How can American educators secure a criminal background check when venturing to teach English abroad?

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What constitutes an FBI criminal background check?

Can I obtain an FBI criminal background check while overseas?

What constitutes an FBI criminal background check?

Once situated in your desired country and having secured a teaching position, you may need a local background check, usually obtainable at a police station or government office. Your employer should guide you through the necessary steps in such cases. However, in many instances, particularly across Asia, a comprehensive FBI criminal background check is obligatory. This can be initiated through the official FBI website. Simply follow the online instructions, and your request should undergo processing within three to five days (allow additional time for result delivery via mail). Alternatively, you can apply via mail, though processing via this method may take up to two months. The fee for the check amounts to $18.

If urgency dictates or you prefer outsourcing the task, you can enlist a third-party company to conduct the background check for an extra fee. Refer to the list of FBI-approved background check services for further information.

Can I obtain an FBI criminal background check while overseas?

Yes, it's feasible to apply for an FBI criminal background check from overseas. All necessary instructions should be available on the FBI website, including guidelines for fingerprint registration. Your fingerprints must be imprinted on an official form, downloadable from the site or obtainable in person from a U.S. Embassy. Keep in mind that in many cases, your prospective employer will be familiar with the requirements and procedures, having likely recruited other foreign educators in the past.

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