referred to as a certificate of criminal record (Certificado de Antecedentes Penales), a background check is required for numerous reasons for travelers abroad. Furthermore, some countries refer to background checks as a police clearance certificate or a national police check. In any case, these background checks are a necessary step to complete for those [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":127,"featured_media":52406,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2051],"tags":[1385,1500,1567,1568],"class_list":["post-52387","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-news","tag-background-check-information","tag-how-to-get-a-background-check","tag-police-certificate","tag-police-clearance-certificates"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/gogoespana.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/52387","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/gogoespana.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/gogoespana.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gogoespana.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/127"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gogoespana.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=52387"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/gogoespana.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/52387\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":62483,"href":"https:\/\/gogoespana.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/52387\/revisions\/62483"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gogoespana.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/52406"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/gogoespana.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=52387"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gogoespana.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=52387"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gogoespana.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=52387"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}