In today’s global economy, many people live, work, or study across borders. Whether you’re hiring an international candidate, applying for a visa, or seeking dual citizenship, you may need an international background check to verify criminal, employment, or educational history outside the United States.
At National Background Check, Inc. (NBCI), we specialize in both domestic and international screening services. This post will help you understand when international background checks are required—and how they differ from standard U.S. checks.
What Is an International Background Check?
An international background check is a process that verifies someone’s records in a foreign country. It may include:
- Criminal history
- Employment verification
- Education credentials
- Identity confirmation
- Credit history (for financial roles)
- Global watchlist or sanction checks
These checks are often required for international employment, immigration, or legal documentation, and must comply with the laws of both the U.S. and the country in question.
When Are International Background Checks Required?
You may need an international background check if you are:
Applying for a Visa, Citizenship, or Immigration
Many foreign governments require a criminal background check from the U.S. and abroad for immigration, long-term residency, or dual citizenship.
Adopting a Child from Another Country
International adoptions typically require FBI background checks and clearances from all countries the parents have lived in.
Working or Teaching Abroad
Employers and educational institutions overseas often require a clean criminal record, verified credentials, and documentation such as an apostilled FBI report.
Hiring Candidates Who Lived Abroad
Global companies or government contractors may request international background checks on job applicants who have lived or worked overseas within the last 5–10 years.
Financial or Compliance-Heavy Roles
For jobs in banking, defense, or healthcare, international sanctions and global terrorism watchlist checks are often mandatory.
How Are International Checks Different from U.S. Background Checks?
| Feature | U.S. Background Check | International Background Check |
| Coverage | U.S.-based databases (FBI, BCI, county courts) | Records from foreign governments, police, or institutions |
| Turnaround Time | 1–10 business days (expedited) | 7–30+ business days depending on country |
| Language | English | May require translation |
| Verification | Real-time or electronic | Often manual and paper-based |
| Authentication | May include apostille | Apostille or embassy legalization often required |
What NBCI Offers
- FBI-approved channeling for fast federal background checks
- LiveScan and FD-258 fingerprint card options
- Support for apostille services
- Secure document handling and fast turnaround
- Trusted since 1999 for personal, employment, and immigration screening
Need an international background check or apostilled FBI report?
NBCI makes the process easy, secure, and fast—whether you’re applying for a visa, adopting, or working abroad.