Getting a National Background Check
(By Country)

USA

  1. American citizens must obtain an FBI Background Check.
  2. To manually apply, please visit the following website for instructions: https://www.fbi.gov/services/cjis/identity-history-summary-checks.​
  3. Brief instructions: You will need to get your fingerprints done on a fingerprint card found on the website and then send your application form and fingerprint card to the mailing address on the webpage. (Time frame estimation : 6-13 weeks)
  4. A much faster option is to use a channeling agency. Below is the link to the list of the best channeling companies in America that are approved by the FBI and are highly efficient: https://www.fbi.gov/services/cjis/identity-history-summary-checks/list-of-fbi-approved-channelers-for-departmental-order-submissions​
  5. Some of the most preferred ones are as follows: www.nationalbackgroundcheck.com, www.accuratebiometrics.com, https://www.nbinformation.com/channeler.php.(Time frame estimation :  1-2 weeks)​
  6. PLEASE NOTE : YOU MUST OBTAIN AN ORIGINAL VERSION OF THE FBI CHECK, NOT A COPY OF IT.
  7. Current Turnaround Time for state apostille : Roughly 2-3 business days. (We highly recommend this route for both the FBI check and degree.)

CANADA

  1. All Canadians must obtain their Royal Canadian Mounted Police criminal record check (RCMP).
  2. Please visit the rcmp homepage to read details on how to apply : http://www.rcmp-grc.gc.ca/en/criminal-record-checks
    You can visit the following websites to get your RCMP:​ https://www.fingerscan.ca/rcmp-criminal-background-check/?gclid=CjwKCAiAyMHhBRBIEiwAkGN6fBrYumk0ih1JpLZEnaFqoeGP8dC5TQy8w1YzXgvLDq10-3exbRS_pRoCzYEQAvD_BwE​https://reliabilityscreening.ca/?gclid=CjwKCAiAyMHhBRBIEiwAkGN6fETCmZDTx-ByUFxDLgraM_5dWw0n9l48ZpFulz1b1Jxa15Nn4c6YQBoCN0sQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds​
  3. Brief Instructions: You must obtain your fingerprints done from an accredited fingerprinting center and send that, along with the application form to the mailing address provided in either websites.​ (Time frame estimation : 2-3 weeks)
  4. PLEASE NOTE : YOU MUST OBTAIN AN ORIGINAL VERSION OF THE RCMP, NOT A COPY OF IT for a "Disclosure and Barring Service". Proceed to the "APPLY ONLINE" page and complete your application.​

UNITED KINGDOM

  1. As a citizen of the UK, you must get a Disclosure Basic Scotland (DBS).
  2. In order to get this, you must go to the following government webpage : https://www.mygov.scot/basic-disclosure/apply-for-basic-disclosure/.​
  3. Please DO NOT apply for a "Disclosure and Barring Service". Proceed to the "APPLY ONLINE" page and complete your application.​
  4. You will get your original DBS mailed to you in roughly 2 weeks.

IRELAND

  1. Irish citizens must get their national police check from the national police force (An Garda Siochana).
  2. Please visit the two following website to learn how to apply: http://www.citizensinformation.ie/en/moving_country/moving_abroad/leaving_ireland/police_certificate.html​https://www.garda.ie/en/About-Us/Online-Services/Data-Protection-FOI-Police-Certificates/Police-Certificates.html​ (Timeline Estimation : 2~3 weeks)​‍
  3. Brief instructions : Mail your application and required documents to the Superintendent in your District.

AUSTRALIA

  1. Australian citizens must get their National Police Check (NPC) from the Australian Federal Police (AFP).
  2. Please visit the following website to apply : ​https://www.afp.gov.au/what-we-do/services/criminal-records/national-police-checks#processing​
  3. Brief instructions : You must send your application and required documents online on the webpage.​(Timeline estimation : roughly 15 days)

NEW ZEALAND

  1. To get a criminal record from the New Zealand Police (NZP), please visit the following webpage : https://www.justice.govt.nz/criminal-records/get-your-own/​
  2. Brief Instructions : You will fill out and send the form online along with other required documents to the mailing address provided.​(Timeline estimation : Within 20 days)

SOUTH AFRICA

  1. South Africans must get a Police Clearance from the South African Police (SAP).
  2. You must send your fingerprints along with the completed application form and other required documents to the SAPS Criminal Record Centre, located in Pretoria. This will take a considerable amount of time (up to 3 months) so it's highly recommended to use a channeling agency to expedite this process.​
  3. Recommended Agencies: https://apostil.co.za/police-clearance-saps/​http://www.docassist.co.za/​ (Agency Timeline : 1~2 weeks)​